MADISON — The following is a statement from Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler on U.S. District Court Judge William Conley’s ruling on DPW’s suit to lower barriers to the April 7 election:
“Today’s ruling is a victory for voters, for public health, and for democracy itself. Every voter must count, even during crises, and this ruling gives voters critical time to vote safely by mail. It remains appalling that Republican legislators refused to do their job and address this issue themselves, and other issues remain. But because of today’s decision, thousands of Wisconsin voters who feared they would be silenced will now have a voice.”
Judge Conley’s ruling makes the following changes:
- Extend the deadline to request an absentee ballot to tomorrow (4/3) at 5:00 PM
- Extend the deadline to return an absentee ballot to 4/13 at 4:00 PM, with no requirement that ballots be postmarked by election day
- Allow voters who are unable to safely obtain a witness certification to submit a written statement that they were unable to do so, despite reasonable efforts.
