NEWS
Republicans criticize election reform
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Also by Ann Babe:
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- Parisi seeks prison releases (October 21, 2005)
- State Street getting 'freaky' (September 14, 2006)
- Concealed-carry veto override attempt fails in Capitol (February 1, 2006)
- Doyle signs bill redefining abuse law (February 17, 2006)
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by Ann Babe
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
As Democrats praise Gov. Jim Doyle for his recent proposal for election reform as a significant step towards the restoration of election integrity, Republicans are criticizing the initiative as a disappointment.
State Sen. Joe Leibham, R-Sheboygan, though appreciative of the governor’s recognition that election laws are in need of alteration, points that the initiative is inadequate on many levels.
According to Leibham, the Special Committee on Election Law has already discussed a number of the reform package initiatives. The committee, of which he is chair, has undertaken formulating a different plan, with plans to introduce it soon.
“The package that our committee plans to introduce will be far more comprehensive, complete and aggressive in bringing about true election reform,” Leibham said.
Meanwhile, the governor’s package involves implementing a number of specific measures intended to improve management and efficiency, enhance the competitive nature of elections and increase voter participation.
According to Doyle’s spokesperson Melanie Fonder, the governor’s proposal calls for the recruitment of more poll workers, mandatory worker training and shorter lines at the polls, guaranteeing voters are required to wait no longer than 30 minutes.
Furthermore, the reform package, in an attempt to create more independent districts and promote competition, proposes to redraw state legislative districts by the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau.
Doyle’s proposal also aims to promote voter participation by making it easier for the public to vote. The reform package includes giving those eligible the option to vote early, allowing people to register to vote while applying for or renewing their driver’s licenses at the Department of Motor Vehicles and creating uniform polling hours lasting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While support from Democrats is not in short supply, it becomes more difficult to find Republican advocates, who see Doyle’s plan as a start but not nearly comprehensive enough.
“There are parts of [the governor’s] plan that are very good … parts that have already been passed by the State Assembly,” Committee on Campaigns and Elections Chair Rep. Stephen Freese, R-Dodgeville, said.
For example, a law authored by Freese mandating uniform polling hours is now awaiting the review of the State Senate.
However, Freese continued, the package’s proposal for early voting and its failure to include a photo identification requirement will both only serve to increase fraudulent behavior — an argument shared by a majority of Republicans.
Leibham Chief of Staff Eric Schutt maintained, “I think [a photo ID] is a common sense measure we can take to help eliminate voter fraud … one sure-fire way we can add integrity back into the election system.”
Conversely, Democrats see photo IDs as the wrong answer, a measure discouraging voter participation.
“It is our responsibility [to create real reforms], unlike the Republicans who propose a voter ID,” countered State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, a supporter of Doyle’s plan. “The governor’s proposal [restores integrity] without compromising people’s constitutional right to vote.”
Meanwhile, the Republican-dominated Legislature has created two bills that would call for the requirement of a photo ID. They are expected to pass the Senate later this month before being sent to the governor for review.
