November 29, 2011
Rep. Hebl: Don’t Disenfranchise Wisconsin Technical College Students
MADISON - Last week, the Joint Committee on the Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) met to review the Government Accountability Board’s (GAB) interpretation of the Voter ID Bill. GAB, a nonpartisan body that administers Wisconsin’s elections, interpreted that technical college-issued IDs are acceptable forms of identification for voting. Unfortunately, Republicans on the committee refused to accept this decision by GAB. Instead, they have required GAB to promulgate their decision to allow technical college IDs into an administrative rule, which must first be approved by the governor. I oppose this unparalleled interference with GAB’s independence.
I am also concerned for the 400,000 technical college students across Wisconsin, especially those in my constituency. Sun Prairie, Stoughton, and Cottage Grove are all home to continuing education locations for Madison Area Technical College. Education at all levels is crucial, and technical colleges are no exception. All students of voting age deserve every right to take part in elections, and I will work to ensure this right is protected for all college students.
Legislative Republicans have been far too willing to create barriers to voting and interfere with the professional judgment of GAB. Their actions are setting a dangerous and regrettable precedent of interference with Wisconsin’s independent government watchdog.
The citizens of Wisconsin deserve better than a government that is constantly trying to create barriers to voting. Our nation is in the middle of a historic recession and we need to get our priorities in order. The Legislature needs to focus on creating jobs, not undermining our citizens’ most basic democratic right.
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