MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WRN) — A bill that prevents cities and counties from closing too many polling places within a month of an election got its first hearing in a State Senate Committee on Wednesday.
Two Rivers Republican Shae Sortwell said the closure of many polling places in cities, like Green Bay and Milwaukee, during the spring 2020 elections was unacceptable.
“They should not have been closing that number of polling locations without some sort of way to make sure people knew it so that people were not disenfranchised so that people are able to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” said Sortwell.
Milwaukee Democrat Lena Taylor said the closure of all but five polling locations in Milwaukee suppressed the vote there by 10 percent.
“I remember the frustration of the angry residents,” said Taylor. “I’d love for you to hear some of the voicemails that I had.”
A companion Assembly bill passed on Thursday.
