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BREAKING: Wisconsin election: Judge extends absentee voting but keeps vote date https://bit.ly/3aGm0ZV
Judge William Conley writes that he can't delay the election -- that's up to @GovEvers and lawmakers.
His decision allowing the election to take place may "further the public health crisis in this State. Unfortunately, that is beyond the power of this court to control."
His decision allowing the election to take place may "further the public health crisis in this State. Unfortunately, that is beyond the power of this court to control."
His full decision is here: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6824298-Conley-Order.html
An important footnote: "The court will reserve on the question as to whether the actual voter turnout, ability to vote on election day or overall conduct of the election and counting votes timely has undermined citizens’ right to vote."
That is, the judge is saying he will allow further challenges to the election after the election is held.
Conley: "There is no doubt that the rapidly approaching election date in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic means that citizens will face serious, and arguably unprecedented, burdens in exercising their right to vote in person."
Judge Conley: "An alarming number of poll workers have, understandably, cancelled their shifts, which is almost certain to lead to some degree of dysfunction on election day."
The judge notes @GovEvers and other public officials have urged Wisconsinites to vote absentee, but this is "easier said than done," he says. Many face difficulties voting absentee because of COVID-19, he writes.
Conley writes that there would be downsides to delaying the election. Some people with disabilities can vote more easily in person than absentee, he notes.
While the judge has been ripping apart @GovEvers & lawmakers for not doing more, he has praise for @WI_Elections & clerks.
"If there is a hero to this story, it is the Administrator, her staff and municipal workers, all of whom continue to improvise election practices."
"If there is a hero to this story, it is the Administrator, her staff and municipal workers, all of whom continue to improvise election practices."
Judge Conley: "Without doubt, the April 7 election day will create unprecedented burdens not just for aspiring voters, but also for poll workers, clerks, and indeed the state."
Judge Conley:
"As much as the court would prefer that the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor consider the public health ahead of any political considerations, that does not appear in the cards."
"As much as the court would prefer that the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor consider the public health ahead of any political considerations, that does not appear in the cards."
. @WI_Elections is holding an emergency meeting at 8 p.m. tonight.
More breaking news on this front: RNC and @wisgop just filed an appeal.
