Any Wisconsin voter, for any reason or no reason at all, may use an absentee ballot to vote in the April 7th statewide general election.  It counts the same as a regular ballot cast at your usual polling place on Election Day.  The coronavirus health emergency is a very good reason to give it a try, and you might be wise to do so sooner rather than later.  MyVote.WI.gov is your one-stop shop for either (1) requesting that a paper ballot be mailed to you or (2) finding your local municipal clerk, who will provide one or more ways by which you may vote in person prior to Election Day.  Please don't let the health emergency prevent you from participating in the election!

Governor Tony Evers announced yesterday (Monday) that his administration would today (Tuesday) publish a new emergency order that further limits public movement.  This caused enormous confusion and, frankly, was a complete reversal from his repeated recent assurances.  Read the legislature's response here; we haven't had a seat at the table so far in determining what steps are appropriate or what the path is for returning to normal.  At a minimum, we'll be insisting on receiving better information from the administration after this surprise reversal.

That said: the new emergency order has been published.  It is accessible online here; everyone should give it a read.  Below, I'm also reprinting the exact guidance that the Governor's office issued along with the emergency order to legislative offices earlier today; if you are unclear, especially if you are a business, as to whether the order applies to you, instructions are provided in this guidance as to how you may have your questions answered.  I've highlighted a couple sentences that may help answer some of your most urgent questions.

Stay safe, everyone!  Keep the questions coming to my office; we'll keep assisting you as best we can.

Governor Evers' Guidance to Legislators: March 24

Good morning,

Attached is Emergency Order #12. This is the “Safer at Home” order the Governor announced yesterday. These are important steps to ensure we are working to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we all need to do our part and work together to protect each other. The Governor did not take this decision lightly, but it is a necessary step in our response to COVID-19.

Individuals do not need special permission to leave their homes, but they must comply with this Order as to when it is permissible to leave home. Similarly, if a business is an Essential Business or Operation as defined in this order, it does not need documentation or certification to continue its work that is done in compliance with this Order.

It is important for legislative offices and businesses to read the order before asking questions. The order contains detailed information regarding the exemptions that will be helpful for answering questions. After reviewing the order if a business still has a question or is not exempted but believes their business is doing essential work, WEDC will be reviewing those cases. Folks can visit https://wedc.org/essentialbusiness for more information.

As always, if you need additional information or have questions please feel free to call or email me.

Thanks, 

Zach Madden

Legislative Liaison

Office of Governor Tony Evers

Office of Representative Terry Katsma
State Capitol, Room 306 East
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-0656
Rep.Katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov|  |