In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the political participation of people with autism and other disabilities.
Voters with disabilities will no longer be required to state their name and address — a requirement advocates for people with disabilities said was humiliating and even preventing some from casting ballots.
Gov. Tony Evers signed into law a bill Friday that removes the requirement for people who are unable to say their name and address because of a disability. Instead, poll workers will rely on the voter's identification card and allow another person accompanying the voter to say the voter's name and address.
“We have to make sure voting is fair and accessible, and that everyone has the opportunity to cast their vote at the ballot box,” Evers said in a statement.
During the 2018 general election, more than six people contacted Disability Rights Wisconsin — an advocacy group for people with disabilities — about incidents during which voters who were deaf or had a developmental disability could not vote or were shamed by poll workers.
We have to make sure voting is fair and accessible, and that everyone has the opportunity to cast their vote at the ballot box. Proud to sign AB 168 today to remove barriers at the ballot box for folks with disabilities. pic.twitter.com/V1Ea3jEwKp— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) November 22, 2019
