Today’s Links
Articles:
PA Capitol Star — Pa. Senate Republicans advance late-night constitutional amendment package on abortion, voter ID
Arizona Legislature — Text of AZ HB 1411
Wisconsin Public Radio — Wisconsin Supreme Court rules absentee ballot drop boxes are illegal in Wisconsin
Groups Taking Action:
Disability Rights Wisconsin, Election Protection Arizona, Keystone Votes
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
We have state updates for you on voter ID restrictions in Pennsylvania, ballot tracking in Arizona, and the banning of dropboxes in Wisconsin.
First to Pennsylvania, where a statewide ballot initiative just got its initial approval from the General Assembly which would ask voters to show government-issued ID when voting, either in person or by mail. Government-issued IDs sounds good, except for those who may not have one or have the money to get one: Poor, elderly, or young voters. And the “by mail” option would require that you make a copy of your ID and send it through the U.S. Postal Service. Copies are a barrier for the elderly and disabled. The bill must be passed again in the 2023-24 session to be on the ballot in the 2024 election.
In Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey signed SB 1411, setting up an infrastructure for voters to track the status of their early mail ballots by the end of 2023, enhancing its current system. At least 45 states now allow online tracking of mail or absentee ballots.
In Wisconsin, however, mail is your only option for returning mail-in ballots. The right-leaning Wisconsin Supreme Court has found that drop boxes are not permissible under state law, despite the fact that some municipalities have used them for years without incident under the guidance of the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The ruling also prohibits the delivery of ballots to the clerk’s office by anyone other than the voter. The likes of Senator Ron Johnson, the National Republican Party and several “liberty” groups signed on to the suit.
Sorry, Grandma, I guess your vote just doesn’t matter.
We have links to articles and groups taking action at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. Granny D said “Democracy is not something we have, it’s something we DO.”
For the American Democracy Minute, I’m Brian Beihl.