GOP Legislators Continue to Undermine Democracy with Anti-Voting Bills

MADISON – The Senate Committee on Elections, Election Process Reform and Ethics held a public hearing today on Republican-backed legislation to interfere in Wisconsin’s election process and sow further doubt about the integrity of our election processes.

Senate Bills 207, 210 and 213 will interfere in Wisconsin’s election process in consequential ways. If enacted, these bills would make it more difficult for clerks to find poll workers to serve on Election Day, create additional administrative burdens on the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission, and create an environment more intimidating and unsafe to voters while at the polls.

Senator Jeff Smith (D – Brunswick), the Ranking member of the Senate Committee on Elections, Election Process Reform and Ethics released the following statement on today’s public hearing:

“Republicans are, once again, using these bills to fuel dangerous conspiracy theories about last year’s election results and distrust in our election process. This is entirely un-American.

“The 2020 election was conducted safely and fairly, thanks to the hard work of our clerks and poll workers. Republicans know this, but they’re pulling this political stunt as part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to spread misinformation and incite more anger among their base. Our democratic process worked as it was meant to, no matter the absurd tantrums Republicans throw. 

“Wisconsinites are not asking for these bills. They have made their voice heard at the polls last fall and again this week. It’s time Republicans listen to the people and work with Democrats to pass meaningful COVID-19 relief and realistic bills that will move Wisconsin forward.”

Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison) added the following statement: 

“These bills are part of a concerted effort by Republican elected officials to foment distrust in our election process. Wisconsin doesn’t need these changes. Wisconsin needs laws that protect our freedom to vote. These proposals, which are sure to be vetoed, are just a cynical attempt to re-litigate the 2020 election, which Republicans lost fair and square, and to perpetuate their Big Lie.”

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