Lawmakers Proposing Host Of Election Reforms

MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - 3 Democratic state lawmakers will propose a host of election reforms Thursday. Milwaukee Senator Spencer Coggs, and Representatives Joe Parisi of Madison and Jeff Smith of Eau Claire, will outline their proposals at a news conference. They say they want to streamline the election process so it’s easier on local governments, while protecting voter rights.

Last year, the Joint Finance Committee endorsed a 5 year strategic plan to change the way elections are conducted in Wisconsin. It included a study of letting people vote by mail, phone, and the Internet. In December, the Government Accountability Board asked the Legislature to reduce the time period for absentee voting from 30 days before an election to 20 days. And in most cases, absentee ballots would have to be turned in by the Friday before an election instead of the Monday before. Local clerks asked for that change, after they were swamped with absentee ballot requests in the final days before the 2008 presidential election.