MADISON, Wis. — In Wisconsin, we believe that all should have an equal say in our democracy. But the freedom to vote we hold so dear is facing critical tests today as Republican state legislators try to curtail the freedom to vote and courageous U.S. Senators fight for the For the People Act to set baseline standards for free and fair elections across the nation.
When all Americans can participate freely in our elections, no matter where we live or what we look like, we can create a society where everyone has a roof over their head, food on their table, and a well-paying job that supports a family. Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled state legislature threatens that vision today by approving bills that would make it more difficult to vote, with disparate impacts on communities of color, Wisconsinites with disabilities, and the elderly members of our communities.
Meanwhile, Republicans in Washington D.C, including Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, are using a loophole that allows a minority of Senators to block the will of the majority to halt the For the People Act. This bill would ensure that every American election meets baseline standards, so that our democracy can truly be for all and makes other important reforms for fair elections, like cracking down on partisan gerrymandering.
A Better Wisconsin Together Deputy Director Mike Browne said, “Republicans know their ideas aren’t popular, so they want to rig the rules to make it more difficult for Wisconsinites to have a say, all the while handing tax breaks to their wealthy friends and corporations. The good news is that we have leaders like Governor Evers and Democrats in the state legislature alongside Senator Baldwin and Representatives Moore, Kind and Pocan to stand up for our freedom to vote and fight for a future where we all get what we need.”
