Larson Bi-Weekly Report - December 13, 2012

Dear Friend,

As we approach the holidays, the next budget process is already underway, which is discussed in this week's report. Additionally, we examine proposed changes to Wisconsin's registration and voting laws. Continue reading for more information about these and other current state and community issues.

Sincerely,

Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7

Office Phone: (608) 266-7505
Toll-free Phone: (800) 361-5487

Email:Sen.Larson@legis.wi.gov

Mailing Address:

State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707

Web Site:

SenatorChrisLarson.com

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Preserving Same Day Registration is Common Sense
While Republicans have said little about jobs initiatives they may introduce to help Wisconsin catch up and experience the economic recovery other states have enjoyed, they have been vocal on plans to introduce legislation to eliminate same day registration. Such a proposal was even touted by Governor Walker while laying out his legislative agenda at a dinner for donors in California. 

Wisconsin has historically been one of the top states for voter participation. Much of this stems from our adoption of same day registration laws, which make it easier for eligible voters to participate in Wisconsin's elections by allowing them to register at the polls on Election Day prior to voting.

A study done by George Mason University examining voter turnout for the 2010 general elections ranked Wisconsin among the top five states with the highest voter turnout. This trend continued in the general election this year, as well. According to the nonpartisan Government Accountability Board, Wisconsin saw a turnout rate of 70.1% in the most recent elections. Additionally, 3,071,434 votes were cast for president in the November 2012 elections. This was the highest number of votes cast for a single office in a statewide election in Wisconsin history. These are numbers of which to be proud.

Same day registration has proven to be a popular option for voters, and is also widely supported by the nonpartisan officials that administer our elections. According to the Government Accountability Board, during major statewide elections, 10-15% of Wisconsin voters opt to register to vote or update their registration information on Election Day. This rate is even higher in our area. The Milwaukee Election Commissioner Neil Albrecht reported that in the most recent election 19% of those who voted in Milwaukee registered that day.

Eliminating this widely used registration option would be a tremendous inconvenience for many voters and create countless problems. If same day registration were to be eliminated, Wisconsin would immediately become subject to federal voter protection laws, including the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Wisconsin was previously exempt from these laws because it offered same day registration. These laws require that voter registration take place at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as well as at agencies that provide federal or state public assistance or administer programs that primarily assist neighbors with disabilities. Many DMV locations in Wisconsin, especially in rural areas, are open during limited hours. Additionally, some Wisconsinites have to drive nearly an hour to reach the nearest DMV center. These complications, among others, will make it increasingly difficult for the people with full-time jobs, the elderly, students, individuals with disabilities, and Wisconsinites in rural areas to register in a timely manner prior to elections. 

Furthermore, eliminating same day registration will also prove costly to taxpayers. The Government Accountability Board, which would be tasked with implementing any changes to our registration and voting laws, has estimated that implementing this change will initially cost approximately $5.2 million during the first two years of the switch. Continuing not to offer same day registration and having to instead comply with federal laws will then cost the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board at least $2 million every two years from here on out. No word yet on what the costs would be for other agencies, such as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. 

Fortunately, it appears that common sense may have prevailed in this battle over whether or not to continue with same day registration. This past Wednesday, Governor Walker flipped his position on this issue by stating that he would not sign legislation to eliminate same day registration, citing cost concerns that were brought to his attention by neighbors, advocacy groups, state agencies, and legislators. I hope that he is committed to upholding this promise to voters and taxpayers, which will preserve the ability of Wisconsinites to register to vote on Election Day.