Number
180827
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. RAINEY, STAMPER, COGGS, HAMILTON, LEWIS, PEREZ
Title
Resolution directing the Election Commission to implement a program to train and certify all City employees, including Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee employees, who interact with the public to register residents of the City of Milwaukee to vote.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Election Commission to implement a program to train and certify all City employees, including Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee employees, who interact with the public to register residents of the City of Milwaukee to vote.
Body
Whereas, The greatest barrier to free, fair, accessible, and open elections is the nation’s patchwork voter registration system; and
Whereas, Voter registration laws in the United States are historically rooted in efforts to obstruct voter participation by minorities, women, poor people, and foreign-born citizens; and
Whereas, Some states have adopted voter modernization laws to simplify access and increase voter participation in an effort to overcome that history and eliminate obstacles to accessing this fundamental right; and
Whereas, Wisconsin’s current legislators and the Governor enacted a law prohibiting the successful practice of manual voter registration drives within the community by Special Registration Deputies; and
Whereas, Manual voter registration is a crucial part of the electoral process in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Proof of residence is required when registering to vote in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Only documents specifically allowed by State Statute may be used as proof of residence; and
Whereas, Government documents are accepted forms of proof of residence; and
Whereas, Wisconsin’s voter registration laws demonstrate movement backward to reflect historical voter registration suppression, which is not reflective of Wisconsin’s civic values; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council ...
Click here for full text