(MADISON)—Today, Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) issued the following statement following the ruling of Judge James Peterson in the case regarding voters with disabilities’ right to utilize assistance while voting:
“Thank you, Judge Peterson, for clearing up this issue that never should have been brought before you.
“Anyone with a conscience knew the right and the wrong of this, and the law is clear that voters with disabilities are guaranteed the right to request assistance to cast their ballots.
“Thank you also to Disability Rights Wisconsin and all the plaintiffs in this case for their tireless efforts to have these rights recognized in our state. It is disappointing that when DRW brought this issue to the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s attention during the case regarding drop boxes that set off this whole situation, the Conservative majority on the court told them that they would not consider this issue. If they had taken this seriously when it was brought to them, Wisconsinites with disabilities would never have had to fight just to protect their fundamental right to vote.
“Now we need to codify these federal protections into Wisconsin law to make sure that our neighbors never have to worry about this again!
“Republicans have gone too far in their efforts to try and make voting more difficult for Wisconsinites. This question never would have been brought before our courts if they took a minute to judge this issue through the lens of morality rather than victory at all costs. If Republicans appeal this ruling, there will be Hell to pay!”
