Ahead of Primary Election, Wisconsin Court Rejects State Legislature's Effort to Block Absentee Voter Protections

This press release was originally published by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin

MADISON, Wisc. — Today, The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Law Forward, Fair Elections Center and Stafford Rosenbaum LLP issued the following statement after the Wisconsin Court of Appeals rejected the Wisconsin state legislature’s motion to block legal protections for absentee voters secured in the ongoing lawsuit League of Women Voters of Wisconsin vs. Wisconsin Elections Commission:

“For the second time in a week, Wisconsin courts have rejected the Wisconsin State legislature's bid to block relief for absentee voters won by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin's lawsuit. On January 30, the League, represented by Law Forward, Fair Elections Center, and Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, secured an order from the Dane County Circuit Court that protects four categories of absentee ballots with purported defects in the address recorded by the voter's witness. That ruling relied on the 1964 Civil Rights Act which prohibits denying the right to vote for technical errors or omissions that are not material to determining a voter's eligibility.

“Today's ruling from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals protects absentee voters in time for the spring primary election on February 20. It is high time for the legislature to change course and work to protect Wisconsin's voters' rights.”

# # #

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 20 local Leagues throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org.

Law Forward is a pro-democracy, nonpartisan nonprofit organization using impact litigation, the administrative process, and public education to protect and advance Wisconsin’s fundamental democratic principles and commitment to clean and open government. For more information, visit www.LawForward.org.

Fair Elections Center is a national, nonpartisan voting rights and election reform organization based in Washington, D.C. using litigation, public education and advocacy to remove barriers to registration and voting, particularly those disenfranchising underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Stafford Rosenbaum LLP is a full-service law firm with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Among other practices, Stafford has a renowned team of attorneys practicing in the area of election and political law. More information is available at www.staffordlaw.com.