I am writing regarding the column by Emily Osborne (“GAB actions threaten to disenfranchise many voters,” March 6) concerning the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board and its statutory responsibility to complete the four-year voter record maintenance.
As background, ?6.50 of Wisconsin Statutes requires voter records be reviewed after every general election (November of even-numbered years), and the names of people who have not voted in four years (including the November election) be removed from the poll lists, but retained in an inactive status in the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS).
In complying with state law, more than 313,000 postcards were mailed to voters who had not voted in the past four years. If a voter wishes to remain active we ask them to respond by returning an attached postcard to confirm their status. If not, their voter record will be inactivated — but not deleted — in the SVRS. Note however, that voters who received a postcard but participated in Wisconsin’s Feb. 17 Spring Primary, or who will vote in the April 7 Spring Election, are automatically retained in the SVRS and on active poll lists. A few facts:
The text on the postcard comes directly from state statute (?6.50). We do not concur with the characterization that the postcard is misleading or intimidating. Such an approach would contradict the mission and goals of our agency which are designed to empower citizens.
This requirement has been in state law since 1971.
Contrary to what the column asserts, the largest age group to receive postcards was actually voters between 25 and 34, at 35 percent. Voters 65 and older were only 12 percent of postcard recipients.
We do not consider deceased voters as “potential voters.” For voters who relocate out-of-state and have not voted in the past four years, when they return to Wisconsin and wish to resume voting, all that is needed is a new registration form.
Why is it important to maintain clear and current voter records? Accurate voter record facilitates 1) easy voting on Election Day; 2) convenient absentee voting when voters cannot go to the polling place; and, 3) timely updates to the voter history. On the other hand, duplicate records, inaccurate or outdated voter records can confuse local election officials, their staff and poll workers, or — plain and simple — make it more difficult for you to vote.
Voter registration is easy in Wisconsin. Wisconsinites can register to vote 365 days a year, and even on Election Day. But voters, particularly University of Wisconsin students who tend to change residence more frequently, have the responsibility to keep their personal information up-to-date so that the system works properly.
The Elections Division staff and I invite and welcome Ms. Osborne to visit our office. It would be our pleasure to meet with her and discuss our statutory mission and functions. We are always delighted to dialogue and exchange information and ideas about advancing Wisconsin’s excellent record and national reputation of administering and conducting fair, open and transparent elections with the highest possible integrity.
“””””??Nathan Robinson
Wisconsin Elections Division Administrator
