States Postpone Primaries
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Voting in a Time of Coronavirus – States Postpone Primaries

16 States and Puerto Rico Have Rescheduled Presidential Primary Contests*

* Note that this does not include other primaries such as congressional runoffs.

ema updated 06/06/20 - Although the first coronavirus case in the United States was reported in January, life (and the presidential campaign) proceeded much as per normal until the second week in March when the seriousness of the outbreak became fully apparent.  The March 17 presidential primaries were the first to occur in the full shadow of the pandemic.  Three of the states—Arizona, Florida and Illinois—went ahead with their primaries, while Ohio postponed on the eve of the primary.  Counting Ohio, sixteen states and Puerto Rico rescheduled presidential contests, and several have rescheduled several times. 

Secretaries of State in states holding primaries in the coronavirus era have coordinated with health officials and county election officials to ensure that voters are able to vote safely without danger to themselves or election workers. 
Officials expressed particular concern about the high proportion of poll workers who are over 65 years old, a group that is at greater risk of infection by COVID-19.  Following recommendations of the CDC, election officials, as a first step, encouraged voting by mail or early voting.  They emphasized the need to keep voting machines clean and exercise good hand hygiene.  Other measures were less obvious, such as encouraging voters to show up at non-peak times, and relocating polling places situated in senior centers to protect those populations.  On the day before the March 17 primary, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, citing CDC recommendations, made a late effort to postpone the state's primary.  A court rejected the move, but that evening Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, ordered all polling places closed on March 17. 

Four party-run contests have changed to all-mail voting.  In contests originally set for April 4, Alaska and Hawaii Democrats
canceled in-person voting in their party-run primaries in favor of vote by mail, and the Wyoming Democratic caucuses likewise will be conducted entirely by mail.  Kansas Democrats kept the May 2 date of their party-run primary, but it too will be completely by mail.

Wisconsin, alone, stuck with its primary.  An immense battle unfolded between the Republican controlled legislature and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in the week leading up to the primary, one point of which went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Republicans held firm to keeping in-person voting on April 7 and thousands of Wisconsinites, many who had not received the absentee ballots they requested, took the risk and turned out at the polls.

Most states that rescheduled presidential primaries moved them to June—a big day ono the calendar is June 2; several states will be holding presidential primaries in July and Connecticut even moved theirs to August 11.  [the Democratic calendar].

 
CHRONOLOGY

  • LOUSIANA - On March 13, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards acting at the request of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, issued a proclamation postponing his state's presidential preference primary from April 4 to June 20.*
  • GEORGIA - On March 14, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger announced postponement of the presidential primary from March 24 to May 19, coinciding with the already scheduled general primary.
  • KENTUCKY - On March 16, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order postponing the primary from May 19 to June 23
  • OHIO - On March 16,, after a judge blocked Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's effort to postpone the March 17 primary, Director of Public Health Amy Acton issued an order that all polling places be closed on March 17.  Secretary of State Frank LaRose sought to suspend the primary to June 2 but legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. DeWine sets the date for April 28.
  • MARYLAND - On March 17, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation postponing the primary from April 26 to June 2.
  • CONNECTICUT - On March 19, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order postponing the primary from April 26 to June 2.
  • INDIANA - On March 20, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed an executive order postponing the primary from May 5 to June 2.
  • PUERTO RICO - On March 22, Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez signed Resolución Conjunta del Senado 488 into law, postponing the territory's Democratic presidential primary from March 29 to April 26.  Puerto Rico Democratic Party Chair Charles A. Rodriguez started the process on March 14.  Subsequently postponed indefinitely.
  • RHODE ISLAND - On March 23, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order postponing the primary from April 26 to June 2.
  • DELAWARE - On March 24, Delaware Governor John Carney signed an order postponing the presidential primary from April 26 to June 2.
  • PENNSYLVANIA - On March 27, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill postponing the primary from April 26 to June 2.
  • NEW YORK - On March 28, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an order postponing the presidential primary from April 26 to June 23, coinciding with the already scheduled legislative and congressional primary elections.*
  • WEST VIRGINIA - On April 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed an executive order postponing the primary from May 17 to June 9.
  • NEW JERSEY - On April 8, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order postponing the primary elections from June 2 to July 7.
  • **GEORGIA - On April 9, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger announced a second postponement of the primary from May 19 to June 9.
  • ALASKA, HAWAII AND WYOMING - April 4 party run contests changed to vote-by-mail-only with later deadlines.
  • **LOUISIANA - On April 14, Lousiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a proclamation further pushing back the presidential primary from June 20 to July 11.
  • **CONNECTICUT - On April 17, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order further postponing the presidential primary from June 2 to August 11, coinciding with the state primary.
  • **NEW YORK - On April 27, the State Board of Elections voted to cancel the presidential primary.  Andrew Yang and some of his delegate candidates filed a lawsuit, and on May 5 U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres ordered that the primary should proceed.  The Board of Elections appealed but the ruling was upheld.
  • **DELAWARE - On May 7, Delaware Governor John Carney signed an order moving the presidential primary from June 2 to July 7.


Presidential Primaries Rescheduled
Connecticut  |  Delaware  |  Georgia  |  Indiana  |  Kentucky  |  Louisiana  | Maryland  |  New Jersey New York  |  Ohio  |  Pennsylvania  |  Puerto Rico  |  Rhode Island  |  West Virginia

April 4 Changed to Vote by Mail Only
:
Alaska  ...ballots must be received no later than April 10
Hawaii ...ballots must be returned by mail; the deadline is May 22
Wyoming  ...ballots must be received by mail by April 17

No Change
:
Wisconsin

See also:
Wendy Weiser and Max Feldman.  "How to Protect the 2020 Vote from the Corona Virus."  Brennan Center for Justice, March 16, 2020.

Also note:
The CARES Act, signed into law by President Trump on Mar. 27, 2020, included $400 million in HAVA emergency funds to be "made available to states to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus for the 2020 federal election cycle."  The funds are being distributed as grants to the states by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (+).


CONTEXT: PREVENTING THE SPREAD
Centers for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/election-polling-locations.html

Recommendations for Election Polling Locations

Interim guidance to prevent spread of coronavirus disease 2019

Guidance updated March 9, 2020 to include the following information:

  • Social distancing measures
  • Handling mail in ballots
  • Updated guidance on disinfecting voting machines

Background

There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on what is currently known about this virus and similar coronaviruses, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. Transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Transmission of coronavirus in general occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through contact with contaminated surfaces. Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in election polling locations.

Purpose

This guidance provides recommendations on the routine cleaning and disinfection of polling location areas and associated voting equipment (e.g., pens, voting machines, computers). It suggests actions that polling station workers can take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by limiting the survival of the virus in the environment. This guidance will be updated if additional information becomes available.

Definitions:

  • Community settings (e.g. polling locations, households, schools, daycares, businesses) encompass most non-healthcare settings and are visited by the general public.
  • Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities including germs from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing them, it decreases the number of germs and therefore any risk of spreading infection.
  • Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduce any risk of spreading infection.

Actions for elections officials in advance of election day

  • Encourage voters to use voting methods that minimize direct contact with other people and reduce crowd size at polling stations.
    • Encourage mail-in methods of voting if allowed in the jurisdiction.
    • Encourage early voting, where voter crowds may be smaller throughout the day. This minimizes the number of individuals a voter may come in contact with.
    • Encourage drive-up voting for eligible voters if allowed in the jurisdiction.
    • Encourage voters planning to vote in-person on election day to arrive at off-peak times. For example, if voter crowds are lighter mid-morning, advertise that in advance to the community.

Preventive actions polling workers can take

  • Stay at home if you have fever, respiratory symptoms, or believe you are sick.
  • Practice hand hygiene frequently: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with household cleaning spray or wipe: including tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
  • Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs after cleaning: A list of products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims is available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdfpdf iconexternal ico. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, use of personal protective equipment).
  • Clean and disinfect voting-associated equipment (e.g., voting machines, laptops, tablets, keyboards) routinely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
    • Consult with the voting machine manufacturer for guidance on appropriate disinfection products for voting machines and associated electronics.
    • Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.
    • If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol to clean voting machine buttons and touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.

Preventive action polling stations workers can take for themselves and the general public

Based on available data, the most important measures to prevent transmission of viruses in crowded public areas include careful and consistent cleaning of one’s hands. Therefore:

  • Ensure bathrooms at the polling station are supplied adequately with soap, water, and drying materials so visitors and staff can wash their hands.
  • Provide an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for use before and after using the voting machine or the final step in the voting process. Consider placing the alcohol-based hand sanitizer in visible, frequently used locations such as registration desks and exits.
  • Incorporate social distancing strategies, as feasible. Social distancing strategies increase the space between individuals and decrease the frequency of contact among individuals to reduce the risk of spreading a disease. Keeping individuals at least 6 feet apart is ideal based on what is known about COVID-19. If this is not feasible, efforts should be made to keep individuals as far apart as is practical. Feasibility of strategies will depend on the space available in the polling station and the number of voters who arrive at one time. Polling station workers can:
    • Increase distance between voting booths.
    • Limit nonessential visitors. For example, poll workers should be encouraged not to bring children, grandchildren, etc. with them as they work the polls.
    • Remind voters upon arrival to try to leave space between themselves and others. Encourage voters to stay 6 feet apart if feasible. Polling places may provide signs to help voters and workers remember this.
    • Discourage voters and workers from greeting others with physical contact (e.g., handshakes). Include this reminder on signs about social distancing.

Recommendations for processing mail-in ballots

  • Workers handling mail in ballots should practice hand hygiene frequently
  • No additional precautions are recommended for storage of ballots

References



CONTEXT: PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES ARE JUST PART OF THE PROCESS OF SELECTING DELEGATES

 [This discussion focuses on the Democrats' presidential nominating process.]

Primaries (and caucuses) are the first determining step in selection of delegates to the national conventions.  Thus changes to primary dates affect the timelines that are set out in state parties' delegate selection plans and the DNC Delegate Selection Rules and Call for the Democratic National Convention.3  In addition, the exigencies of social distancing have forced many state parties to adjust their delegate selection processes, for example by holding virtual events.  The DNC vowed flexibility working with state parties.  In addition, on April 2 the DNCC announced it was moving the convention date from July 13-16 to the week of Aug. 17, allowing state parties more time to work out changes. 

DNC Delegate Selection Rule 12 (A) [PDF] states, "No meetings, caucuses, conventions or primaries which constitute the first determining stage in the presidential nomination process (the date of the primary in primary states, and the date of the first tier caucus in caucus states) may be held prior to the first Tuesday in March or after the second Tuesday in June in the calendar year of the national convention."
  [i.e. June 9, 2020]  Also note, the 2020 Call for the Democratic National Convention [PDF] states, "All state parties are required to take all steps necessary and appropriate to complete the process of selecting delegates to the 2020 Democratic National Convention no later than June 20, 2020."

Some states have moved to primaries as late as July, requiring action by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee.  On May 12 the RBC held a telephonic meeting on where members unanimously approved waiver requests from five state parties with primaries after June 9 (KY, NY, DE, NJ and LA).  Still to be considered are PR and CT.

[In a parenthetical note, the DNC awards bonus delegates to states going later in the calendar or holding contests on the same date as two continguous states.  The RBC said changes in date due to the pandemic will not affect the allocation of delegates; any bonus delegates awarded were based on the state parties' original plans]. 


The RBC has also handled a steady stream of technical amendments to state delegate selection plans that have not needed to be approved by the full committee.  Lorraine Miller, co-chair of the RBC identified several categories of these changes
:

  • changing and postponing dates of a meeting where delegates are elected;
  • cancelling or combining scheduled meetings;
  • modifying the rules that govern these meetings such as proxy voting or quorum requirements; or
  • exploring vote by mail or other methods in the attempt to elect national committee delegates while implementing social distance in their states.

Democratic National Committee
March 17, 2020

DNC Statement on the Remaining Democratic Primary Contests

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement urging the remaining primary states to protect the health of voters, while protecting the right to vote by implementing a variety of other mechanisms like vote by mail:
 
“As our country deals with the uncertainty of COVID-19, it is critical that states provide clarity and not confusion, which could lead to disenfranchising voters. States can provide easy access to voting while still taking necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of the American people. In order to ensure the voices of voters are heard, the DNC is urging the remaining primary states to use a variety of other critical mechanisms that will make voting easier and safer for voters and election officials alike. The simplest tool is vote by mail, which is already in use in a number of states and should be made available to all registered voters. States using vote by mail should proactively mail ballots to registered voters, where feasible, and should count all ballots as long as they are postmarked by the date of the primary. Additional tools include no-excuse absentee voting, whereby a voter can either drop a ballot off at convenient locations or drop it in the mail. And, where in-person voting can still take place under public health guidelines, states should expand days and hours of early voting to reduce lines.
 
“What happened in Ohio last night has only bred more chaos and confusion, and the Democratic Party leadership in Ohio is working tirelessly to protect the right to vote. Eligible voters deserve certainty, safety, and accessibility. That's why states that have not yet held primary elections should focus on implementing the aforementioned measures to make it easier and safer for voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote, instead of moving primaries to later in the cycle when timing around the virus remains unpredictable.”
 
“The DNC will continue to monitor the situation and work with state parties around their delegate selection plans, specifically allowing flexibility around how states elect their delegates to the national convention once those delegates are allocated based on their primary or caucus results. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect and expand that right instead of bringing our democratic process to a halt.”



MARCH 17 STATES (AZ, FL, IL, OH)


AZ, FL IL and OH via Florida Secretary of State
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 13, 2020

Statement From Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio Chief Elections Officials

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – The following statement is attributable to Secretary of State Katie Hobbs (AZ), Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee (FL), Elections Board Chairman Charles Scholz (IL) and Secretary of State Frank LaRose (OH): As each of our four states prepare for voters to head to the polls on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we are working closely with our state health officials to ensure that our poll workers and voters can be confident that voting is safe.

Unlike concerts, sporting events or other mass gatherings where large groups of people travel long distances to congregate in a confined space for an extended period of time, polling locations see people from a nearby community coming into and out of the building for a short duration.
Further, guidance from voting machine manufacturers on how best to sanitize machines, guidance from CDC on best practices for hand washing, and guidance from our respective state health officials is being provided to every polling location.

Americans have participated in elections during challenging times in the past, and based on the best information we have from public health officials, we are confident that voters in our states can safely and securely cast their ballots in this election, and that otherwise healthy poll workers can and should carry out their patriotic duties on Tuesday.

 # # #

ARIZONA
Arizona Secretary of State

Friday, March 6, 2020

SOS recommends requesting an early ballot by today’s deadline

PHOENIX – Officials from the Governor’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the Department of Health Services are working together to ensure COVID-19 does not interrupt the ongoing Presidential Preference Election.

“My goal is to make sure voters are able to cast their ballots in a manner that is safe and meaningful to them,” Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said. “Arizona has a number of ways people can make their voices heard. I am recommending that voters call their county recorder or visit my.arizona.vote to request a ballot-by-mail by today’s 5 p.m. deadline. This will ensure voters have an option to vote by mail and avoid Election Day crowds.”

Earlier this week, the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office and county election officials reviewed recommendations for preparing for and reducing exposure to COVID-19 during the remainder of early voting and on Election Day for the Presidential Preference Election.

“Many counties are already implementing the practices recommended by experts in early voting locations and making preparations for Election Day voting sites,” Hobbs said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and planning for contingencies, while counties are responding to the unique needs of their communities.”

Hobbs noted officials are prepared to assist counties in identifying back-up polling place volunteers, if needed, through the Arizona Department of Health Services’ volunteer system. This is a network that can provide broad recruitment of personnel statewide that county election officials can use to identify poll workers in the event of a shortage.

The precautions for voting locations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(link is external) and Arizona’s Department of Health Services include common sense steps like frequent hand washing, ensuring restrooms have enough soap, regularly disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces, and encouraging those with a fever to stay home. These steps will help provide a safe experience for voters on Election Day.

Hobbs added there are ongoing conversations with the governor, officials from ADHS, and county election officials.

“We have an open line of communication with election officials. Our priority is to ensure we keep Arizonans up-to-date on information and can respond immediately to any new developments,” Governor Doug Ducey said.

The deadline to request a ballot-by-mail is 5 p.m. today, and officials encourage eligible voters who want to avoid Election Day crowds to submit a request to their county recorder immediately. In-person early voting is also available through March 13, 2020, and voters can contact their county election officials to learn about options for emergency voting and special election boards.
Voters should direct questions to election officials, the trusted sources for election information. Contact information for local election officials can be found here: http://go.azsos.gov/lndl.

-30-

FLORIDA
Florida Secretary of State

March 9, 2020

Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee Issues Election Readiness Update for Upcoming Presidential Preference Primary on March 17

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – Today, Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee issued the following statement prior to the Presidential Preference Primary on March 17, 2020:

“In the days ahead, millions of Floridians will early vote, vote-by-mail, or cast a ballot for Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary on Tuesday, March 17,” said Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee. “We are working with county Supervisors of Elections around the clock to guarantee that those votes count and that we ensure fair and accurate elections. Visit the Division of Elections website to find dates, hours and locations for early voting. Voters can also find their polling location using the Division of Elections’ Voter Information Lookup.”

COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019) GUIDANCE – In light of the evolving situation with COVID-19, the Florida Department of State has provided guidance and information to all Supervisors of Elections about preparing for and mitigating exposure to COVID-19 at polling locations. The Department is working with Supervisors of Elections to ensure hand sanitizer stations are available at polling locations. The Department continues to monitor the situation with our federal, state, and local partners. Florida voters concerned about COVID-19 should make themselves aware of ways to protect against exposure and should consider the Vote-By-Mail option.

VOTE-BY-MAIL – Voters are asked to return their vote-by-mail ballots at their Supervisor of Elections office or any early voting location in their county or by mail. Voters may pick up a vote-by-mail ballot through Election Day from their respective Supervisor of Elections office. (The deadline for voters to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed was 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.) If a voter or designee waits until Election Day to pick-up a vote-by-mail ballot, the Election Day Vote-By-Mail Ballot Delivery Affidavit (DS-DE 136 - English PDFEspañol PDF) must also be completed in which the voter affirms that he or she has an emergency that keeps the voter from being able to go to his or her assigned polling place to vote.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day if the voted ballot is to count. Additional information is available for overseas voters on the Division of Elections website.

EARLY VOTING – Early voting in Florida will be held in all 67 counties from Saturday, March 7 through Saturday, March 14. Some counties may choose to add more early voting days. Additional information on early voting days, hours and locations is available on the Division of Elections website. Voters can also contact their local Supervisor of Elections office.

VOTER ASSISTANCE HOTLINE – The Division of Elections offers a toll-free voter assistance hotline, 1.866.308.6739 (in English and Español), available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET, with extended hours on Election Day. For hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Division using the Florida Relay Service, 1.800.955.8771 (TDD), 1.800.955.8770 (Voice), or 1.877.955.8773 (Español).  Voters can also contact their local Supervisor of Elections office.

ID REQUIREMENTS AT THE POLLS – According to the Florida law, at the polls during early voting and on Election Day, voters will be required to provide a current and valid photo ID with signature. If the photo ID does not contain a signature, voters will be asked to provide another ID that has a signature. A voter who does not have an acceptable ID can still vote a provisional ballot. The following photo IDs will be accepted:

  • Florida driver license
  • Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • United States passport
  • Debit or credit card
  • Military identification
  • Student identification
  • Retirement center identification
  • Neighborhood association identification
  • Public assistance identification
  • Veteran health identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • A license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant to 790.06
  • Employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality
ELECTION RESULTS & STATISTICS
ELECTION RESULTS – On March 17, 2020, Florida’s election results for the Presidential Preference Primary will be available on the Florida Election Watch website, FloridaElectionWatch.gov. Visitors to the site will be able to track results by county and can also compare statewide and county results. Please be aware that while Florida polls close at 7 p.m., Florida has two time zones. Voting will not be completed statewide until 7 p.m. Central/8 p.m. Eastern. Election results will be published on the Florida Election Watch website after 8 p.m. Eastern.
EARLY VOTING AND VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT STATISTICS – The Division of Elections is providing daily early voting and vote-by-mail ballot statistics based on county reports last filed by the Supervisor of Elections for that county. To access these statistics, click here.
BOOK-CLOSING REPORTS – On February 18, 2020, voter registration books closed for the Presidential Preference Primary election. The Division of Elections prepares detailed statistical reports on the number of active registered voters as of the day of book closing. The reports are available in Excel and PDF format and include a breakdown of voter registration by county and additional parameters. To access book-closing reports, click here.

###
About the Florida Division of Elections.  The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections supports the Secretary of State, Florida’s Chief Election Officer, in ensuring that Florida has fair and accurate elections. The Division’s three bureaus; the Bureau of Election Records, Bureau of Voter Registration Services, and Bureau of Voting Systems Certification, have several responsibilities in the areas of legal compliance and elections administration to ensure that Florida’s election laws are uniformly interpreted and implemented. The Division also assists local Supervisors of Elections in their duties and promotes enhanced public awareness and participation in the electoral process. For more information about Florida’s elections, visit dos.myflorida.com/elections/.
FLORIDA

Florida Democratic Party
March 14, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: Frances Swanson

FDP Demands Gov. DeSantis Produce List of Polling Changes Immediately

FDP taking aggressive action to communicate site changes, encourages Democrats to contact our voter protection hotline if needed
 
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- After Wednesday's announcement by Gov. DeSantis that voting locations throughout Florida would be changed in response to Coronavirus, the Florida Democratic Party and our elected leaders asked the state for a list of impacted polling sites as well as a plan from the state for centralized communication to voters of closed or relocated polling locations -- with no response until Friday afternoon.
 
On Friday afternoon, the Florida Democratic Party and our elected leaders were told that neither the Secretary of State nor the Division of Elections had an up to date list of voting locations for Tuesday’s election. 
 
In response, today Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Terrie Rizzo released the following statement calling on Gov. Desantis' administration to produce a public list of impacted polling sites immediately: 
 
“In three days millions of Florida voters head to the polls -- and the Governor’s office cannot answer the most basic question about our elections – ‘Where should people go to vote?’ This is unacceptable. Florida Democrats are calling on the governor and his administration to immediately provide an updated statewide list of all voting sites that have been impacted, closed or relocated in the wake of coronavirus. Florida Democrats will continue to take aggressive action to ensure voters have the information they need to participate in this election." 

Upon learning that the Florida Division of Elections did not have an up to date list of voting locations, the Florida Democratic Party began calling each of Florida’s 67 counties to ask for closed or relocated polling locations.   We will make that list public as soon as it is complete. 

The Florida Democratic Party voter protection team is putting in place a plan to text and call voters who have been affected by DeSantis’ voting site relocations and closures to inform them of polling changes.

We are encouraging voters who have questions regarding voting to call their local supervisors of elections or the Democratic Party voter protection hotline. A full list of Supervisor of Elections offices and contact information can be found here: www.fl.dems.vote. The Democratic Party voter protection hotline phone number is 1-833-868-3352.

See also: Twitter thread of Florida Democrats requests >>>

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ILLINOIS
Illinois State Board of Elections

100 W. Randolph Street 2329 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Suite 14-100 Springfield, Illinois 62704
Chicago, Illinois 60601 217-782-4141
312-814-6440 www.elections.il.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Matt Dietrich

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The following statement was issued to media at 3 p.m. March 16 by
State Board of Elections Spokesman Matt Dietrich:

With Ohio announcing today that it is postponing its primary, which had been scheduled for tomorrow, I wanted to let you know that Illinois is proceeding with plans for tomorrow’s primary as scheduled.

As of today we have had 504,000 early votes cast and 294,000 mail ballots sent to voters. The day before the 2016 primary, those numbers were 400,000 and 160,000 respectively. With early voting continuing today, we likely will see a substantial increase when early voting sites close. We along with the state’s 108 local election authorities had been encouraging early voting for several weeks and in the past two weeks had increased our efforts so voters could vote early and avoid lines and crowds on election day out of concern for coronavirus.

Those efforts appear to have been successful as we will undoubtedly set new records for early and mail voting for a primary election.

We have worked with the Illinois Department of Public Health to make sure local election authorities have proper guidance for coronavirus safety in their polling places. We have provided polling place signage (attached) to local election authorities to alert voters and poll workers to best practices for preventing the spread of coronavirus. Local election authorities have, when necessary, consulted their local emergency managers for help in obtaining sanitizing
supplies for their polling places.

Illinois has seen hundreds of polling place location changes in the past week and we have made every effort to keep our online polling place lookup database current so voters can find accurate information on where to vote. In many cases involving cancellations last week, election authorities were able to contact affected voters by mail to alert them to new polling places. In addition, many local election authorities are facing the additional challenge of election judges canceling. Local election authorities are going to great lengths to recruit replacements, including increasing judge pay in some cases. Please check with your local election authority for specific details.

As to the question of why Illinois is going forward with Tuesday’s election, there are several factors to be considered. As already noted, much of the voting for this election already has been done. Also, at this point there is no date in the foreseeable future when we can expect greater safety with any certainty. Taking action to move to an all-mail ballot system, as has been suggested by some media members, fails to take into account the needs of many disabled voters who are unable to cast paper ballots by mail.

To be clear, the State Board of Elections does not have the authority to change an election date. Doing so would require action by the General Assembly to amend the Illinois Election Code or a court order. We have no intention of seeking such an order nor has any other state official indicated that intent.

With Gov. Pritzker having ordered the closure of restaurants in Illinois as of tonight except for carryout service, we want to point out that in-person voting is a comparable transaction to picking up a takeout restaurant order or shopping at a grocery store. There is no need for close contact when requesting a ballot from an election judge and Illinois does not require voters to show ID; a voter’s signature compared to the signature on record is proof of identity. Primary voting
typically is a swift transaction that can be done at a safe distance from other voters.

We understand that this election presents voters with the difficult task of weighing civic duty with the safety of themselves and others. We believe that by following guidance from our state and federal health professionals, voters can vote safely at early voting sites today and at polling places tomorrow.

Thank you for your attention to accurate reporting of this rapidly unfolding situation. Please follow our Twitter feed at @illinoissbe for continued updates.

I will make every effort to return calls and emails but at this point the volume is too great so you may receive future mass briefings like this one.

The State Board of Elections is an independent state agency charged with the responsibility of having general supervision over the administration of election laws of the State of Illinois. Elections are administered locally by the State’s 108 election authorities.

# # # #

IDPH "Election Polling Places Recommended Guidance" [PDF]

BASED ON NEW PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE, LAROSE RECOMMENDS SUSPENSION OF IN-PERSON VOTING ON MARCH 17, MOVING ELECTION DAY TO JUNE 2

COLUMBUS – Thanks to the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Ohio has led the nation in responding to the coronavirus crisis.
Following their lead, Secretary LaRose has utilized their expert counsel and advice to execute every available option at his disposal to run a safe, secure, fair and healthy primary election. The county boards of elections and thousands of patriotic poll workers have worked tirelessly to prepare for election day and should be commended for their incredible dedication to civic duty.

Keeping Ohioans safe and voting accessible. Through March 15, guidance from the ODH indicated it would be safe to vote on election day. However, new information has led ODH to recommend Ohioans who are 65 and older to self-quarantine in their homes, making it challenging for these individuals to vote on March 17. In response, we expect a lawsuit that postpones the March 17 election and shifts it to a new day. Because the authority to shift election day does not reside with the Ohio Secretary of State, this change must be enacted by either a legal order or an act of the state legislature.

If ordered by the court, Secretary LaRose is prepared to implement an alternative to the March 17 election. The first presidential nominating convention is the Democratic National Convention beginning July 13. It’s essential to have enough time for Ohio to hold an election, certify the results, and allocate our delegates prior to that convention. If a judge were to order the primary election should not be held on March 17, Secretary LaRose is prepared to recommend moving election day to June 2. More details will be forthcoming.

All votes already submitted will count. It’s important that voters who have already submitted their vote by mail or in-person know that their vote will be counted.

OUTCOME: These are certainly unprecedented times, and Secretary LaRose has implemented the guidance of the Ohio Department of Health every step of the way. As this situation has evolved, we are once again following expert consultation in order to keep Ohioans safe. If ordered, by moving Ohio’s election day we can ensure Ohio voters have every opportunity to have their voice heard and stay healthy in the process.

###

Ohio Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.oh.us/coronafacts/actionstakenbysecretarylarose/

ACTIONS TAKEN BY SECRETARY LAROSE

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Ohio’s 88 county board of elections are partnering with state and local health officials to promote a safe and healthy environment for Ohioans as they go to the polls next week. With the state’s support, county boards of elections are strengthening prevention efforts in order to give voters the best opportunity to have their voice heard, while keeping the risk of Coronavirus/COVID-19 transmission as low as possible.

To learn about how the state is addressing Coronavirus COVID-19 and how to keep yourself safe, visit: CoronaVirus.Ohio.gov

Early Preparation Began in February. Secretary LaRose has been promoting the ease of early voting in Ohio since early voting began on February 19th. The Secretary of State’s office began sharing preparation recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) with county boards of elections nearly two weeks ago. With support from the CDC and the Multi-State-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), our office was able to provide the information boards needed to make plans for virus prevention as election day approaches.

Election Day is different From Other Large Public Events or Gatherings. Unlike large gatherings like the Arnold Fitness Classic or high attendance conferences, voting on election day takes place in small communities of neighbors who are more likely than not to interact in other ways every day – whether at school, in church, in the grocery store, or elsewhere. Unlike other large public events or gatherings, election day does not reflect a situation where bigger crowds from geographically different areas come into one tight space, which could cause greater concerns about virus transmission.

Taking Action to Encourage Prevention. Over the past several weeks, Secretary LaRose and his team have had discussions and briefings with representatives from the CDC, U.S. and Ohio Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Governor DeWine, Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

As a result, the following actions are being taken and recommendations being made:

RELOCATION OF POLLING LOCATIONS WHERE SENIOR CITIZENS ARE RESIDENTS
According to public health officials, senior citizens are considered a high-risk population that is vulnerable to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. In response to ODH recommendations, Secretary LaRose has issued a directive to all county Boards of Elections to move voting locations which are currently located where senior citizens reside for the health and safety of those residents. Boards will work within their communities to find alternative voting sites. As locations are identified, our office will provide that information on our new website: VoteOhio.gov/CoronaFacts.

Counties will be working all this week to identify alternative locations. If voters have any questions, they should contact their county board of elections.

OHIOANS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER VOTING BY MAIL OR EARLY VOTING
Per the CDC, one of the greatest forms of prevention is maintaining enough physical space from other people. To vote from home, visit VoteOhio.gov and request your absentee ballot from your county board of elections as soon as possible.

It’s very important to note that the official canvass of results is not finalized until the 21st day after the election (April 7, 2020). This allows for ballots submitted by mail to be postmarked by the day before election day and received through the tenth day after the election and still be reflected in the final, official results.

CURBSIDE DROP-OFF OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS AT COUNTY BOARDS ON ELECTION DAY
Many Ohioans will not be requesting absentee ballots until this week and could be concerned about returning their ballot in time to be counted. Further, many Ohioans may simply feel better about returning their completed ballot in person. With that in mind, county boards will allow voters to drop off their absentee ballots at their county board of elections on election day from 6:30am to 7:30pm.

Just as is the case if a voter is in line at a voting location, as long as the voter is in line by 7:30 p.m., that voter will be able to cast their vote.

FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS TO KEEP VOTING MACHINES CLEAN
Secretary LaRose has worked with the private vendors of Ohio’s voting machines to provide the manufacturer guidelines for cleaning of voting machines to prevent disease spread.

USING HEALTH GUIDELINES TO PROTECT OHIO’S POLL WORKERS
The CDC and Ohio Department of Health have provided our office with best practices that will promote the health and safety of the patriotic poll workers Ohio needs to run our elections. While we certainly don’t want poll workers to participate if they aren’t feeling well, we are working with our county boards to ensure a healthy voting environment.
Health professionals do not consider serving as a poll worker to be a health risk.

OUTCOME: Secretary LaRose has worked decisively and purposefully to do his part to protect Ohioans, all while balancing their right to a free and fair election. Our office will be working with county boards of elections to provide whatever support we can to ensure the election runs as smooth as possible. In Ohio, every voter’s voice will be heard on election day.

Select this link to download a printer-friendly version of Secretary LaRose's Action List (PDF)
.

3/13/2020 – 6:50pm
All 157 polling locations in facilities requiring relocation have found alternative sites. There are 35 counties that have relocated polling locations. Counties are working with the former voting sites to ensure that residents of those facilities have an opportunity to vote absentee. It’s important to note that this list is for informational purposes only. For official polling location lists, it’s important to contact the local county board of elections.


LOUISIANA


Louisiana Secretary of State

March 13, 2020

COVID-19 AND ELECTIONS UPDATE

BATON ROUGE, La. –Today, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin held a press conference to address the postponement of elections due to COVID-19.

The health and safety of Louisiana residents is critical, and we want to do our part to prevent the spread of this highly infectious disease. One key stakeholder in our decision is our election day polling commissioners. Over half of Louisiana's polling commissioners are over the age of 65, and the CDC warns that the older adults; people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as: heart disease, diabetes or lung disease are the people most at risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

Louisiana law allows for the postponement of an election due to an emergency or common disaster occurring before or during a regularly scheduled or special election, and today Secretary Ardoin exercised that option. “Today, I have certified that a state of emergency exists, and requested that the Governor issue an executive order postponing the spring elections" Secretary Ardoin said Friday, “We have requested postponing the April 4 Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Primary until June 20 and postponing the May 9 General election until July 25." 

The 2-month delay will allow our office to continue to procure necessary supplies to put our state in the best possible posture to conduct elections. Attached is the emergency certification sent to Governor John Bel Edwards.

Listed below are a few of the CDC recommendations for elections and election officials we are recommending and following:

  • Stay at home if you have fever, respiratory symptoms, or believe you are sick.
  • Practice hand hygiene frequently: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with household cleaning spray or wipe: including tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
  • Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs after cleaning: A list of products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims is available at epa.gov.
  • Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
  • Clean and disinfect voting-associated equipment (e.g., voting machines, laptops, tablets, keyboards) routinely.

The April 4 Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Primary election will be held on June 20. Early Voting will be conducted June 6 through June 13 (excluding Sunday, June 7).

The May 9 Municipal General election will be held on July 25. Early Voting will be conducted July 11 through July 18 (excluding Sunday, July 12).


Louisiana Secretary of State
https://www.sos.la.gov/OurOffice/PublishedDocuments/pdf%20One%20pager-Emergency%20Election%20(1).pdf

Louisiana’s Emergency Election Temporary Plan for July 11 and August 15, 2020 Elections

After working with the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, chairmen of both House and Senate committees, as well as the Attorney General, we believe this temporary plan to be the best path forward to ensure voter access and maintenance of integrity and security in our election process.

● Emergency COVID-19 related excuse absentee-by-mail applications: For Louisiana voters affected by or concerned with the spread of COVID-19, a temporary, emergency application would allow those voters to receive an absentee ballot for the July and/or August elections. This plan covers five COVID-19 related excuses, drawn from CDC guidelines or federal legislation: those at higher risk for COVID-19 due to CDC-identified underlying health issues; those subject to medically necessary quarantines or isolation orders; those advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine; those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking diagnosis; those caring for certain individuals. Further, this plan requires a witness signature on the absentee ballot envelope flap.

● Expansion of in-person early voting: While maintaining the same voter ID requirements under current law, in-person early voting would be expanded from seven days to thirteen days to ensure maximum capability for social distancing. This includes three Saturdays of early voting for the July 11, 2020 and August 15, 2020 elections.

● Change of polling location for some voters: For voters who normally vote at polling locations associated with Louisiana’s senior population across several parishes, the polling place will be moved to a new location for the July and August elections. Voters affected by this change will be notified in a timely manner.

● Heightened precautions at in-person voting locations: For those who choose to take advantage of in-person voting, either during early voting or on election day, we are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of polling commissioners and voters. This includes maintaining social distancing guidelines, offering hand sanitizer to voters, and distributing masks and gloves to polling commissioners.

For more information on what steps we are taking to conduct honest and fair elections during this pandemic, or to find out how you can vote in the July 11, 2020 and August 15, 2020 elections, head to GeauxVote.com.

GEORGIA
Georgia Secretary of State
April 9, 2020

RAFFENSPERGER ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT OF PRIMARY ELECTION UNTIL JUNE 9

(ATLANTA) — Today, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced that, pursuant to the authority vested in him by O.C.G.A. § 21-2-50.1, he is postponing the Statewide General Primary/Presidential Preference Primary Election until June 9, 2020.

Yesterday, Governor Brian Kemp extended the current public health state of emergency until May 13, 2020. Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston concurred in the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency.

“Due to the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency through a time period that includes almost every day of in-person voting for an election on May 19, and after careful consideration, I am now comfortable exercising the authority vested in me by Georgia law to postpone the primary election until June 9,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “This decision allows our office and county election officials to continue to put in place contingency plans to ensure that voting can be safe and secure when in-person voting begins and prioritizes the health and safety of voters, county election officials, and poll workers.”

Throughout this crisis, the Secretary of State’s office has been in close contact with county election officials across the state. Over the past week, the reports of mounting difficulties from county election officials, particularly in Southwest Georgia, grew to a point where county election officials could not overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19 in time for in-person voting to begin on April 27. Additionally, current modeling by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia will peak around April 24, only days before in-person voting was scheduled to begin. While challenges will certainly remain on June 9, these additional three weeks will give the Secretary of State’s office and counties time to shore up contingency plans, find and train additional poll workers, and procure supplies and equipment necessary to clean equipment and protect poll workers.

Emergency authority is something that should be exercised carefully, and moving an election should only take place in the rarest of circumstances. While Secretary Raffensperger previously expressed concern that he did not have the authority to move the primary election again, the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency to a time that includes almost every day of in-person voting for a May 19 election is sufficient to allow the Secretary to exercise the emergency authority given to him by O.C.G.A. § 21-2-50.1 and move the primary election to June 9.

“I certainly realize that every difficulty will not be completely solved by the time in-person voting begins for the June 9 election, but elections must happen even in less than ideal circumstances,” said Raffensperger. “Just like our brave healthcare workers and first responders, our county election officials and poll workers are undertaking work critical to our democracy, and they will continue to do this critical work with all the challenges that the current crisis has brought forth. This postponement allows us to provide additional protection and safety resources to county election officials, poll workers, and voters without affecting the November election.”

The voter registration deadline for the June 9, 2020 election will be May 11, 2020. Early voting will begin on May 18, 2020. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 21-2-501, moving the primary election to June 9, 2020 will move the primary runoff to August 11, 2020.Pushing back the primary to June 9 gives Georgia election officials additional time to put in place contingency plans to allow for safe and secure voting, but pushing back the primary election any further could potentially have negative consequences on preparation for the November 3, 2020 General Election. Given existing deadlines to prepare and send ballots for the November election, particularly for military voters, moving forward on June 9 is the best way to ensure a successful election year in Georgia.

Absentee ballot applications for the upcoming primary election will continue to be accepted and processed by counties even if the application said May 19. Once county election officials properly verify the signature on the application, the voter will be sent an absentee ballot for the primary election now to be held on June 9.

See the attached file to understand how the date was chosen: Timeline2.jpg

###

Georgia Secretary of State
March 14, 2020

SECRETARY OF STATE RAFFENSPERGER POSTPONES THE PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY

ATLANTA -- In light of the public health emergency posed by COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, in-person voting presents increased risk to voters and poll workers.  Governor Kemp has declared a public health emergency.  President Trump has declared a national emergency, said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. "Events are moving rapidly and my highest priority is protecting the health of our poll workers, their families, and the community at large."

Maintaining the integrity of the election depends on the talents of poll workers who are in the high-risk group because their average age is over 70. So concern for their health is a central consideration in this decision.

"Our priority is to protect the health and safety of all Georgians and to ensure that as many Georgians as possible have an opportunity to vote," said State Senator Nikema Williams, the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia.  "Continued in-person voting could compromise both goals.  Georgians who have already cast their vote in person or by mail for the March 24 primary will be able to vote again in the May 19 primary for the elections already scheduled for that date.  If Georgians who have already cast their vote for the March 24 primary do not vote again in the May 19 primary, their votes for the presidential preference primary will still count."

Secretary Raffensperger has represented that all votes already cast in person and all absentee ballots will be counted and every Georgia voter that has not yet had a chance to cast a ballot in the March 24 elections will be able to do so on May 19, along with the elections already scheduled for that date."

"Given these circumstances, I believe it is necessary and prudent to suspend in-person voting in the Presidential Preference Primary, and the local elections associated with them, and resume in-person voting for those elections as part of the already scheduled May 19 General Primary."

The CDC recommends those, including seniors, who are at greater risk from COVID-19 limit their exposure to the virus by keeping space between themselves and others, avoiding crowds, and staying at home during outbreaks in their community. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has likewise identified individuals 65-years-old and older as facing increased risk from COVID-19. He explained that older Americans infected with COVID-19 stand a greater risk of serious difficulty and even death from the virus.  All individuals should practice social distancing and minimize contact with others to minimize the risk to them and others.

With this decision, Secretary Raffensperger looks to confront the public health threat to our state, and the health of Georgians, while also maintaining an avenue for the people of Georgia to exercise their fundamental democratic right to vote. In the midst of a public health emergency like the one facing our state, taking strong action to protect all Georgians, including its dedicated poll workers, is paramount.

###


KENTUCKY
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Office of the Secretary of State
Michael G. Adams

March 16, 2020
The Honorable Andy Beshear
Govemor, Commonwealth of Kentucky
Kentucky State Capitol
Suite 100
Frankfort, KY 40601

Dear Govemor Beshear:

Pursuant to the authority granted to me, Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its chief election official, by the Kentucky General Assembly and codified at Kentucky Revised Statutes section 39A.100(1), I hereby recommend that you declare by executive order that all Kentucky elections scheduled for May 19, 2020 - including the Democratic and Republican primary elections, special elections and local option elections - shall be delayed by thirty-five (35) days, and that such elections shall take place on June 23, 2020.

Any additional recommendation I may make pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes section 3 9 A. l 00(1) will follow by separate correspondence.

Sincerely,
Michael G. Adams
______________________

ANDY BESHEAR
GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Secretary of State
Frankfort
Kentucky

2020-236
March 16, 2020

STATE OF EMERGENCY RELATING TO KENTUCKY ELECTIONS

WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease causing illness that can range from very mild to severe, including illness resulting in death; and

WHEREAS, on March 6, 2020, a case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, since that time, 20 more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Commonwealth, with cases appearing multiple counties, including cases that indicate the virus is community spread; and

WHEREAS, this condition continues to endanger public health and safety and, if not contained, threatens to overwhelm the Commonwealth's resources; and

WHEREAS, state and local governments share responsibility for protection of public health, safety, and security and for taking appropriate actions to ensure the provision of essential public services; and

WHEREAS, I, Andy Beshear, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and by KRS Chapter Chapter 39A, did declare by Executive Order 2020-215 on March 6, 2020, that a State of Emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, under such circumstances, l am further empowered by KRS Chapter 39A to order persons and groups to disperse from the scene of the emergency and to exercise all other powers deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to KRS 39A.100(l)(I), on March 16, 2019, Secretary of State Michael G. Adams recommended that I declare by executive order a different time for holding the May 19, 2020 Kentucky elections and recommended that the different time be 35 days from the date of the delayed election:

NOW THEREFORE, I Andy Beshear, by virtue of authority vested in me pursuant to the Constitution of Kentucky and by KRS 39A.100(1)(1), do hereby Order and Direct as follows:

1. All Kentucky elections scheduled to be held on May 19, 2020, including, but not limited to, the Democratic primary election, the Republican primary election, special elections, and local option elections, are delayed until Tuesday, June 23, 2020; and

2. The Kentucky State Board of Elections shall establish procedures for election officials to folow pursuant to this order.

This order is effective March 16, 2020.

ANDY BESHEAR, Governor
Commonwealth of Kentucky


MICHAEL G. ADAMS
Secretary of State


MARYLAND
Office of Governor Larry Hogan

March 17, 2020

Governor Hogan Issues Proclamation to Postpone April 28 Primary, Implement Vote-By-Mail System To Fill 7th Congressional District Seat

Discussions Underway To Postpone Preakness Stakes

Announces Plan to Convert Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Stations to Drive-Thru Testing Centers

Announces Proactive Measures to Maintain Essential Transportation Services, Restrict Access to BWI Terminal

Reinforces CDC Guidelines to Stay Home and Limit Gatherings, Urges Citizens to Avoid Panic Buying

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As part of another series of major actions to limit the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and maintain essential services, Governor Larry Hogan today issued a proclamation to officially postpone the April 28 primary election until June 2, and to move forward with the 7th Congressional District special general election as scheduled by implementing a vote-by-mail system.

“I have two main priorities—keeping Marylanders safe and protecting their constitutional right to vote,” said Governor Hogan. “I am directing the State Board of Elections to develop a comprehensive plan by April 3 to conduct the primary election in a way that protects public health and preserves the integrity of the democratic process in our state. While there are many valid reasons for unease and uncertainty right now, ensuring that the voices of Maryland citizens are heard shouldn’t be one of them.”

The governor also announced that the state is in active discussions regarding postponement of the Preakness Stakes.

“I know that right now there is a lot of anxiety and stress out there—folks are worried about what lies ahead and how we will get through this,” said Governor Hogan. “We have seen the jarring images of empty streets in Italy and France, and we worry about our family members and loved ones, and about our own communities and neighborhoods. But I want Marylanders to know that if we continue to lead and work together—if we rely on and help each other—we will get through this.”

Below is a comprehensive list of announcements Governor Hogan made today:
PROCLAMATION TO POSTPONE APRIL 28 PRIMARY, IMPLEMENT VOTE-BY-MAIL SYSTEM FOR 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT: In order to protect public health and preserve the integrity of the democratic process, Governor Hogan has issued a proclamation postponing the April 28 primary to June 2. The State Board of Elections is directed to develop a comprehensive plan by April 3 for conducting the primary election in a way that maintains public confidence and trust while preserving public health and safety.

In addition, to ensure that Maryland has full representation in Congress during this crisis, the special general election for the 7th Congressional District will still occur on April 28, but the State Board of Elections is directed to implement a vote-by-mail system. Read the governor’s proclamation.

DISCUSSIONS TO POSTPONE THE PREAKNESS STAKES: Governor Hogan announced that the state is in active discussions to postpone the Preakness Stakes. This follows the announcement earlier today that the Kentucky Derby will not be held in May for the first time in 75 years.
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF FEDERAL REAL ID DEADLINE: Governor Hogan sent a letter to the Trump administration today on behalf of the nation’s governors to request an extension of the federal REAL ID deadline. Read the REAL ID letter.
CONVERSION OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION CENTERS: Governor Hogan announced that all Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) centers will be shut down, and steps will be taken to turn them into drive-thru testing centers across the state.
BWI AIRPORT TERMINAL: The state is encouraging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, and access to the BWI Marshall Airport terminal will be monitored and strongly discouraged except for passengers who are traveling and employees reporting to their job sites.
MTA SERVICE CHANGES: Consistent with steps taken by Metro, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will reduce service on MARC and Commuter Bus, while still running transit services with a focus on making sure emergency and health care personnel can get to their jobs. For Mobility customers, service will be continued with a focus on medical appointments, dialysis, pharmacies, and grocery stores only. Read the MTA’s update.
CASHLESS TOLLING: The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will move to all-cashless tolling statewide to limit interaction between the public and toll collectors. Read the MDTA’s announcement.
MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION CHANGES: The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) is implementing a series of operational changes at branch offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) stations statewide. All non-commercial driver skills tests are canceled until further notice. Read the MVA’s announcement.
New Interpretive Guidance. Governor Hogan’s Office of Legal Counsel has issued interpretive guidance regarding the governor’s order prohibiting large gatherings and ordering the closure of senior centers, bars, restaurants, gyms, and other facilities. Read the interpretive guidance.
Resources for Businesses. The Maryland Departments of Commerce and Labor have compiled resources to help businesses whose daily operations are affected during the state of emergency. Members of the business community are encouraged to reach out with their questions by sending a message to Secretary.Commerce@maryland.gov.
State of Emergency. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. The State of Maryland is continuing to operate under a state of emergency, and all levels of government are taking a comprehensive, collaborative approach to keep Marylanders safe. The list of ongoing state actions is available at governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
For health resources regarding COVID-19, including case counts and clinician guidance, Marylanders should visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

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PUERTO RICO

> Gov. Wanda Vázquez signed Resolución Conjunta del Senado 488 into law on March 22, 2020.

Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
https://prdems.org/presidential-primary

PUERTO RICO PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY TO BE POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

Update on Puerto Rico Presidential Primary

Puerto Rico Senate Passes Resolution Postponing the Island’s Democratic Presidential Primary

SAN JUAN, PR---The Puerto Rico Senate acted today at the request of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico (DPPR) to postpone the Democratic Presidential Primary from March 29 to April 26, as the U.S. territory copes with a mandatory lockdown and curfew enacted by the local government as precautionary measures against the threat of coronavirus.

Charles Rodriguez, Chairman of the DPPR, announced that the Puerto Rico Senate passed the resolution which delays, for a month, the holding of the territory’s presidential primary as requested by the state party. Additionally, the resolution authorizes the President of the DPPR and the President of the Puerto Rico State Commission on Elections to further postpone the primary election, if the emergency situation persists by April 26.

"The amendment to the Presidential Primary Act is a necessary step to preserve public health in the face of the global pandemic. Postponing the primary will also ensure a larger turnout for many Puerto Ricans to express their support for a permanent union with the U.S. and the need for the territory to assert itself, with real decision-making power, as part of the democratic processes of the nation”, said Rodriguez.

The Senate bill now goes to the Puerto Rico House of Representatives where its approval is anticipated. Governor Wanda Vazquez has indicated she will sign the bill as soon as it reaches her desk.

___
March 14, 2020

SAN JUAN- In response to the national emergency declared by the federal government, as well as the prevention measures taken by Governor Wanda Vázquez concerning the coronavirus, the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico will request the postponement of the Presidential Primaries set to take place on March 29.

This was confirmed by Charles Rodriguez the party Chairman, who intends to request that the territory’s Legislative Assembly postpone the primary, since this presidential primary is approved and sanctioned by local law.

Seriously concerned about the welfare of voters and arguing that the safety of every citizen is paramount, Rodriguez will request that the Presidential Primary Act be amended for the vote to take place on Sunday, April 26.

Otherwise, a second alternative in mind by the leader of the local Democrats is to allow the party to choose the date, in the event the situation caused by the coronavirus could also affect the primary in April.

"This is an unpredictable day-by-day situation that requires constant monitoring of the progress of the disease. Our intention is to keep all options open to ensure the citizen's right to vote," he said.

Rodriguez said that, given the circumstances, he remains in communication with the Puerto Rico Health Department and the CDC, as well as with the Chairman of the Puerto Rico State Commission on Elections, Juan Davila-Rivera, and Democratic Party Election Commissioner Hector Sanchez.

The President of the Democratic Party assured Puerto Rico will hold the presidential primary in one form or another, since the 58 delegates that the island selects for the 2020 Democratic National Convention -more than 30 states or territories of the nation- will be fundamental to the selection of the Democratic presidential nominee for the general elections on November.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and its residents are American citizens. They can hold presidential primaries for both major national parties send delegates to the national conventions, but they cannot vote in the November general election to elect the President while living in the territory; neither do they have U.S. Senators nor voting members in Congress. 

CONNECTICUT
Office of Governor Ned Lamont
March 19, 2020

Governor Lamont Orders Connecticut’s Presidential Primary Election Rescheduled to June 2

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that – in coordination with Secretary of the State Denise Merrill and in consultation with several other states that have primary elections scheduled for April 28, 2020 – he is ordering Connecticut’s 2020 presidential primary election be rescheduled to Tuesday, June 2, due to the ongoing public health crisis caused by COVID-19.

“Faced with an unprecedented health crisis throughout our state, we need to do all we can to protect the health and safety of Connecticut residents, especially our most vulnerable citizens," Governor Lamont said. “During these difficult times, we also want to make sure that democracy is not impacted and voters can still cast their ballots safely. Rescheduling the primary election will enable voters to still safely participate in our state’s elections while also protecting their health and the well-being of those who help to carry out elections — our town clerks, registrars, voters and dedicated poll workers.”


Later this afternoon, Governor Lamont will sign an executive order that authorizes the date to be moved, among several other actions. It will be publicly noticed and published on the governor’s website at that time.

Executive Order No. 7G

Office of Governor Ned Lamont
April 17, 2020

Governor Lamont Orders Connecticut’s Presidential Primary Election Further Rescheduled to August 11

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that – in coordination with Secretary of the State Denise Merrill – he is ordering Connecticut’s 2020 presidential primary election to be rescheduled to Tuesday, August 11, 2020, due to the ongoing public health crisis caused by COVID-19. This is the second time the governor has rescheduled the presidential preference primary due to the pandemic. It was originally scheduled to be held April 28 and then ordered last month to be rescheduled to June 2.

The state is already scheduled to hold primaries for other federal, state, and local offices on August 11. Moving the presidential primary to this date will enable the presidential primary to appear on the same ballot as those other races.

“To protect the health and safety of voters, poll workers, and the most vulnerable populations, it just makes most sense to extend the date out to August,” Governor Lamont said. “I appreciate the continued contact with Secretary Merrill, as well as all of our town clerks and registrars who’ve worked with us each step of the way through this crisis to respond and make necessary adjustments.”

“I support the governor’s decision to move the primary to August 11 to coincide with our state and federal primary,” Secretary Merrill said. “This date change will allow us to make it easier to protect the health and safety of voters and local election officials, prepare for the anticipated increase in demand for absentee ballots, save towns money, and let voters make their voices heard in the presidential primary process, all by holding one primary instead of two.”

Governor Lamont will sign an executive order later today authorizing the date to be moved. It will be publicly noticed and published on the governor’s website at that time.

Executive Order No. 7BB


INDIANA
Office of Governor Eric Holcomb

March 20, 2020

Gov. Holcomb and Secretary of State Lawson Announce Primary Election to Move to June 2

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric Holcomb joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chair Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chair John Zody today to announce an agreement to move the date of this year’s Indiana primary election from May 5 to June 2.

All dates corresponding with the primary election will be moved by 28 days to reflect the new date of the primary. For example, military and overseas ballots are required to mailed 45 days prior to the primary election, so they’ll move 45 days prior to June 2.

“The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America. In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order to suspend Indiana’s election statute and move the dates. The executive order is posted here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm [PDF]

In addition, Governor Holcomb, Secretary Lawson, Chairman Hupfer and Chairman Zody made the following recommendations to the Indiana Election Commission.

  • Suspend absentee by-mail rules to allow all Hoosiers the option to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election.
  • Allow county clerks to continually mail ballots from now through 12 days out from the new primary election date.
  • Confirm ballots with a May 5, 2020 date will be valid.
  • Enable medical professionals to be eligible members of traveling boards to vote nursing home and hospital patients.
  • Give family members the ability to deliver absentee ballots. Currently only a member of a voter’s household may take possession of their ballot.
“As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, it is my top priority to protect our elections, but, above all else, it is my duty to protect the health and safety of Hoosiers,” said Secretary Lawson. “I believe the bi-partisan recommendations we have asked the Indiana Election Commission to take will allow us to provide all Hoosiers the opportunity to vote.

Indiana Election Commission Chairman Paul Okeson has called a meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss the recommendations. The meeting will be held in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse.

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Media Contact – Valerie Warycha
________________________

Indiana Election Commission
March 25, 2020

Indiana Election Commission adopts new procedures for June 2 Primary Election

INDIANAPOLIS (March 25, 2020) — In response to recommendations from Governor Eric Holcomb, Secretary of State Connie Lawson, and the leadership of Indiana’s major political parties, the Indiana Election Commission has issued an order making it easier for Hoosiers to vote in the June 2nd Primary Election. Governor Holcomb previously moved the primary from May 5th to June 2nd.

The complete order detailing each change is available at https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2404.htm.

The Commission’s order included the following changes, which will apply to the June 2nd Primary only:

  • Moves all election dates by 28 days.
  • Avoids reprinting ballots and other forms that have the May 5th, 2020 date.
  • Allows everyone to cast an absentee ballot by mail without having a specific reason to do so.
  • Grandfathers applications already received for an absentee ballot, which did not state an excuse permitting the person to vote by mail.
  • Permits county election boards to conduct meetings electronically rather than in person.
  • Encourages counties to appoint medical professionals to act as traveling absentee boards to help voters confined in medical facilities to cast a ballot.
  • Permits family members and caregivers of a confined voter to personally deliver and return a ballot.
  • Allows county election boards to consolidate voting locations and vote center sites and to take spacing measures to ensure the safety of voters.
  • Loosens restrictions on students who wish to serve as poll workers or absentee board members.
  • Allows county election boards to begin expeditiously counting ballots at 6 a.m. on Election Day.
  • Advises county election boards that election results must be determined by 3 p.m. on June 12th.
“As we take precautions to protect Hoosiers from the threat of COVID-19, it is vitally important to protect citizens’ right to vote,” said Secretary Lawson. “I am pleased that our bi-partisan recommendations have been adopted, and I thank the Indiana Election Commission for their expeditious work. With these changes, I am confident our primary will move forward with minimal disruption.”

The Commission will meet again on April 22nd, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Eligible Hoosiers can register to vote online, check their registration status, and request an absentee ballot by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com.

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RHODE ISLAND
Office of Governor Gina Raimondo

March 23, 2020
Executive Order 20-11 NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION - DELA YING THE PRIMARY ELECTIONS AND PREPARING FOR A PREDOMINANTLY MAIL BALLOT ELECTION

DELAWARE
Office of Governor John Carney
March 24, 2020

Governor Carney Moves Presidential Primary Date to June 2

Sixth SOE modification also protects Delawareans from evictions, foreclosures 
 
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued a sixth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, moving Delaware’s presidential primary to June 2, and suspending residential foreclosures and evictions during the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The order goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. It will remain in effect until May 15 or until the public health threat is eliminated.

“Delawareans have a basic, fundamental right to vote. Today’s order will preserve that right and allow Delawareans to vote by absentee ballot in the presidential primary on June 2,” said Governor Carney. “The additional protections in this order are essential to help support Delawareans – especially our most vulnerable neighbors – as this situation evolves. This is an extremely challenging economic situation for many of our neighbors, and we need to do what we can to support them.”

Governor Carney’s order prevents landlords from evicting Delawareans from their homes during this crisis. Landlords also may not charge late fees or interest during the State of Emergency.
 
The order also prevents lenders from commencing foreclosures during this period. Residential mortgage foreclosures that began prior to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration will not move forward until the 31st day following the termination of the Governor’s emergency declaration, at the earliest.
 
Governor Carney’s order also prevents residential utility service companies from terminating service or charging fees for late-payments for services.
 
Additionally, all elections for school board members in any Delaware school district scheduled for May 12 are delayed until June 16 under Governor Carney’s updated order on Tuesday. The order also states that social distancing due to COVID-19 is a valid reason to vote by absentee ballot.
Additional details about local elections, school district referendums, evictions, foreclosures, and utilities are available in the text of the order.[PDF]
 
Delawareans with general questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals who are hearing-impaired, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
 
DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.
 
###
Office of Governor John Carney
May 7, 2020

Governor Carney Reschedules Presidential Primary for July 7

All eligible Delaware voters will receive absentee ballot applications by mail

WILMINGTON, Del
. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed the fifteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, rescheduling Delaware’s presidential primary for July 7. The Delaware Department of Elections will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered Democrats and Republicans in the State of Delaware, providing all eligible registered Delaware voters the opportunity to vote by absentee ballot in the presidential primary election.

Governor Carney’s updated order also formalizes interim steps announced on Tuesday, allowing certain small businesses to resume limited operations effective 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8.

Read Governor Carney’s updated order.
“Delawareans have a basic, fundamental right to vote, and these changes will allow all Delaware voters to safely exercise that right,” said Governor Carney. “We are making progress. Delawareans have helped flatten the curve by staying home, and by practicing social distancing when you’re out in public. But this fight isn’t over.  Don’t go out in public unnecessarily, and wear a face covering when you do. Wash your hands often. Delawareans should stay vigilant, and stay informed at de.gov/coronavirus.”
Eligible Delaware voters will be permitted to select the “sick” or “temporarily or permanently physically disabled” options on their absentee ballot application to cast a vote in the presidential primary election, even if they are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Voters must return the application to the Delaware Department of Elections or complete the process online to receive an absentee ballot. The Delaware Department of Elections will operate at least six polling places in each county to allow voters to cast ballots in person should they choose not to vote by absentee ballot.

Governor Carney’s order on Thursday also reschedules school board elections for July 21, and places additional requirements on municipalities that are conducting elections. The order requires districts and municipalities to enforce social distancing during elections, require face coverings, and limit crowds to 10 or fewer people at polling places.

Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration – including the stay-at-home order and mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers – remains in place and carries the force and effect of law. Violations of the order, or any of its modifications, constitute a criminal offense.


PENNSYLVANIA
Office of Governor Tom Wolf
March 27, 2020

Gov. Wolf Signs COVID-19 Response Bills to Bolster Health Care System, Workers, and Education and Reschedule the Primary Election

Governor Tom Wolf signed four bills today to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania that bolster the health care system, benefit workers and schools, and reschedule the 2020 primary election for June 2.

The governor signed House Bill 1232, which provides $50 million for the Wolf administration to purchase medical equipment and supplies for hospitals, nursing facilities and emergency medical services to meet the urgent needs by patients and staff.

“This funding will allow Pennsylvania to get more beds, ventilators, and other personal protective equipment that our health care system needs for a surge in patients,” said Governor Wolf. “The state and our health care system are mobilizing as fast as possible to provide medical workers with the equipment they need to care for patients.”

The governor also signed, Senate Bill 751, which waives the requirement for schools to be in session at least 180 days, provides for continuity of education plans, ensures school employees are paid during the closure, and provides the Secretary of Education with authority to waive student teacher and standardized assessments. The Department of Education previously announced the cancellation of all PSSA testing, Keystone exams and the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment for the 2019-20 school year.

The governor signed Senate Bill 422, which reschedules the 2020 primary election from April 28 to June 2. and makes other election process changes, including some due to the COVID-19 emergency. The bill provides process improvements to Act 77 of 2019, to allow counties to begin processing and tabulating mail ballots beginning at 7 a.m. on election day, rather than after the polls close at 8 p.m. Additionally, the measure allows counties to temporarily consolidate polling places without court approval and eases other rules regarding location and staffing of polling places for the primary to respond to county concerns about a potential shortage of poll workers and appropriate polling place locations.

“Delaying this year’s primary election as several other states have done is in the best interests of voters, poll workers and county election officials,” said Governor Wolf. “I commend the General Assembly for acting quickly on this critical legislation. The Department of State will continue to work with local election officials to ensure Pennsylvania has a fair and accessible election.”

The governor reminded voters of the new option to vote by mail-in ballot rather than going to a polling place on election day. Already more than 215,000 registered voters have signed up for either a mail-in or absentee ballot, with nearly 78 percent using the commonwealth’s new online application. Those voters do not need to file new applications despite the change in primary date.

The governor also signed House Bill 68, which makes applying for unemployment compensation easier for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill requires the Department of Labor & Industry to waive the one week waiting period and job search and work registration requirements for claimants under the disaster emergency, provides automatic relief from benefit charges for employers whose account would otherwise be charged during the disaster emergency, increases timeframes and allows for interest-free payment plans, and provides the secretary with the ability to adopt temporary regulations to ensure compliance with federal law.

The governor signed House Bill 1578 which makes technical changes to the disclosure of fees in declarations and in public offering statements of planned communities, cooperatives, and condominiums and to permit corrective amendments to the bylaws of planned communities, cooperatives, and condominiums by utilizing the current procedure used to make corrective amendments to declarations.

The governor vetoed House Bill 1100.

Visit the commonwealth’s Responding to COVID-19 guide for the latest guidance and resources for Pennsylvanians or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s dedicated coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.



_________________
Ed. - See also:

Jonathan Lai, Chris Brennan and Angela Couloumbis.  "Pennsylvania governor, legislative leaders reach deal to postpone 2020 primary for coronavirus."  The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 22, 2020.


NEW YORK
Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo
March 28, 2020

No. 202.12
E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R

Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency

 
WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York; and
 
WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to be continue;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 27, 2020 the following:

  • Subdivision (1) of Section 4-117 of the Election law to the extent necessary so that the time to mail the annual check of registrants and notice by mail shall be as directed by the New York State Board of Elections.
  • Paragraph 28 of section 171 of the Tax Law, to the extent it limits the allowable period that the Tax Commissioner can disregard when a disaster emergency has been declared, in order to authorize the Tax Commissioner to disregard a period or more than 90 days, but not more than 100 days.
IN ADDITION, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to issue any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby issue the following directives for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 27, 2020:

  • Any presidential primary to be held on April 28, 2020, shall be postponed and rescheduled for June 23, 2020.  
  • Any special election to be held on April 28, 2020, including for the Twenty-Seventh Congressional District, the Twelfth Assembly District, the Thirty-First Assembly District, the One Hundred and Thirty-Sixth Assembly District, and the Fiftieth Senate District shall be postponed and rescheduled for June 23, 2020, and the ballots shall remain the same. 
  • Any article twenty-eight facility licensed by the state, shall, as a condition of licensure permit the attendance of one support person who does not have a fever at the time of labor/delivery to be present as a support person for a patient who is giving birth.
GIVEN under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this twenty-eighth day of March in the year two thousand twenty.
BY THE GOVERNOR         
Secretary to the Governor
March 28, 2020

TRANSCRIPT:

Excerpt from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's daily press conference


On the theory of risk/reward, we're supposed to have a presidential primary election that's coming up on April 28.  I don't think it's wise to be bringing a lot of people to one location to vote, a lot of people touching one doorknob, a lot of people touching one pen, whatever you call the new device on the ballots. So we are going to delay that and link it to an election that was previously scheduled on June 23rd.  The June 23rd date is for state legislative races and congressional races; we'll move the presidential election to that date. Ironically, I had advocated that it be on that date all along anyway, so there's only one election, and people only needed to come out once. Everybody wants to vote, everybody wants this do their civic duty, but don't make me come out and vote, you know 11 times. Put the elections together so I can go to the ballot once, and this will actually do that.
Ed. - On April 27, 2020 the two Democratic members of the New York State Board of Elections, Douglas Kellner and Andrew Spano, voted to cancel the presidential primary, approving this resolution:

New York State Board of Elections

RESOLUTION

Resolution Related to Determination of Publicly Suspended Presidential Campaigns Pursuant to Section 2-122(a) of the Election Law

WHEREAS. pursuant to Election Law § 2-122-a, eleven designating petitions were filed with the State Board of Elections designating eleven candidates for the Democratic Presidential primary; and

WHEREAS. numerous candidates for delegates pledged to certain presidential candidates also filed designating petitions with the State Board of Elections or applicable local board of elections; and

WHEREAS. since the filing of these petitions, ten presidential candidates have publicly announced that they are no longer seeking the nomination for the office of president of the United States, or that they are terminating or suspending their campaign; and

WHEREAS, Election Law § 2-122-a (13) provides that: "if a candidate for office of the president of the United States ... publicly announces that they are no longer seeking the nomination for the office of president of the United States, or if the candidate announces that they are terminating or suspending their campaign, or if the candidate sends a letter to the state board of elections indicating they no longer wish to appear on the ballot, the state board of elections may determine ... that the candidate is no longer eligible and omit said candidate from the ballot; provided, however, that for any candidate of a majar political party, such determination shall be solely made by the commissioners of the state board of elections who have been appointed on the recommendation of such political party or the legislative leaders of such political party, and no other commissioner of the state board of elections shall participate"; and

WHEREAS, Election Law § 2-122-a (14) provides that if the presidential candidate is removed from the ballot, the delegates pledged to such candidates are likewise removed from the ballot; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Election Law § 3-100; the Commissioners adopting this resolution are the appointed Democratic commissioners and, as such, are authorized to determine that a presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination is no longer eligible as a designated candidate.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that, pursuant to the public declarations made by the relevant presidential candidates, the following candidates are no longer eligible as a designated Democratic Primary candidate, and their names shall be omitted from the Democratic Primary ballot:

Michael Bennet
Michael R. Bloomberg
Pete Buttigieg
Tulsi Gabbard
Amy Klobuchar
Deval Patrick
Bernie Sanders
Tom Steyer
Elizabeth Warren
Andrew Yang.

Bernie 2020
April 27, 2020

NEWS: Sanders Campaign Statement on New York Primary

WASHINGTON – Bernie 2020 Senior Advisor Jeff Weaver on Monday issued the following statement after the New York State Board of Elections moved to cancel the state’s presidential primary: 

"Today’s decision by the State of New York Board of Elections is an outrage, a blow to American democracy, and must be overturned by the DNC. Just last week Vice President Biden warned the American people that President Trump could use the current crisis as an excuse to postpone the November election. Well, he now has a precedent thanks to New York state.

"While we understood that we did not have the votes to win the Democratic nomination our campaign was suspended, not ended, because people in every state should have the right to express their preference. What the Board of Elections is ignoring is that the primary process not only leads to a nominee but also the selection of delegates which helps determine the platform and rules of the Democratic Party.

"No one asked New York to cancel the election. The DNC didn’t request it. The Biden campaign didn’t request it. And our campaign communicated that we wanted to remain on the ballot.  Given that the primary is months away, the proper response must be to make the election safe – such as going to all vote by mail – rather than to eliminating people’s right to vote completely.

"New York has clearly violated its approved delegate selection plan. If this is not remedied, New York should lose all its delegates to the 2020 Democratic National Convention and there should be a broader review by the Democratic Party of New York’s checkered pattern of voter disenfranchisement.”

###
_________
Ed. note.  See: Stephanie Saul and Nick Corasniti.  "New York Board of Elections Cancels Democratic Presidential Primary."  New York Times, Apr. 27, 2020.

Yang et al. v New York State Board of Elections

Second Amended Complaint, originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Apr. 28, 2020. 

Opinion and order [PDF] issued by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres on May 5, 2020.

Friends of Bernie Sanders
May 5, 2020

NEWS: Sanders Campaign Statement on NY Ballot Decision

WASHINGTON – Bernie 2020 Campaign Manager Faiz Shakir on Tuesday released the following statement after a federal judge issued a ruling putting Sen. Bernie Sanders and other candidates back on the ballot in New York:

“We’re glad Judge Torres has restored basic democracy in New York. People in every state should have the right to express their preference in the 2020 Democratic primary. We have confidence that New York can hold elections in June in a safe manner that preserves New Yorkers’ right to vote.”
 
###

Friends of Bernie Sanders
May 6, 2020

NEWS: Sanders Campaign Statement on Appeal of NY Ballot Decision

WASHINGTON – Bernie 2020 Campaign Manager Faiz Shakir on Wednesday issued the following statement after the New York State Board of Elections announced it will appeal a court decision that puts Sen. Bernie Sanders and other presidential candidates back on the ballot:

"Even after a federal court found New York State to be acting unconstitutionally, they just won't stop trying to disenfranchise New York voters. Instead of working to create a safe, universal vote-by-mail system, New York State is going to waste taxpayer dollars trying to fight in court to deprive people of their right to participate in our democracy. We will continue to support Mr. Yang, his delegates and all the Sanders delegates as they fight to protect the sanctity of the vote."

###

Friends of Bernie Sanders
May 11, 2020

NEWS: Bernie 2020 Files Amicus Brief Urging Second Circuit Court of Appeals to Affirm District Court Decision Reinstating New York Democratic Presidential Primary

WASHINGTON – Bernie 2020 on Monday filed an amicus brief, often called a Friend of the Court brief, urging the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm a district court ruling overturning New York State government's decision to cancel the Democratic presidential primary.

The district court found that the decision to cancel the primary in New York violated rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution. The original case was brought by presidential candidate Andrew Yang and some of his prospective New York convention delegates.  Delegates supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders joined the case during its consideration before the district court. Today's amicus brief represents the first formal participation in the legal action by Sanders' presidential campaign, although attorneys and staff for Bernie 2020 have been in close consultation with attorneys for Mr. Yang, his delegates, and the Sanders delegates. Bernie 2020 has also previously filed an objection with the State of New York urging it not to cancel the New York Democratic primary.

"We are very disappointed that in the midst of an unprecedented crisis, the State of New York is spending taxpayer dollars undermining voting rights. Surely they have something better to do with their dollars," said Bernie 2020 campaign manager Faiz Shakir. "At a time when Republicans are trying to make it more difficult for people to vote, Democrats should be making it easier – not denying people the right to participate in the political process. The district court got it right. The State of New York acted unconstitutionally and the district court's decision should be upheld. The people of New York deserve to have their voices heard and their votes counted."

In the amicus brief, Bernie 2020 highlights the critically important role that delegates to the Democratic National Convention play beyond just nominating a presidential standard bearer. In fact, the delegates elected through the primaries and caucuses constitute the highest governing body of the Democratic Party. Allowing a group of Party insiders to determine the allocation of delegates – rather than letting voters decide – flies in the face of efforts in recent years to make the party more transparent and open. The groundwork laid by Senator Sanders and his delegates in 2016 ultimately led to diminishment of the power of so-called super delegates even though Sanders did not win the nomination. In addition, the 2016 Democratic Party platform was widely acknowledged to be the most progressive in the Party's history. Sanders' delegates led the charge on many of those changes. Both of these examples illustrate the central role delegates of candidates who may not win the nomination play in the future of the Party and the nation.      

The Bernie 2020 amicus brief also pointed to the impact of cancelling the presidential primary on down ballot races. Without the presidential primary, turnout in New York is likely to fall, thereby hurting other progressive candidates who are popular with the same constituencies that support Sanders. Cancelling the presidential primary tips the scales against those candidates.

The amicus brief can be found here.

###

Yang et al. v New York State Board of Elections

Oral argument before the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on May 15, 2020.

2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling of the lower court on May 19, 2020. >


Friends of Bernie Sanders
May 19, 2020

NEWS: Sanders Campaign Statement on NY Ballot Decision

WASHINGTON – Bernie 2020 Campaign Manager Faiz Shakir issued the following statement on Tuesday after the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a District Court ruling reinstating New York state’s presidential primary:

“The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals today confirmed what we knew: the State of New York acted illegally in trying to cancel the Democratic Presidential primary. With today's decision, which affirmed the District Court's recent ruling, we expect New York to work to make voting safe, rather than wasting taxpayer money trying to disenfranchise New York voters. This ruling is a victory for democracy. Congratulations go to Andrew Yang, his delegates, and our delegates for standing up to this abuse of power.”

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WEST VIRGINIA
Secretary of State Andrew "Mac" Warner
April 2, 2020

Public Notice: New Dates for 2020 Primary Election Published

West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner would like the public to be aware of the changes in dates and deadlines for the 2020 Primary Election, which will now be held on June 9.

On Wednesday, Governor Jim Justice moved the Primary Election back 28 days from May 12 to June 9. Information regarding the upcoming election, including how to register to vote and vote absentee, can be found at GoVoteWV.com.

A shareable social media graphic of the dates is attached. The updated dates and deadlines are as follows:

  • Jan. 1 – June 3: Eligible voters may apply for a Primary Election absentee ballot
  • April 24: County Clerks to begin mailing absentee ballots to voters who have submitted absentee applications to county clerks
  • May 14 – 20: Sample ballots published in local newspapers throughout the state (publication dates will vary by county)
  • May 19: Voter Registration Deadline
  • May 27 – June 6: Early Voting In-Person period
  • June 2 – 8: Official List of Candidates or Sample Ballot published in local newspapers throughout the state (publication dates will vary by county)
  • June 3: Deadline to submit Absentee-by-Mail Application (must be received by county clerk on this date)
  • June 8: Deadline to hand-deliver Absentee Ballot to County Clerk’s office
  • June 9: Deadline to mail Absentee Ballot to county clerk (must be postmarked by this date)
  • June 9: Primary Election Day (in-person voting locations may differ from regular polling location during COVID-19 pandemic; contact county clerk for more information)
  • June 10: Absentee Ballots mailed without a postmark accepted (absentee ballots without a postmark cannot be counted if received by county clerk after this date)
  • June 15: Start of Canvass (absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day will be accepted if received by the start of Canvass)
All registered voters will receive an application to request an absentee ballot for the June 9 Primary Election from their County Clerk by mail in early-to-mid April. Absentee request forms can also be printed from GoVoteWV.com or obtained by requesting a form from your County Clerk by email, phone, fax or in person.

In an effort to ensure access to a ballot while keeping voters, election workers, and the public safe during the Primary Election, Secretary Warner recommends that voters use the absentee ballot process to vote.

Always remember to consult only trusted sources for election information, which are the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office and your local county clerk. County clerk contact information is located at GoVoteWV.com. The WVSOS Elections Division can be reached at elections@wvsos.gov or by phone at 304-558-6000.

Office of Gov. Jim Justice
April 1, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice signs executive order to move Primary Election to June 9 after consultation with Attorney General, Secretary of State

CHARLESTON, WV - Gov. Jim Justice joined State health leaders, officials from his administration, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, and Secretary of State Mac Warner at the Capitol Complex in Charleston today for a virtual press briefing to once again update the public on the many measures being taken in the interest of protecting the public from the spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Gov. Jim Justice announced today that after consulting with the state’s medical experts, along with Secretary of State Mac Warner and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia’s 2020 Primary Election is being moved to June 9 instead of the originally scheduled date of May 12.

View the Executive Order here
.

“I want everyone to know this, the privilege of voting is so important and I support allowing the people of West Virginia to vote by every way possible,” Gov. Justice said. “Like our seniors, who take great pride in going to the polls like they have all their lives. I don’t want to take that away from them.

“Now I asked my medical experts, based on where we are today with COVID-19, can the people of West Virginia safely vote in the primary election on May 12 at their polling place?

“They told me no,” Gov. Justice stated. “So today, after working closely with our great Secretary of State and Attorney General, we are announcing a 27-day delay in the election. I will sign the executive order today.

“The new primary election date is Tuesday, June 9, 2020, and I hope this is the largest turnout ever! During both peace and war, Americans always vote. I will always support West Virginians voting in every way possible.”

Secretary of State Warner said his office continues to work in conjunction with county clerks across the state and that details for the new election day are being finalized. He encouraged citizens seeking more information to go to the Secretary of State's website. Gov. Justice also commended the county clerks for their work, especially in these difficult times.

Election information will be posted to the Secretary of State's website, GoVoteWV.com

Attorney General Morrisey confirmed that Gov. Justice has the power to change the date of the election and that he believes the decision unquestionably “protects and defends the constitutional rights of West Virginians” while also protecting the “health and safety” of our citizens and poll workers.

April 1, 2020

Excerpt from Gov. Jim Justice media briefing

> The first thing I want to talk to you about is our primary election date on May the 12th.

All of you know that, that I was absolutely hopeful and very supportive of trying to do our election on May the 12th. I felt like that we could do it. But as we continue to go and as we continue to get closer and closer, it's, it's ever so apparent that that's just absolutely the wrong thing to do.

So today I want everyone to know that my underlying effort, as well as my colleagues here, our great Attorney General Patrick Morrissey our great, great Secretary of State Mac Warner, we all agree that what we should do is move forward in moving a way to where we're going to extend the, the, the primary election date til June the 9th—27 days.

I want everyone to always remember just one thing. And that's this. I truly support, as these gentlemen as well, the ability for all of our citizens to be able to vote, and to be able to vote in a way that they've always voted. You know, we've, we've voted in wartime and in peace and an absolute, you know, tough situations and everything; we've got, especially our seniors, that value the treasure of being able to vote. And, and all of our people should take an additional advice from our seniors because I'm sure we all value it, but we, we, oftentimes, take for granted. The privilege of voting is unbelievable and we should always remember that. But our seniors you know, for our seniors that have had the opportunity to be able to come in to vote, and to come to the polling, you know, to our polling places and be able to do so. I am very very hopeful by extending this they'll have the opportunity to do just that.

We're still going to proceed ahead you know with our absentee ballots, we're gonna move the data up on a proportionate basis and and all that, you know, in the correct format in every way. But at the end of the day, I want this to be the biggest turnout of all time, you know, because all of us should treasure the opportunity and the privilege to vote, and I want us to just have that opportunity and, and by moving this, it will give us a lot better chance to do so.

Every one of us saw last night, our president, come out with a very, very grim report, and that was that there could be a possibility of losing 240,000 people in this country. Well, we got a long ways to go. Let's hope snf pray in every way, shape, form and fashion this wind somehow blows around West Virginia. But at the same time we got to know we're the most exposed state, the highest risk state, and from all that, you know, there's no question, moving this date is the right thing to do.

I've also, I've asked our medical experts because you know I've been bombarded with, with basically requests to extend the date. And I asked my medical experts just this question, just this simple. And that was: based on where we are today with this COVID-19 virus, by May the 12th can the people in West Virginia safely vote in a primary election at their polling place, because I think that's really, really important? And the answer was unequivocably, No.

So today after working closely with these two wonderful gentlemen that are on my right and my left, we are announcing this 27 day delay in our election. The new primary day will be Tuesday, June the 9th, 2020,

Now, the reason for June the 9th, it's the first Tuesday after all schools will be officially closed. Now I'll get to that in just one second because I am still very very hopeful that at some point in time our kids and our teachers can go back to school, and I'll touch on that in just one second. But as President Trump has already said we're at war with this virus. So we want to ensure that our citizens have the opportunity. I will always support West Virginians voting in every way, shape, form or fashion and forgive me for saying that again.

But you're welcome to vote by absentee. But I want all West Virginians to have that opportunity to go to a polling place that they, they are used to going to, and that they treasure and they want to do that.

You know, like I said before, I hope it's the largest turnout ever and. And so, officially today we're going to, we're going to delay 27 days and we're going to go on June the 9th, and I also said also said that that is that ensures us that some of the schools their last day is June 6, and some of the schools are out earlier you know, whether it be early, early days of June or maybe in the last days of May, but June the 6th ensures is that all the schools will be closed from the standpoint of students going to the schools...


NEW JERSEY
Office of Gov. Phil Murphy

April 8, 2020

Governor Murphy Announces Postponement of June 2nd Primary Elections until July 7th

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 120, postponing primary elections on Tuesday, June 2nd to Tuesday, July 7th in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  This includes primaries for President, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the 25th District of the New Jersey Legislature, and county and municipal elections, as well as county committee elections.  Last month, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 105, which delayed certain elections set to take place in March and April until May 12th.

“Preserving basic functions of our democracy is critical in this unprecedented time,” said Governor Murphy. “Citizens exercising their right to vote should not have to risk their safety and the safety of others in order to make their voices heard. Postponing our primary elections is a difficult, yet necessary, choice to ensure that our citizens can partake in their civic duty of voting.”

“Governor Murphy’s decision to move New Jersey’s primary election to July 7, 2020 will provide our state, county, and local election officials with the time we need to prepare for a free, fair, and safe election for New Jersey voters.” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way.

The Order also states that all deadlines for meeting statutory requirements for a primary election that are currently scheduled to occur after April 11 will be calculated using the July 7, 2020 primary election date.  This would not affect any deadlines that 1) have already passed, such as the filing deadline for candidate petitions for the primary election, or 2) will pass prior to April 11.  The only exception is the deadline for change of party affiliation declaration forms to be filed, which is currently scheduled for April 8 and will move to May 13.

Additionally, independent candidate petitions will be due by 4:00 p.m. on July 7, 2020, and the electronic signature and submission requirements that were set forth in Executive Order No. 105 for primary candidates will be extended to these independent candidate petitions.

Election rules have been modified during prior emergencies, including by Governor Kean in 1982 during a severe winter storm and by the Christie Administration in 2012 in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Copy of Executive Order 120


APRIL 4 CONTESTS TO VOTE BY MAIL


ALASKA
Alaska Democratic Party
March 23, 2020

Alaska Democratic Party Announces Changes to Presidential Primary Amid Coronavirus Spread

In-person Voting is Canceled; Ability to Vote by Mail Expanded

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – In an attempt to help curb potential community spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Alaska Democratic Party today announced changes to the organization and execution of their party-run presidential primary. 

·     All in-person voting across the state originally scheduled for April 4 has been canceled in favor of a more extensive vote-by-mail process approved unanimously by the Alaska Democratic Party Executive Committee. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has been notified of the changes.

·     The vote by mail deadline has been extended from the original date of March 24. Ballots must now be received in Anchorage no later than April 10 to be counted. 

·     Detailed instructions, a downloadable ranked-choice ballot, and voter registration forms will be available on the Alaska Democratic Party website by 5pm on Monday, March 23. [link]

A final tabulation of the primary results will be released as soon as possible once all ballots are received on April 10th, but no later than April 11, 2020 at 11:59 PM. Because of the nature of statewide, ranked-choice tabulation, running totals will not be available as ballots are counted. One final result will be released by the ADP upon completion of the full tabulation of all votes from across the state. Results will be posted on the website after tabulation.

“The Alaska Democratic Party has already mailed ballots to over 71,000 registered Democrats across the state, seven times the number of people that participated in the 2016 caucuses. We want to continue to allow for maximum participation in this historic primary while respecting the health and safety of our voters and volunteers,” said Lindsay Kavanaugh, Executive Director. “We appreciate the patience and solidarity of the community at this time, and are pleased to be extending the vote by mail program to ensure Alaskans’ voices are heard.”

“The use of downloadable ballots will give many Alaskans a final opportunity to register their presidential preference. It will accommodate those who unintentionally spoiled a ballot, did not make the deadline to request an absentee ballot, or who wish to register as a Democrat and cast their ballot past the original deadline date,” said Casey Steinau, ADP Chair. “Even in difficult times, we hold our responsibility seriously to allow as many Alaskans as possible the right to have a say in this election.”

The Alaska Democratic Party will continue to assess and evaluate potential changes in procedure for its House District Caucuses scheduled for April 18, and the State Democratic Convention scheduled for May 15-16 in Fairbanks. Please visit alaskademocrats.org for details on how to become a delegate to the State or National Convention.

Members of the press with questions may send inquiries to Jeanne Devon, Communications Director for the Alaska Democratic Party at info@alaskademocrats.org

###
_____________
April 6 update from Jeanne Devon:
Update on Alaska Presidential Primary

  • 71,106 ballots were mailed out in March to those who were registered Democrats by February 18. 
  • We have received approximately 16,300 returned ballots as of Sunday, April 5.  
  • We will be counting all ballots (original official ballots, and downloadable ballots) received to our post office box in Anchorage by mail delivery time (approximately 12:30pm) on April 10. 
  • There is no way to determine how many downloadable ballots have been printed, but the page that hosts the download link has been accessed 15,700 times. 
  • We will be tabulating results on a ranked choice ballot for the following candidates: Sanders, Biden, Warren, Gabbard, and undeclared. This reflects candidates with active campaigns, and those who have suspended their campaigns but asked to be included in the tabulation. 
  • We will finish processing ballots on April 10, and will have the final tabulation completed on April 11. 
  • We will release the results as soon as they are final on April 11, before 11:59pm. No results will be available on April 10. 
_____________
April 11 updates from Jeanne Devon:

The final count of ballots received by the cutoff of April 10, was 19,813.
This is almost double our total number of caucus-goers in 2016.
_____________

Alaska Democratic Party Releases Results of First-Ever Presidential Primary

ANCHORAGE, AK - After several systemic changes in process due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alaska Democratic Party has concluded and released the results of their first-ever party-run primary. The primary utilized a ranked choice ballot, allowing voters to choose their top five candidates in order of preference.

Candidates who have suspended their campaigns but requested that their votes still be tabulated are reflected in the results below. Candidates who have asked that their votes not be tabulated are not reflected in the results.

If a candidate failed to reach 15% of overall voter support during the first round of tabulation, their votes were rolled over to the voter's second choice. This process was repeated until the vote landed with a viable candidate, or until the ballot was exhausted.

A total of 19,759 votes were cast.


The final tabulation is as follows:

Joe Biden: 55.3% 
10,834 votes, with 9 delegates

Bernie Sanders: 44.7%
8,755  votes with 8 delegates


"Our goal in converting our system from the caucuses of past presidential elections to a party-run primary was to enfranchise as many Alaska Democrats as possible, particularly in rural communities with limited or no access to caucus locations," said Casey Steinau, Chair. "Our voter turnout by mail is just about twice what our caucus turnout was in 2016 which shows that vote by mail works. We are very pleased with the implementation and success of the process, and hope we can serve as an example of how this can be done right, and done across the nation."

"Last week we witnessed the horrible sight of Wisconsin voters forced to stand in long lines, risking their health to cast their votes because Democratic efforts to cancel in-person voting were stymied by Republicans. We are proud that holding a party-run primary allowed us to make decisions as events unfolded and shift to all vote by mail while maintaining the health and safety of our team," said Lindsay Kavanaugh, Executive Director. "We extended our deadline, and implemented the use of a downloadable ballot to give Alaska Democrats as much opportunity as possible to cast their votes under very difficult circumstances. I'd also like to thank our Party-run Primary Director, Louis “Wigi” Tozzi, for his leadership, vision, and dedication to making the primary plan become reality."

The second stage of the nominating process will be in the form of virtual caucuses held on April 18 by each of Alaska's 40 House Districts. The Alaska Democratic Party's Statewide Convention, originally scheduled to be held in Fairbanks on May 15-16, will also be conducted online, with details of that event still ongoing.

Delegate selection and primary information and results  [link]
_____________

Apportionment of delegates

9 District
5 - Biden
4 - Sanders 

2 PLEOS 
1 - Biden
1 - Sanders

2 ALT
1 - Biden
1 - Sanders 

4 At Large
2 - Biden 
2 - Sanders 

Apportionment of delegates was based on the results of the Party Run Primary. Although Senator Sanders suspended his campaign, he requested to remain on the ballot as a candidate, as did Rep. Gabbard and Senator Warren. Therefore, delegates were allocated in proportion to Alaska voters' preference and in accordance with our AK Delegate Selection Plan and Rule 11.C of the DNC Rules & Bylaws for the 2020 National Convention.  

*At-large and pledged party leader and elected official (“PLEO”) delegates and alternates are allocated based on the statewide results of the primary or caucus to each preference (presidential candidate or uncommitted) that meets the 15% threshold based on the statewide results. [Rule 11.C]



HAWAII
Hawaii Democratic Party
https://hawaiidemocrats.org/2020ppp/

DUE TO COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON-SITE VOTING HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND A 3RD ROUND OF BALLOTS WILL BE MAILED; PLEASE REGISTER AND ENROLL BY APRIL 4th, 2020; MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE

What is the PPP?
● The PPP is the Party-run Presidential Primary, formerly known as the “Presidential Preference Poll.”
● This election is administered by the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi and IS DIFFERENT from the State-run Primary Election. (In the PPP, you vote for Democratic Presidential candidates. In the State-run Primary, you vote for local races like State House, State Senate, Mayor, Councilmembers, etc.)
● This year, for the first time, the PPP will be conducted exclusively via mail-in voting.
● In previous years, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi members voted at locations in their communities, and had to be present to vote in person.

Who can vote in the PPP?
● Only Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi members who are registered to vote in Hawaiʻi, and whose voter registration information is up-to-date.
● Sign-up here: hawaiidemocrats.org (click the Join tab)

Aren’t I already a member? I vote Democratic in every election.
● No, voting Democratic does not make you a member. The United States has secret ballots.
● Sign-up here: hawaiidemocrats.org (click the Join tab)

I registered as a Democrat when I registered to vote right?
● No, you would have had to enroll with the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i using a separate form.
● The State Office of Elections does not ask for party affiliation when people register to vote.
● If you aren’t sure, please enroll or update your membership information here: hawaiidemocrats.org (click the Join tab)

What address were the PPP ballots mailed to?
● The mailing address on-file with the State of Hawaii’s Office of Elections. We will not mail your ballot to another address.
● View or update your voter registration information here: olvr.hawaii.gov

When does the ballot need to be returned?
● As soon as possible; the deadline is Friday, May 22, 2020.

Can completed ballots be dropped off at the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s HQ in Honolulu?
● No, our Headquarters are closed due to COVID-19, so all ballots MUST be returned by postal mail.

Who will receive a PPP ballot?
● You will receive a ballot if you are:
● A registered voter in the state of Hawai‘i (register on-line at olvr.hawaii.gov) AND
● Provided the state with correct, up-to-date name and address information on their voter registration record before April 4, 2020 (update your record online at olvr.hawaii.gov) AND
● Enrolled in the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i using that same correct, up-to-date information on-line at hawaiidemocrats.org (click the Join tab) AND
● At least 18 years old by November 3, 2020

What is the deadline to meet the requirements to get a mail-in ballot?
● Saturday, April 4, 2020

If a person makes the deadline above when will they receive a ballot in the mail?
● On or about May 2, 2020

If a person missed the deadline to meet all the requirements is there another opportunity to vote?
● No

What if I have not received a ballot?
● Not receiving a ballot is most likely due to one or more of the following:
● You are not an enrolled member of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i (DPH).
● You are not a registered voter in the State of Hawai‘i.
● You are enrolled with the DPH, but moved and have not yet updated your mailing address with the Office of Elections. Update your registration at olvr.hawaii.gov
● When you enrolled in the DPH you did not use your legal name.
● You changed your name (wedding, divorce, transition, etc.) and did not update your voter registration or membership information.
● Your voter mailing address was not a qualified USPS delivery address.
● Your voter mailing address was marked confidential by the Office of Elections.
● You did get a ballot but threw it out by mistake.

Why did my friend/spouse get a ballot and I did not?
● They are registered to vote in the State of Hawaiʻi AND are enrolled members of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.
● Members who were registered and enrolled by the first ballot deadline of Feb 18, 2020 had ballots arrive in their mailboxes starting on or around March 2, 2020.
● Members who were registered to vote and enrolled in the Party by the second ballot deadline of March 8, 2020 had ballots arrive in their mailboxes starting on or around March 20, 2020.

Why do candidates’ names appear on the ballot that have dropped out of the race?
● Ballots had to be finalized by February 14, 2020, and
● Candidates that dropped out had to request by February 14, 2020 to have their name removed from the ballot

When will the results be announced?
● Saturday, May 23, 2020

What is Ranked Choice Voting?
● Ranked Choice Voting allows for voters to vote for up to 3 candidates in their specific order of preference How does Ranked Choice Voting work?
● Voters are able to vote for up to 3 candidates, but are not required to use all 3 of their votes.
● If you vote for fewer than 3 candidates, that’s completely fine. It won’t invalidate your ballot.
● A candidate needs to receive 15% of the votes to be eligible for delegates.
● If a voter’s 1st choice candidate does receive 15% or greater, their ballot will be cast for their 1st choice
● If their 1st choice does not receive 15% in the first round then the accounting program will go to their 2nd choice
● If their 2nd choice candidate receives 15% or greater, their ballot is cast for their 2nd choice
● If their 2nd choice does not have 15% the accounting program goes to their 3rd choice
● If their 3rd choice candidate receives 15% or greater, their ballot is cast for their 3rd choice
● If their 3rd choice has not received 15% of the vote then their ballot is exhausted
● For more information about Ranked Choice Voting please visit www.HawaiiRCV2020.org

Do I use a pen or a pencil to fill out the ballot?
● Pen with blue or black ink

Will it void a ballot if I vote for less than 3 candidates?
● Absolutely not.
● A voter can vote for 1, 2, or 3 candidates

What happens if I voted for a candidate who has dropped out of the race?
● If your 1st choice vote was for a candidate who received 15% OR MORE of the vote in your congressional district, they will receive delegates proportionally regardless of their current status as a candidate.
● If your 1st choice vote was for a candidate who received LESS THAN 15% of the vote in your congressional district, your vote will go to your 2nd choice vote.

Lost ballot: I received my ballot, but I lost it. How do I request a replacement ballot?
● If you have lost or mismarked your ballot please call (888) 317-1906.

Mahalo for your patience as our minimal staff and volunteers are working overtime to send ballots to tens of thousands of members during these unprecedented times.


WYOMING
Wyoming Democratic Party
https://www.wyodems.org/2020caucus

CAUCUS INFORMATION

The Wyoming Democratic Party will now be conducting its presidential preference caucus entirely by mail.

The COVID-19 virus has created uncertain times, and adapting to those times means adapting our caucus. As more states move to shelter-in-place status, we recognize the possibility that Wyoming could follow suit, and are proactively preparing for that possibility by shifting to a 100% mail in caucus.

To vote in the caucus, you must have been a registered Wyoming Democrat as of March 20, 2020. This is the original voter registration deadline that has been extensively advertised for several months.

All WyoDems who were registered by March 10 have already had a ballot sent to them. Voters who registered March 11-20 will be automatically sent a ballot in the mail.

If your original ballot was lost, destroyed, or is otherwise unusable, you may request a new ballot by clicking here and completing the ballot request form. Please use your full legal name as listed on your voter registration as of March 20, 2020. Requests must be received by March 31, 2020 in order to be honored. We are not able to accept ballot requests after March 31.

Ballots must be mailed back to WDP (postage paid envelope is included) and received by April 17, 2020. Ballots received after this date will not be tabulated.

Caucus results will be released as soon as possible; check back for updates on the finalized reporting date.

Counties will hold delegate elections and conventions electronically, no later than May 24, 2020. This page will be updated to reflect dates, times, and registration instructions for county conventions.

IMPORTANT DATES

-March 20: Deadline to register to vote to participate in the caucus

-March 31: Deadline to request a replacement ballot via the online form located here

-April 17: Ballots must be received, via mail, by WDP

HOW CAN I VOTE?

1. Every registered Democrat in Wyoming who was registered to vote as of March 20, 2020 will receive an official ballot in the mail. Voters will fill out this ballot and return it in the provided, postage-paid envelope to be tabulated.

2. Voters whose ballots were lost, destroyed, or are otherwise unavailable to cast their vote may request a new ballot by completing the form located here. Voters who have already returned a ballot by mail will not receive another ballot. Voters who registered after the March 20 registration deadline are not eligible to participate in the caucus.

All ballots must be received by WDP no later than April 17, 2020.

WHAT IS RANKED-CHOICE VOTING?

Instead of choosing one candidate, voters rank each Democratic presidential candidate in order of preference. 

Ranked-choice voting ensures that every vote is counted, allowing voters the ability to fully participate in each round of voting.

Here's how it works:



ON THE CALENDAR FOR APRIL 7
WISCONSIN
See: Main Wisconsin Primary Page
Although other states moved to postpone presidential primaries, Wisconsin officials stuck to their April 7 date.  The Spring Election had a lot of races on the ballot in addition to the presidential primary.  Officials made the calculation that the complications of postponing the election outweighed the risk to public health
, but the reality of the situation in early and mid-March was different in late March.

None of the state's elected leaders came out of this episode looking particularly good.  Gov. Tony Evers (D) did not have the authority to postpone the primary and leaders in the Republican controlled legislature did not want to act.  Both encouraged a predominantly by mail election. 

There remained the question of those who would cast their ballots in-person.  Local officials and groups sought to postpone the primary, and several lawsuits were filed.  The Wisconsin Election Commission and local election officials faced a seemingly impossible task.  In addition to following guidelines to keep polling places sanitized and maintain social distancing, they faced a serious shortage of poll workers.  On top of that, on March 24 Gov. Evers had issued a shelter in place order. 

On March 27 Evers proposed mailing absentee ballots to all registered voters, which Republican leaders quickly rejected.  The Republican leaders in the legislature pointed out that any voter could request an absentee ballot and that record absentee voting was occurring.  Voter ID requirements were an important subtext as well.  Republicans sought to uphold the state's strict voter ID requirements, while Democrats argued those measures should be loosened in view of the crisis. 

On April 2, U.S. District Judge William Conley, ruling in three consolidated cases, declined to take the "extraordinary step of delaying a state-wide election at the last minute," but did provide relief by extending the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots.  Conley ruled that ballots received by April 13 irrespective of postmark date should be counted, effectively extending absentee voting. 
Conley had sharp words for state officials; he wrote,

"As much as the court would prefer that the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor consider the public health ahead of any political considerations, that does not appear in the cards. Nor is it appropriate for a federal district court to act as the state’s chief health official by taking that step for them."

Republicans immediately appealed, arguing that "absentee ballots must be postmarked (or personally delivered to the polls) no later than April 7 in order to be counted."  The court of appeals rejected their claim so they made an emergency application to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Meanwhile Evers made several last-minute attempts to postpone in-person voting.  On April 3, he issued an executive order calling for a special session of the legislature on April 4.  Republican leaders rejected the call, noting that, “If the governor had legitimate concerns, we could have come to a bipartisan solution weeks ago."

On April 6, he issued an executive order suspending in-person voting for the April 7  election, moving in-person voting to June 9, and directing a special session of the legislature to meet on April 7 to address the date for in-person voting.  Republican leaders in the legislature immediately took the matter to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which blocked Evers' attempt to stop in-person voting on April 7 and move the date.  Also on the evening of April 6 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that Judge Conyers had acted erroneously in extending the absentee period.

Thus the primary went ahead when officials in so many other states had concluded it was not safe to conduct an election.  Encouraged by officials, a record number of people voted by absentee ballot.  However, there were many instances reported of people who had requested an absentee ballot but did not receive one.  In person voting proceeded; polling places were consolidated, the National Guard deployed to help, and 400,000-plus voters, at risk to themselves and others, turned out to exercise their right to vote.

See:
Patrick Marley.  "Thosands of absentee ballots in Wisconsin weren't counted because of mailing problems and tech glitches."  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, May 18, 2020.

Associated Press.  "With results due in Wisconsin election, voters file lawsuit."  WSAW-TV, April 13, 2020.

John Kruzel.  "Supreme Court blocks Wisconsin from extending absentee voting."  The Hill, April 6, 2020.

Natasha Korecki.  "Wisconsin Democrats apoplectic over governor's handling of Tuesday's primary."  Politico, April 2, 2020.

Patrick Marley.  "Judge signals he will expand voting but not delay Wisconsin's election amid coronavirus outbreak."  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,  April 1, 2020.

Todd Richmond.  "Judge dismisses Green Bay lawsuit to stop in-person voting."  AP, March 27, 2020. [Green Bay]

Nick Corasaniti and Stephanie Saul.  "'Your Health or the Right to Vote': A Battle in Wisconsin as Its Primary Nears."  The New York Times, March 27, 2020.

Patrick Marley.  "Two more lawsuits filed over Wisconsin's spring election seeking to change how and when people vote during coronavirus."  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 26, 2020.

Laurel White.  "Green Bay Files Federal Lawsuit To Delay Wisconsin's April 7 Election."  Wisconsin Public Radio, March 25, 2020.

documents, press releases, statements in reverse chronological, most recent first...

Democratic National Committee

April 7, 2020

DNC on Wisconsin Primary Election

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement on today’s Wisconsin primary election:

“This was a dark day for our democracy. In the middle of one of the worst public health emergencies in modern history, the Republican Party forced the people of Wisconsin to choose between their safety and their vote. The craven self-interest of the GOP knows no bounds. They suppressed people’s voices and put lives in danger – all in service of their own partisan ambition. Democrats are showing true leadership during this crisis by advocating for the health and safety of the American people and the integrity of our democracy. And come Election Day in November, voters will remember which party had their back.”

Wisconsin National Guard
April 7, 2020
CONTACT: Capt. Joe Trovato

Wisconsin National Guard: In a first for Wisconsin National Guard, Citizen Soldiers and Airmen serve as poll workers across Wisconsin on election day

MADISON, Wis. — More than 2,400 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen from the Wisconsin National Guard mobilized to state active duty to serve as poll workers at polling stations across the state during Wisconsin’s April 7 election.

The Guard members, dressed in civilian attire, served at polls in 71 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties – all except Florence County – in support of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and clerks due to a critical shortage of poll workers resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with state elections laws, most of the National Guard members served as poll workers in the counties in which they reside. They fulfilled the same roles and duties that a traditional civilian poll worker fulfills, and in many cases served alongside fellow civilian poll workers in communities across the state.

One of those Citizen Soldiers was Capt. Alicia Dorsett, a member of the Headquarters Battery of the 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. She and her mother, Sheila Dorsett, staffed the polls together in Dorsett’s hometown and residence of Poy Sippi, Wisconsin.

“This mission has provided a unique opportunity to serve our communities like we’ve never done before,” Dorsett said. “For me, serving my community became quite literal when I was assigned to report to the polling place in my hometown of Poy Sippi, Wisconsin.

“Not only am I serving in my own community, but I’m serving alongside the people who watched me grow up, to include my own mom,” she added. “Those voting today get to see a familiar face and feel safe with the hygienic practices implemented by people they know and trust.”

The Wisconsin National Guard has two core missions – serving in its federal role as the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force as well as serving the state during times of emergency, and while serving as poll workers is a unique and unprecedented mission for the Wisconsin National Guard, serving the state in a time of need is a familiar concept for the state’s Citizen Soldiers and Airmen.

“It was a good experience,” said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Ard, a Green Bay, Wisconsin resident assigned as a public affairs noncommissioned officer in the Milwaukee-based 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade serving as a poll worker at the Allouez Village Hall. “There were many volunteers, some wearing masks, but the training was well planned by the village. They have a good plan and the Guard is here to provide support in any way we can.”

Others like Sgt. Monica Miggins, a fueler from Madison assigned to the Beloit, Wisconsin-based 1158th Transportation Company hoped the Guard’s efforts helped alleviate the burden on other poll workers.

“We’re making a positive impact because there a lot of people who volunteer who are elderly,” she said while working at a Fitchburg, Wisconsin polling station. “So this helps out with letting them avoid contact with people by letting younger Soldiers take their duties.”

Guard personnel fulfilled a variety of duties as poll workers throughout the day.

“I did a little of everything,” said Maj. Maria Garcia, a member of the 132nd Brigade Support Battalion and a Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, resident supporting the City of Wauwatosa and Milwaukee County. “I assisted with the ballots and polling book, feeding ballots into the machine, cleaning the polling location and directing traffic.”

Garcia said she received training from the Milwaukee County Elections Commission and COVID-19 safety guidance prior to polls opening.

“Working with Wauwatosa was a very positive experience,” she added. “The Guard members ensured Wauwatosa could provide full election staffing for all its districts.”

Spc. Michael Clark, a truck driver from Mosinee, Wisconsin’s F Company, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, said he was honored to serve his community at a polling station in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

“I think that as a Guardsman it is important to help out the community and nation in any way possible whether it is a very little things or a national emergency,” he said. “It is a great way to gain experience and meet interesting, new people and gain great new experiences.”

Staff Sgt. Alan Hughes, assigned to Madison’s 115th Fighter Wing, but also serving in Marshfield in support of Wood County was grateful for the opportunity to serve his neighbors.

“As a traditional status Guardsman drilling with an Air National Guard unit nearly two hours away from my home, it feels good to be able to support my own friends and neighbors and demonstrate to my local community that there are local Guardsman always willing and able to step up when the need arises, no matter what the situation may be,” Hughes said.

The Citizen Soldiers and Airmen working at the polls received glowing reviews from many clerks around the state.

“The nine Guardsmen that Langlade County received were so kind and eager to be of assistance to the municipal clerks,” said Judy Nagel, Langlade County clerk. “I really appreciate your help with this. It was valued that they were trained and informed of what they were doing for the community. Using local Guardsmen was a plus.”

Barron County Clerk DeeAnn Cook shared a similar opinion.

“Use of the soldiers has been the smoothest part of this election,” she said. “I am more than impressed with how this entire process of using the Guard came off. What a nice, polite, respectful group of people they are. They all arrived on time and were patient while their assignments were being decided, then reported for duty.”

Brig. Gen. Robyn Blader, Wisconsin’s assistant adjutant general for readiness and training was responsible for coordinating the Wisconsin National Guard’s response and served as a liaison with the Wisconsin Elections Commission in the days and weeks leading up to the election. She helped orchestrate the Wisconsin National Guard’s logistical support to WEC by procuring and distributing supplies needed to ensure polling stations were as safe as possible such as hand sanitizer, wipes, spray bottles, and personal protective equipment before more than 2,400 troops mobilized to support the poll worker mission.

“The Wisconsin National Guard stands ready 24/7 to serve our communities and our state,” she said. “The elections mission is an illustration of how we can bring our service members on state active duty, train them to be poll workers and send them out to polling stations within their community and execute the polling mission in a professional manner. Our unique military and civilian skills make us adaptable to execute any mission across every zip code in our state. The Wisconsin National Guard is part of your communities, as we are your family, your friends, your co-workers and your neighbors who live in your communities, and we could not be prouder to be serving the citizens of our state and being part of ensuring they can cast their vote in this election.”

The troops mobilized for the mission in short order – a testament to the Wisconsin National Guard’s readiness when called to serve. Within less than 48 hours of initially receiving the mission, more than 2,400 mobilized beginning April 5. By April 6, Guardsmen were reporting to local clerks, completing several hours of WEC-provided training and helping setup polling sites. Tuesday morning, they stood ready to assist, despite the uncertainty surrounding the election amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That would not have been possible without you,” said Meagan Wolfe, the Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator. “Thank you to all the service men and women who helped make democracy in Wisconsin possible today.”

Tracy Oldenburg, Fitchburg’s city clerk shared a similar message.

“The National Guard has been wonderful,” Oldenburg said. “We would not be able to run our polling locations without them. A lot of our normal polling volunteers are over the age of 70 and due to the Coronavirus they are unable to serve. So it’s been awesome for the National Guard to step up and fill those positions.”

The Wisconsin National Guard’s mission to serve as poll workers in an election may mark the first time in the nation’s history that the National Guard mobilized to staff polling sites during an emergency. The mission to serve as poll workers continues through April 8 when troops will assist with polling station cleanup and processing ballots, if needed, before being released from state active duty. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin National Guard simultaneously continues to support other missions across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin National Guard troops are currently helping staff two state-run voluntary self-isolation facilities in Milwaukee and Madison and another Milwaukee-run facility with medics providing medical monitoring as well as administrative support. Approximately 12 personnel are staffing each state-run facility, while nearly 30 are assisting at the Milwaukee-run facility.

Citizen Soldiers and Airmen are also conducting warehousing operations in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services where they are receiving personal protective equipment (PPE) shipments at warehouses, repackaging it, and then distributing it to sites that need PPE.

A team of six Wisconsin National Guard medics also augmented the staff at a senior living facility in Grafton, Wisconsin, for three days in March while the facility dealt with a staffing shortfall after a COVID-19 outbreak there.

Also last month, a team of 30 Wisconsin National Guard personnel assisted DHS transport a group of Wisconsin citizens back to their homes after they returned to our state from a cruise ship that had confirmed cases of COVID-19 onboard.

Last weekend, a team of approximately 30 Wisconsin National Guard troops responded to a senior living facility in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where they established a mobile COVID-19 testing site and collected specimens from staff and residents there.

The Wisconsin National Guard continues to stand ready for additional missions, as requested by state or civil authorities.

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Ard, Spc. Emma Anderson, Spc. Anya Hanson, and 1st Lt. Daniel Yarnall contributed to this report.

Voces de la Frontera
April 7, 2020

Voces de la Frontera challenges anti-democratic Wisconsin election; The fight for fair elections will continue

Voces de la Frontera continues its fight on Tuesday against Wisconsin’s dangerous election by protesting in Madison to ask the state’s top health officer to intervene and stop the ongoing election.

A caravan of several dozen cars circled the headquarters of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, calling on Secretary Andrea Palm to declare a health emergency and stop the election, even as voters were already risking their health at the few polling places still open in the state. See images below.

The Milwaukee-based non-profit organization, Voces de la Frontera, is the largest immigrant-rights group in Wisconsin and was part of a federal lawsuit challenging the election.

“It’s a travesty that the election is allowed to go on,” said Tony Castañeda of Madison, one of the protestors. “Putting people at risk, especially the poll workers. It’s an outright power grab by the Republican party.”

Castañeda was referring to Wisconsin’s Republican leaders who fought against postponing the election, eventually winning in decisions late Monday from both the Wisconsin and United States Supreme Courts.

Voces Executive Director Christine Neumann-Ortiz said the fight to preserve the full access of citizens to the voting process will continue. “We’re doing this to build a movement to fight a political and legal system that is failing its citizens.”

“What is happening today threatens lives and basic democracy. If it happened here it can happen in future elections in Wisconsin and other states. Our elections matter: the massive need for a robust economic aid package and medical system available to all has never been as apparent as it is at this moment.”

“But it will truly be a movement from below, rooted in social networks to help each other overcome all barriers to voting to ensure that lives and democracy are not stolen as is happening in Wisconsin today.”

“Democracy needs help right now,” said Alejandro Riano of Madison, another protestor. Riano requested an absentee ballot more than two weeks but hasn’t received it. He said he’ll take the health risks and vote in-person.

State election officials said Sunday that about 550,000 people who had requested absentee ballots still hadn’t returned them.

The April 2016 election drew more than 2 million voters. To equal that this year there would have to be over 1.2 million in-person votes cast, extremely unlikely because of the health risks and the closure of so many polling sites.

For more information, contact Communications Director Jack Norman: 414.405.6210 or communications@vdlf.org

Common Cause in Wisconsin
April 7, 2020

Statement of Common Cause in Wisconsin Director Jay Heck on Election Day

Common Cause in Wisconsin realizes that many voters have a difficult choice to make between
voting in person and protecting their health. This choice was entirely avoidable, but our legislature refused to act to protect the safety of Wisconsinites.

For voters who choose to vote in person, we encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines on social distancing and to wear a mask to protect others. We also encourage voters who have an absentee ballot to mail them, ensuring they are postmarked with today’s date or deliver them to their designated polling place before 8 PM this evening. All absentee ballots must have the signature of a witness on the outside envelope in order to be counted. Voters who have questions about how to vote in today’s primaries can call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE. Media outlets are encouraged to include the nonpartisan hotline number in their stories, on social media, and on their websites as a resource for voters.

Wisconsin is the only state in the nation that has failed to step up and respond responsibly and safely to the current national health pandemic emergency. We have seven months until the general election and there is time to fix these issues before November to ensure we are protecting public health and the right to vote.

Wisconsin’s absentee ballot rules are no doubt disenfranchising voters. Governor Evers and the legislature must work together to resolve these issues before the November election so voters can cast their ballot in a safe, accessible, and fair way. Common Cause in Wisconsin and our allies will work with election officials to ensure we avoid this kind of chaos for November’s election.

BACKGROUND:
A sharply divided Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday blocked Wisconsin Governor Tony Ever’s executive order to postpone the April 7th Spring election until June 9, or such date that the Governor and Legislature could agree upon in a legislative special session, called for today. The vote was 4 to 2. Also yesterday, a sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that absentee ballots must be postmarked by today, April 7th or have been delivered to polling places before 8 PM today to be counted. This effectively disenfranchises thousands of Wisconsin voters who have not yet received their absentee ballots even though they may have applied to receive them before last Friday’s deadline to apply for such a ballot.
 
The effect of these two rulings is that the Wisconsin spring election will proceed today on April 7th.

Wisconsin Elections Commission
April 6, 2020

Top 10 Things Voters Should Know Before Heading to the Polls on April 7 - COVID-19

MADISON, WI – Hundreds of thousands of voters will likely be heading to the polls Tuesday in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Here’s what they should know:

“How and where you vote may have changed because of COVID-19,” said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.  “Local election officials are prepared for Election Day with sanitation supplies and have been trained on social distancing procedures and other guidance developed with a public health official. Now, we’re asking voters to be careful and patient if they go to the polls on Tuesday.”

Wolfe offered these important reminders to voters:

1.    Because of poll worker shortages, your polling place may have changed due to consolidation.  Before heading out to vote, please double-check your polling location at myvote.wi.gov. Click “Find My Polling Place.”

2.    Wash your hands before heading to your polling place on Election Day.  Hand hygiene is essential for a safe voting experience for everyone at the polls.

3.    Wash or sanitize your hands again when arriving at your polling place and before voting. A 70%  alcohol spray solution will be available at most polling places.

4.    Things will look different at your polling place.  Social distancing and public health related changes have been made to each polling place for this election.

5.    Please be patient when voting at the polls.  The public health procedures being used will slow down some parts of the process when you have to interact with poll workers.

6.    You may be asked to line up outside your polling place or voting area to ensure only a safe number of voters are in the voting area at one time.

7.    Social distancing is essential even at your polling place on Election Day.  There will be procedures in place to allow for six feet between voters and poll workers to ensure a safe voting experience for everyone.

8.    Please keep your face-to-face interactions brief with both poll workers and other voters.  We want to limit the risk for everyone in the process on Election Day.

9.    If you are ill and still need to vote on Election Day, curbside voting options are available.

10.    If you received an absentee ballot, you can return it at your polling place on Election Day if you have not yet returned it to your municipal clerk’s office. The deadline to return absentee ballots to the clerk’s office is 4 p.m. on Monday, April 13.

Wisconsin Elections Commission
April 6, 2020 - 10:35pm
To
Wisconsin County Clerks
Wisconsin Municipal Clerks
City of Milwaukee Election Commission
Milwaukee County Election Commission
From
Meagan Wolfe, Administrator

URGENT -- Wisconsin Supreme Court Orders Election Day to Continue and U.S. Supreme Court Alters Ballot Receipt Deadline; Tallying and Reporting Results Still Prohibited Until April 13 - COVID-19

This memorandum summarizes three court decisions which were issued today related to Election Day.

First, the Wisconsin Supreme Court enjoined the Governor’s Executive Order which had postponed the election, meaning that in-person voting will occur at the polls.  County and municipal clerks and election inspectors should continue their election preparations. 

Second, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling changing the part of Judge Conley’s decision which stated that ballots would be counted if received by April 13 regardless of any postmark or if they were hand-delivered after April 7.  The Supreme Court ruled that ballots are to be counted only if they are hand-delivered by 8 p.m. or if they are mailed with a postmark on or before April 7 and are received by 4 p.m. on April 13.

Third, the Eastern District of Wisconsin federal court issued a ruling which denied a separate request to postpone the election.

The effect of these decisions is as follows:

1)    Voting is to occur at polling places on Election Day, April 7.  Absent any subsequent court order, voting at polling places shall continue as planned even if a municipality receives an order from a public health official to terminate all in-person voting.  If any such order is received, the municipal clerk must immediately contact the Elections Commission and the County Clerk to discuss next steps.  While municipal clerks have authority to consolidate polling places, and polling places may be moved on Election Day in the event of an emergency, Wisconsin Statutes require that municipalities conduct voting in at least one polling place.  Wis. Stats. §§ 5.15, 7.37.

2)    Ballots that are hand-delivered after 8 p.m. or that are postmarked after April 7 are not counted.  Ballots with a postmark on or before April 7 and received by 4 p.m. on April 13 are counted. 

3)    The U.S. Supreme Court decision also did not alter the provision in Judge Conley’s amended order which prohibits the reporting of results until April 13.  In order to ensure consistent compliance with that order, the number of ballots will be counted on Election Night but votes will not be counted until April 13. 

The U.S. Supreme Court decision did not alter the Election Night Procedures guidance posted at this link:  https://elections.wi.gov/index.php/node/6819.  If you have not done so already, please review that communication and provide it to election inspectors.  The Commission plans to post additional guidance regarding procedures for April 13 later in the week.

If you have questions regarding this communication, please contact the Help Desk at 608-261-2028 or elections@wi.gov.

U.S. Supreme Court Decision: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6826732-19A1016.html

The Wisconsin Supreme Court decision is attached to this page.

 from after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling...
Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester)
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau)
April 6, 2020

Statement: Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling on April 7 Election

Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) released the following statement.

“We agree with the state Supreme Court’s ruling that affirms the separation of powers spelled out in our Constitution. The state’s highest court has spoken: the governor can’t unilaterally move the date of the election.

“We are proud that Wisconsinites have come together to meet the challenges that this pandemic has created. The safety and health of our citizens have always been our highest concern; that’s why we advocated for everyone to vote absentee. Wisconsin has responded in droves. Over a million ballots have been requested for tomorrow’s election. We continue to believe that citizens should be able to exercise their right to vote at the polls on Election Day, should they choose to do so.

“We want to thank the hardworking clerks around the state who have been working around the clock to ensure a safe and fair election. We also appreciate the assistance of the National Guard members who have been activated to play an important support role.

“This election will proceed as planned.”
Wisconsin Republican Party

Statement in response to U.S. Supreme Court decision

[Madison, WI] – In response to the decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Republican Party of Wisconsin issued the following statement from Chairman Andrew Hitt:

“Consistent with years of precedent, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that election laws should not be changed on the eve of an election. The confusion and time wasted as a result of these multiple lawsuits when we should have all been solely focused on preparing for a challenging election is truly sad and unfortunate. While some have argued that we should quickly change or circumvent our laws in a time of crisis, justifications in the moment can quickly lead us down a slippery slope that erodes our democracy.”

Wisconsin Democratic Party
April 6, 2020 
https://www.facebook.com/WisDems/photos/fpp.95483488591/10157997264968592/?type=3&theater


Bernie 2020
April 6, 2020

NEWS: Sanders Statement on Wisconsin Primary

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday issued the following statement ahead of the Wisconsin primary:

“It's outrageous that the Republican legislative leaders and the conservative majority on the Supreme Court in Wisconsin are willing to risk the health and safety of many thousands of Wisconsin voters tomorrow for their own political gain. Let's be clear: holding this election amid the coronavirus outbreak is dangerous, disregards the guidance of public health experts, and may very well prove deadly.  For that reason, our campaign will not be engaged in any traditional GOTV efforts.”
 
###

ACLU of Wisconsin
April 6, 2020

Statement on postponement of in-person voting in the April 7th election

MILWAUKEE – Chris Ott, executive director of the ACLU of Wisconsin, issued  the following statement regarding today’s decision to delay in-person voting in the April 7th election:

“Delaying in-person voting is the only responsible course of action given the urgent need to protect public health and combat the spread of COVID-19. The ACLU and several allied groups on March 18 called for a variety of measures to safeguard voters’ health, as well as to safeguard their right to vote. Since many of these measures have not been put into place, and since the number of polling places has been curtailed so drastically, postponing in-person voting is the safest and best course of action.

However, as this is a very fluid situation that will likely be resolved in the courts, we encourage those voting absentee to make every effort to return their absentee ballots by tomorrow to guarantee their vote is counted. We also ask those planning to vote in-person to check media reports on Tuesday, to confirm whether or not the Governor’s order to postpone still stands.

This of course is not Wisconsin’s only election this year. The level of chaos and confusion around this election is unacceptable and underscores the need for election officials to immediately develop an emergency response plan that safeguards the voting rights – and health – of all voters in Wisconsin. Any such plan must preserve the opportunity to in-person vote for those who need it, as well as expand access to vote by mail. As this crisis continues, our election officials need to get this right – and we’ll be watching to make sure they do.”

Senate President Roger Roth (R-Appleton)
April 6, 2020

Senate President Roger Roth’s Statement on Evers’ Unconstitutional Action

MADISON – State Senator Roger Roth (R-Appleton) issued the following statement regarding Governor Evers’ unlawful Executive Order.

“On March 16th, 20th, 23rd, and 30th Governor Evers reiterated the need for an election to be held on April 7th and that he was not able to change an election on his own. He also stated that he would never ‘wait until the night before the election to make an historic decision like that’ when asked about cancelling or moving election dates.

“Only following a scathing critique on the front page of Politico did Governor Evers decide that in-person voting should be suspended and absentee ballots postponed, clearly ignoring the legal barriers to filling critical local seats in doing so.

“Now the Governor has decided to unlawfully suspend an election and deny Wisconsin residents their right to vote and further acknowledged today that ‘there is no guarantee on how the virus reacts, so we might be back on this position on June 9th.’

“The Governor has declared going to Target, Home Depot, Kwik Trip or Menards is fine, but going to your polling place is life or death? It’s ok to go grab a bite to eat from your favorite bar or restaurant, or have takeout dropped off at your door, but the idea of voting, no matter what our talented clerks do to keep people safe is too dangerous to even consider?

“These are hard times, there is no questioning that, and a lot is being asked of everyone. From our healthcare workers, police and fire departments to staff at grocery stores, people are going above and beyond. However, these are the times when an election must not be moved.

“I, unlike the Governor, believe that voting is the cornerstone of our republic and I continue to value this singular institution which sets us apart from other nations. Our resiliency in the face of adversity is what has allowed the great American experiment to endure for so long.

“The Governor’s authoritarian move has left Wisconsin in chaos as our local clerks struggle to continue their election preparation and voters contiinue to wonder what information can be trusted coming out of the Evers administration.

###

Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester)
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau)
April 6, 2020

Statement: Executive Order by Governor Evers

Madison, WI…Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) released the following statement. “We are immediately challenging this executive order in the Wisconsin State Supreme Court. “The clerks of this state should stand ready to proceed with the election. The governor’s executive order is clearly an unconstitutional overreach. “This is another last minute flip-flop from the governor on the April 7th election. The governor himself has repeatedly acknowledged he can’t move the election. Just last week a federal judge said he did not have the power to cancel the election and Governor Evers doesn’t either. Governor Evers can’t unilaterally run the state.”

###

Office of Gov. Tony Evers
April 6, 2020

Gov. Evers Suspends In-Person Voting, Calls Legislature into Special Session on April 7 Election

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers, in the absence of legislative action, today signed Executive Order #74, suspending in-person voting for the April 7 spring election, moving in-person voting to June 9, 2020. The order also directs the Legislature to meet in special session on Tues., April 7, 2020 to address the election date. If the Legislature does not enact legislation to change the new election date, in-person voting will occur on June 9, 2020.

“Today, I signed an executive order suspending in-person voting for tomorrow’s election. Frankly, there’s no good answer to this problem—I wish it were easy. I have been asking everyone to do their part to help keep our families, our neighbors, and our communities safe, and I had hoped that the Legislature would do its part—just as the rest of us are—to help keep people healthy and safe,” said Gov. Evers. “But as municipalities are consolidating polling locations, and absent legislative or court action, I cannot in good conscience stand by and do nothing. The bottom line is that I have an obligation to keep people safe, and that’s why I signed this executive order today.”

All ballots already cast in the 2020 Spring election will remain valid and will be tallied in conjunction with the new in-person voting date.

Executive Order #74 is available here.

The governor previously signed Executive Order #73 calling the Legislature to meet in a special session to send a ballot to every registered voter, allow an all-mail election, and extend the time for those ballots to be received and counted. The Legislature did not take up these changes in special session. Gov. Evers also proposed legislation that had several provisions aimed at making voting easier and more accessible during the public health emergency. A brief summary of that legislation is available here for review. Additionally, Gov. Evers called for the Legislature to act on this issue in a video, available here.

Letter from Wisconsin Mayors to Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm
April 5, 2020

Mayors in Wisconsin call on Secretary Andrea Palm to Delay Election

As leaders of communities throughout Wisconsin, we write to you to ask you to exercise the emergency powers delegated to you under section 252.02 of the Wisconsin Statutes. We implore you to implement all emergency measures necessary to control the spread of COVID-19, a communicable disease. Specifically, we need you to step up and stop the State of Wisconsin from putting hundreds of thousands of citizens at risk by requiring them to vote at the polls while this ugly pandemic spreads.

This request is urgent because, as you know, Wisconsin’s April primary election is scheduled for Tuesday April 7. We believe it would be irresponsible and contrary to public health to conduct in-person voting throughout the state at the very time this disease is spreading rapidly.
Over 1,300,000 people live in our communities and we need you to provide leadership.

We thank Governor Evers for the leadership he demonstrated when he declared a state of emergency via Emergency Order #12. We thank him for calling a special session to address this issue. In light of the Legislature’s inexcusable refusal to act, you and your department now are the sole parties in the position to prevent hundreds of thousands of voters and poll workers from potentially being exposed needlessly to this worldwide pandemic.

In his decision just days ago, Judge Conley recognized the important role you play when he said, “As much as the court would prefer the Legislature and Governor consider the public health ahead of any political considerations, that does not appear in the cards. NOR IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR A FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT TO ACT AS STATE’S CHIEF HEALTH OFFICIAL BY TAKING THAT STEP FOR THEM.” (p.36) (emphasis added)

We want to emphasize that the election has already begun. Hundreds of thousands of people have requested absentee ballots and many of those have already been returned. Those votes must be counted. The real issue now is how we conclude the election. We must still ensure that every eligible voter has the right to vote without jeopardizing their health.

We recognize that you and your department have the authority to take this action, but that you do not have the authority to determine the modifications necessary to conclude this election. That power lies in the Legislative branch and with the Governor.

For that reason, we call on the Legislature to heed Governor Evers’ request for a special session. Meet tomorrow before April 7, and work with him to craft a procedure that protects public health and protects the right to vote. We believe the most logical way to accomplish an election that maintains the safer-at-home order is to mail every registered voter a ballot.

EVERY other state that faced this issue during the pandemic has crafted a solution that respects democracy and protected the health of their citizens. We must do the same.

The lives of our constituents depend on it.

Signed,

Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee
Mayor Eric Genrich, Green Bay
Mayor Lori Palmeri, Oshkosh
Mayor Tim Kabat, La Crosse
Mayor John Antaramian, Kenosha
Mayor Cory Mason, Racine
Mayor Tim Hanna, Appleton
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Madison
Mayor Karen Mischel, Viroqua

Office of Gov. Tony Evers
April 4, 2020

Gov. Evers' Statement on Special Session

MADISON – On April 3, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #73 calling the Legislature to meet in a special session to take up necessary changes to the upcoming spring election. The special session was scheduled for 4 p.m., today, Sat., April 4, 2020, and the Legislature failed to meet and pass legislation to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites. In response, Gov. Evers issued the statement below.

“Republicans in the Legislature are playing politics with public safety and ignoring the urgency of this public health crisis. It’s wrong. No one should have to choose between their health and their right to vote. Being a good leader means listening to the experts, being willing to adjust our course based on the science, and making the tough decisions necessary to protect the people of our state.

“This, however, is an easy decision. It's time for every Republican legislator to do their jobs and take a vote on this commonsense proposal to extend the election date so everyone can vote safely from home. I urge every Wisconsinite to contact their legislators and demand a vote.

The White House
April 3, 2020

Excerpt from President  Trump's Press April 3, 2020 Briefing

Q    Mr. President, two questions on continuity of government.  For —
THE PRESIDENT:  How come you always have two?  Why can’t you have one?
Q    Well, they’re related.
THE PRESIDENT:  Every time, “I have three questions.  I have two questions.”  Can you give me one instead?  Because we have a couple of other people.  Go ahead.
Q    Okay, I’ll go with my second one.  The governor of Wisconsin is now talking about delaying the primary, at least not having in-person voting.  So my question is — and I asked this a couple weeks ago; I want to see if you’ve made any progress on this.  Looking ahead to the fall, are you taking steps to ensure that the general election will happen even if this pandemic has reemerged or hasn’t gone away?  And —
THE PRESIDENT:  The general election will happen on November 3rd.
Q    And do you — are you —
THE PRESIDENT:  In Wisconsin, what happened is I, through social media — media put out a very strong endorsement of a Republican conservative judge who’s an excellent, brilliant judge.  He’s a justice.  And I hear what happened is his poll numbers went through the roof.  And because of that, I think they delayed the election.
Q    You don’t think the governor is concerned about people going to in-person voting?
THE PRESIDENT:  I don’t know.  Why didn’t he do it before?  He was doing right before the election.
Q    But do you think every —
THE PRESIDENT:  Excuse me.  Why didn’t he do this two weeks ago?  All of a sudden —
Q    But isn’t it — because of the pandemic.
THE PRESIDENT:  Excuse me.  All of a sudden, an election which is taking place very soon gets delayed.  Now, I just endorsed him today and it was a very strong endorsement.  His polls — he’s gone very high up.  And all of a sudden, the governor comes out — the Democrat governor, by the way — comes out and says, “Oh, we’re going to move this election.”  So, I don’t know.  I’m sure — I hope you’re right.  I hope you’re right.
Q    But — but do you think every state in this country should be prepared for mail-in voting in case we’re in a situation —
THE PRESIDENT:  No, because I think a lot of people cheat with mail-in voting.  I think people should vote with ID — voter ID.  I think voter ID is very important.  And the reason they don’t want voter ID is because they intend to cheat.
When you get something, when you buy something, you look at your cards and credit cards and different cards — you have your picture on many of them.  Not all of them, but on many of them.  You should have a picture on your — on your — for voting.  It should be called “Voter ID.”  They should have that.  And it shouldn’t be mail-in —
Q    But how are you going to —
THE PRESIDENT:  Excuse me.  It shouldn’t be mail-in voting.  It should be: You go to a booth and you proudly display yourself.  You don’t send it in the mail where people pick up — all sorts of bad things can happen by the time they signed that, if they sign that — if they signed that by the time it gets in and is tabulated.
No, it shouldn’t be mailed in.  You should vote at the booth.  And you should have voter ID, because when you have voter ID, that’s the real deal.

Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester)
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau)
April 3, 2020

Statement from Speaker Vos & Senator Fitzgerald on Governor's Special Session Call

Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) released the following statement.

“In a crisis, people look for certainty. In elections during uncertain times, it’s important that no one questions the process. That’s why it’s so disappointing that Governor Evers has flip-flopped on the very question that we have been discussing over the past month.

“If the governor had legitimate concerns, we could have come to a bipartisan solution weeks ago. This discussion would have happened long before today. The only bipartisan discussion we’ve had was to ensure the election would continue safely and to maximize the opportunity to vote absentee.

“Unfortunately, it’s this type of feckless leadership Wisconsin has come to expect of the governor in the face of this crisis. Instead of remaining strong to ensure our representative democracy continues, he caves under political pressures from national liberal special interest groups.

“Hundreds of thousands of workers are going to their jobs every day, serving in essential roles in our society. There’s no question that an election is just as important as getting take-out food.

“Our Republic must continue to function, and the many local government positions on the ballot must be filled so that municipalities can swiftly respond to the crisis at hand. We continue to support what Governor Evers has supported for weeks: the election should continue as planned on Tuesday.”

Office of Gov. Tony Evers
April 3, 2020

Gov. Evers Calls for Special Session on Spring Election

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #73 calling the Legislature to meet in Special Session on Sat., April 4, 2020 at 4 p.m. to take up changes to the upcoming spring election. Gov. Evers is urging the Legislature to take up legislation allowing an all-mail election, to send a ballot to every registered voter who has not already requested one by May 19, and to extend the time for those ballots to be received to May 26. 

“Your efforts to maintain social distancing, the sacrifices you have made when it has come to your jobs, your schooling, and your day-to-day activities are what we need to flatten the curve to protect the people of our state. It’s also what we need to do to support our healthcare workers who are making heroic efforts to test, treat, and prevent this virus. At the same time, we also have to be patient with ourselves and each other because we’re all doing this for the very first time,” Gov. Evers said in a video to Wisconsinites.

“As we’ve faced these challenges over the past few weeks, I have also asked the people of our state to do their part to help. Well here’s the bottom line folks: if, as elected officials, we’re going to expect the people of our state to make sacrifices to keep all of us safe, then, by golly, we better be willing do our part, too. So, today I announced that I am calling the Legislature into a special session to do its part—just as all of us are—to help keep our neighbors, our families, and our communities safe.”

The governor previously proposed legislation that had several provisions aimed at making voting easier and more accessible during the public health emergency. A brief summary of that legislation is available here for review. Additionally, Gov. Evers called for the Legislature to act on this issue in a video, available here.  

Executive Order #73 is available here.


Democratic National Committee
April 2, 2020

Democratic National Committee on Court Decision Ahead of Wisconsin Primary

Today Democrats secured major legal victories in the Western district of Wisconsin that will expand access to voting: 

  • Extending the deadline for absentee ballots to be received to 4:00p.m. on April 13, 2020; 

  • Extending the deadline for absentee ballot requests to be received to 5:00p.m. on April 3, 2020; 

  • Removing other onerous witness requirements on absentee voters who can’t safely have their absentee ballot witnessed.

DNC Chair Tom Perez: “We are glad that the court came to the right decision today. Expanding access to absentee voting is critical in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and we continue to encourage all states to pursue vote-by-mail and no-excuse absentee voting to ensure that all eligible voters who want to cast a ballot have the means and ability to do so.”



Republican Party of Wisconsin
April 2, 2020

WisGOP Statement in Response to Federal Court Decision

[Madison, WI] – Upon review of Judge Conley's decision and filing our notice of appeal with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Republican Party of Wisconsin issued the following statement from Chairman Andrew Hitt:

"Democrats asked the federal court to quickly rewrite our election laws, and while the court rejected nearly all of their demands, the court's decision to change the date by which absentee ballots can be received without any limitation on the postmarked date effectively changes the date of the election. Such a substantial decision normally left to our elected officials requires the review of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. We hope the appeals court defers to the Wisconsin legislative and executive branches and stays the district court's decision."

###

Office of Gov. Tony Evers
April 2, 2020

Gov. Evers' Statement on Judge Conley's Order Regarding Upcoming April 7 Election

MADISON —Gov. Tony Evers issued the following statement regarding U.S. District Judge William Conley's decision to ease requirements for absentee voting in the upcoming April 7 election. The order extends the deadline to request an absentee ballot to tomorrow, April 3, allows ballots to be counted that are received after the election until April 13, and eases the requirement for a witness signature.

“In the absence of the Legislature doing its part to ensure a fair and safe election, I appreciate that the court chose to implement some of the common-sense solutions that I’ve been advocating for. It’s great news that Wisconsinites will have more time to request and submit a ballot and that clerks will have more time to count ballots. I continue to encourage every Wisconsinite to request their absentee ballot and vote safely from home.”

Previously, the governor proposed legislation that had several provisions aimed at making voting easier and more accessible during the public health emergency. A brief summary of that legislation is available here for review. Additionally, Gov. Evers called for the Legislature to act on this issue in a video, available here

The amicus brief submitted on behalf of the governor is available here.

April 2, 2020

Excerpts from U.S. District Judge William Conley's Ruling

"Despite these truly heroic efforts, the three most likely consequences of proceeding with the election on this basis are (1) a dramatic shortfall in the number of voters on election day as compared to recent primaries, even after accounting for the impressive increase in absentee voters, (2) a dramatic increase in the risk of cross-contamination of the coronavirus among in-person voters, poll workers and, ultimately, the general population in the State, or (3) a failure to achieve sufficient in-person voting to have a meaningful election and an increase in the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the Wisconsin State Legislature and Governor apparently are hoping for a fourth possibility: that the efforts of the WEC Administrator, her staff, the municipalities and poll workers, as well as voters willing to ignore the obvious risk to themselves and others of proceeding with in-person voting, will thread the needle to produce a reasonable voter turnout and no increase in the dissemination of COVID-19."


"For the reasons that follow and provided on the record during the hearing on plaintiffs’ motions, the court will grant plaintiffs’ motions in part, and provide the following preliminary relief: (1) enjoin the enforcement of the requirement under Wis. Stat. § 6.87(6) that absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on election day to be counted and extend the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots to 4:00 p.m. on April 13, 2020; (2) enjoin the enforcement of the requirement under Wis. Stat. § 6.86(1)(b) that absentee ballot requests must be received by April 2, 2020, and extend the deadline for receipt of absentee ballot requests by mail, fax or email (and if deemed administratively feasible in the sole discretion of the WEC Administrator, online) to 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2020; and (3) enjoin the enforcement of Wis. Stat. § 6.87(2) as to absentee voters who have provided a written affirmation or other statement that they were unable to safely obtain a witness certification despite reasonable efforts to do so, provided that the ballots are otherwise valid."

Bernie 2020
April 1, 2020

NEWS: Sanders Statement on Wisconsin Primary

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday issued the following statement ahead of Wisconsin's April 7th primary: 

“People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote, which is why 15 states are now following the advice of public health experts and delaying their elections. We urge Wisconsin to join them. The state should delay Tuesday’s vote, extend early voting and work to move entirely to vote-by-mail. While we wait for a decision, we urge our supporters to vote-by-mail.”


March 31, 2020 - Amicus Brief of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers filed in Rev. Greg Lewis v. Dean Knudson in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Wisconsin [Case No. 20CV284]



Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester)
March 27, 2020

Statement on Gov. Evers' Mail-in Ballot Election Request

Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released the following statement on behalf of the Assembly Republican caucus on the governor’s request to the Legislature to make changes to the April 7th election.

“We’re united as a caucus in rejecting the governor’s request to upend the April 7th election. His last-minute scheme of a mail-in ballot election is logistically impossible and incredibly flawed. In fact, other states say it’s impossible to implement, especially two weeks before the election with countless staffing, postal and safety considerations; our local clerks are already running out of ballots and supplies.

“The governor’s idea is merely a statewide invitation for voter fraud. More than 100,000 votes have already been cast and 600,000 additional absentee ballots have been sent out, meaning that a large number of voters could receive two ballots. And because the voter rolls are not updated, ballots would go to thousands of people who may have moved. It was careless and reckless for Governor Evers to even make this suggestion.”
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau)
March 27, 2020

Sen. Fitzgerald: Rejects Evers’ idea as fantasy

[Madison, WI] — Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald released the following statement on Friday:

“Governor Evers just proposed procuring, printing, verifying, and mandating the mailing of millions of ballots within ten days. Even he knows that’s not logistically feasible. The clerks of this state should know this is a complete fantasy. The Legislature on both sides of the aisle has to know this is ridiculous. In pitching this idea, the governor is lying directly to Wisconsinites about this even being remotely possible. Acting like this is doable is a hoax.

“Record numbers of absentee ballots have already been sent out. All registered Wisconsin voters can easily request an absentee ballot from their clerk or online at myvote.wi.gov.”

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) represents the 13th Senate District, which covers portions of Dodge, Jefferson, Waukesha, Washington, Dane, and Columbia counties.

Office of Gov. Tony Evers
https://twitter.com/GovEvers/status/1243591395484372992
March 27, 2020
Transcript of tweeted video:

Hi there folks. Gov. Evers here. Earlier this week I issued a "safer at home" order to help ensure that folks across our state are taking this issue seriously, and that everybody is doing their part to keep themselves, our neighbors, and our communities safe.

We have learned from countless people across our state who all want to be able to take part in the upcoming elections. And I say to them, I hear you...

My focus has been and will continue to be ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to cast their ballot in the upcoming election.

I know this is a difficult time, and I know that everyone is doing the best the can to stay safe.

The bottom line is that everybody should be able to participate in our democracy, period.

I understand the Republican leaders in the Legislature yesterday expressed their support for not delaying the upcoming election, but as elected officials our top priority has to be everyone's safety.

I am hopeful that all of us can agree that everyone should be able to exercise their right to vote, and that means we have to work together to ensure people are safe while they do it.

So today I'm asking the Legislature to come together to take bipartisan action to ensure that every registered voter receives an absentee ballot to vote in the upcoming election, to allow absentee ballots postmarked the day of the election, and to extend the time period to give our clerks extra time to count the influx of ballots.

We need to be doing everything we can to ensure that folks have that opportunity, while still staying safer at home, so I hope that the Legislature will act swiftly to send absentee ballots to every single registered voter living in Wisconsin.

And folks let me be clear: this is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue—this is an issue of democracy.

I don't care who gets the credit, I just want to make sure that everyone has the chance to cast their ballot this April.

Thanks for watching and let's get it done, folks.

Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester)
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau)
March 27, 2020

Statement: County Clerks’ Clear Violation of the Law

[Madison, WI] – Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) released the following statement after the Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell and Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson sent out incorrect legal advice to voters.

“It’s no surprise the liberal clerks in Dane and Milwaukee counties are encouraging people to vote illegally by not providing proper identification. Democrats continue to look for ways to circumvent the Photo ID law. They’re threatening the integrity of elections and needlessly exposing voters to disenfranchisement. It is completely inappropriate for them to use a pandemic to advance their far-left agenda. At a time when our state should be coming together, it’s sad that liberal clerks see it as an opportunity for political gain.”
Read a key memo on the clerks’ actions from the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau here, which states:
“Civil and criminal penalties apply both to voters and election officials who violate Wisconsin’s election and voting laws. The current public health emergency does not permit clerks to misapply Wisconsin’s elections laws.”

League of Women Voters of Wisconsin

March 27, 2020

Groups Call for the April 7th Election to be Postponed

Today, March 27, 2020, the Governor has called on the Legislature to provide absentee ballots to all registered voters. The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin supports this action but we also know from the Wisconsin Elections Commission that there may not be enough printed ballots and envelopes to send all 3.3 million registered Wisconsin Voters absentee ballots in time for voters to exercise their right to vote on April 7th. Additionally, this action alone does not address how currently unregistered but eligible voters will be able to cast their ballots without jeopardizing their health and potentially the health of election officials and other voters.

Last night, LWVWI in partnership with Reverend Greg Lewis, Souls to the Polls; Voces de la Frontera; Black Leaders Organizing for Communities; American Federation of Teachers, Local 212; AFL-CIO; and SEIU Wisconsin State Council called upon the Western District Court to rule to delay this election.

In this unprecedented time of worldwide pandemic, we must afford ourselves the time to create solutions and technology that will allow all eligible voters to participate in this important Spring Election and Presidential Primary.

Attached you can find a copy of the complaint.
Complaint -- Lewis et al v. Knudson et al.pdf
 
###

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 20 local Leagues throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2020 
Contact: 
Debra Cronmiller
Executive Director
____________________________

Voces de la Frontera
March 27, 2020

VOCES DE LA FRONTERA JOINS FEDERAL LAWSUIT TO POSTPONE APRIL 7 WISCONSIN ELECTION

Voces de la Frontera (Wisconsin’s largest Latino/immigrant rights organization) joined six other groups in a federal lawsuit to force Wisconsin to postpone its April 7, 2020 election. The case is # 3:20-cv-00284 in the Western District Court of Wisconsin.

This is a comment from Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director, Voces de la Frontera:

“Sticking with an April 7, 2020, Wisconsin election would deprive hundreds of thousands of people of the right to vote. This includes those who can’t go safely to vote in person or who don’t have the online access to obtain an absentee ballot.

That’s why Voces de la Frontera has joined with others in legal action to postpone the election.
In-person voting would violate all reasonable health mandates regarding the need to physically isolate. Conducting it solely as a mail-in vote would disproportionately prevent voting among those groups with limited access to the digital world, especially Latinos, African-Americans and the elderly.

There are over 150,000 Latino eligible voters in Wisconsin. Most rely on same-day voter registration to cast their ballot. A decision to go ahead with this election will discourage people from voting.

We demand the election be postponed. June 2 is a date that other states have settled on as workable.

Absentee balloting must be made more accessible by extending the deadlines both for online registration and requesting of absentee ballots.

We cannot let partisan politics or a virus deprive so many people of their opportunity to participate in the democratic process.”

LWV Wisconsin
March 26, 2020

LWV Wisconsin Challenges Witness Signature Requirement for Absentee Ballots

Measure does not allow voters to participate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak

MADISON – Today the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin filed litigation in federal court seeking to protect the rights of self-quarantining voters who cannot safely obtain a witness signature on their mail-in ballot during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“While we appreciate the efforts by the state to expand voting in light of the pandemic, the Wisconsin law requiring a witness signature for every absentee ballot presents an unreasonable barrier to voters that does nothing to increase the safety of casting a ballot,” said Debra Cronmiller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. “Not addressing this particular measure complicates the process for the voters of Wisconsin and would have the impact of depressing turnout or unnecessarily exposing vulnerable voters.”

The League is represented in this lawsuit by Fair Elections Center and Rathje Woodward LLC and is joined by Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans and individuals affected by the law.  
“It is unconscionable – and unconstitutional – to force people to choose between their health and their right to vote,” said Jon Sherman, senior counsel at Fair Election Center. “In the face of a global pandemic and emergency orders mandating self-isolation, a state law requirement to obtain a witness signature on a mail-in ballot simply cannot stand.”   

The League and other plaintiffs are asking the Court to issue a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction that would prevent the State of Wisconsin from rejecting and/or refusing to process and count absentee mail-in ballots that lack a witness signature during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The scheduled primary on April 7 would not otherwise be impacted.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.
###

Contact: Kayla Vix 


Wisconsin Elections Commission
March 25, 2020

Online Voter Registration for April 7 Available Again Until March 30

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin residents who need to register to vote for the April 7 Spring Election can now use MyVote.WI.gov to register online until March 30, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Voters must be registered before they can request an absentee ballot, so reopening online registration was ordered by a federal court in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We strongly urge anyone who wishes to vote in the April 7 election to take action now online,” said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.  “Anyone who isn’t currently registered and wants to vote absentee for April 7 must act immediately.”

The absolute deadline for most voters to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, April 2, but Wolfe said voters should not wait until then due to the high volume of requests and potential mail delivery issues. The USPS is recommending giving yourself at least a week to return your ballot by mail.

“We want everyone who is eligible and who wants to vote to be able to do so safely,” Wolfe said. If your name or address has changed since you registered, you need to register with your current information.  You can check your registration status at myvote.wi.gov, click on “My Voter Info.”

The reopening of online voter registration follows a federal court order on Friday and several days of intense work by the WEC to change and test the MyVote Wisconsin website’s code, Wolfe said.

Online registration was restored early Wednesday morning, followed by several hours of monitoring before this announcement. Because of the expedited timeframe for implementing and testing this change, there is the potential for slowness or outages if there is heavy traffic to the system. 

The MyVote Wisconsin website and the Elections Commission website now display this court-ordered notice:

SPECIAL NOTICE WITH RESPECT TO ONLINE REGISTRATION AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR APRIL 7, 2020, ELECTION ONLY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

    By order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, online registration to vote was extended until March 30, 2020, for the April 7, 2020 Spring Election and Presidential Primary ONLY.  This order is notwithstanding ANY contrary Wisconsin Statute, notice on this website, other State websites or other writing or postings.

    The primary purpose of this extension is to facilitate voting by absentee ballots for those who may no longer wish to or who are unable to vote in person during the absentee voting period on or before Friday, April 3, 2020, or at their polling place on Election Day, April 7, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

    If you are not currently registered to vote in the State of Wisconsin, you may register through the MyVote Wisconsin website.  Registering online requires that you already have a valid, unexpired Wisconsin driver’s license or Wisconsin state ID card. The address, name, date of birth, and driver license number you are using to register to vote must match the information that DMV has on file for you. If you need to update your address with DMV, you can do so online.

    To obtain an absentee ballot, you will not only have to complete the online registration process if you are not already registered, but you will also need to request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you.  This may be done either through the MyVote Wisconsin website or through a separate written request submitted to your municipal clerk.

    When requesting an absentee ballot through MyVote, if you have not previously submitted a copy of your photo ID, you will need to submit a copy of your photo ID electronically through the MyVote site.  Photo ID must also be submitted by a first-time absentee voter if the request is made by other written means.  The photo ID may be a Wisconsin driver license or State ID card, a U.S. passport or certificate of naturalization, a military ID or veterans identification card, or a student ID card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college which is accompanied by proof of enrollment.

Office of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
March 24, 2020

Mayor Barrett: A letter to Gov. Evers, Sen. Fitzgerald and Rep. Vos

Dear Governor Evers, Senator Scott Fitzgerald and Representative Robin Vos:

As we all navigate the unprecedented health and economic challenges that covid-19 has brought to residents throughout the State of Wisconsin, I want to thank each of you for the leadership you have shown. We have already witnessed the disruption and hardships this disease has caused in addition to the health ramifications that are continuing to unfold. We must continue to work together as leaders and Americans to do all we can to protect the health and well-being of all residents in our great state.

It is in that spirit that I write to you about the spring election scheduled for April 7.

In conversations with each of you individually, I have supported your shared desire to hold our spring primary as scheduled. Having monitored the situation we are experiencing in Milwaukee, I now believe that neither in-person absentee voting nor in-person voting on April 7 is feasible or safe for our workers or residents. Consequently, I am asking you to modify the election procedure and to conduct it through mail ballots.

Late yesterday afternoon, I learned that the Elections Commission for the City of Milwaukee could no longer maintain sufficient staffing levels to operate our three in-person absentee or “early” voting locations. This occurred because the Election Commission was losing staff daily, including site supervisors.

The staffing situation has become even more challenging as a result of both the local and state “stay at home” orders. In fact, late this afternoon, Neil Albrecht, Executive Director of the Commission, informed me that since the Governor’s announcement this morning, “we are losing the commitment of dozens of election workers by the hour,” including chief inspectors who run the sites.

As we see more personnel, including longtime dependable workers, choose to stay away from polling sites where many people normally congregate, we need to focus our energy on retaining and attracting people to handle absentee ballots.

Voting sites have also become a challenge. The Commission has already been forced to relocate fifteen voting sites and needs to address ten more sites. It then must secure the sanitation and disinfecting supplies needed to operate these sites. Given reported shortages across the state, these supplies could and should be more effectively allocated.

At such a perilous time, it is imperative that we conduct this election so that every eligible person has the opportunity to secure their ballot, vote, and return it. We all understand that our democracy works best when citizens have an opportunity to vote. Under the present circumstances, in-person voting, particularly with lines of people, is simply not safe, feasible, or responsible.

This is very real. In good conscience I would not ask one of my loved ones to sit in a room for hours greeting dozens of people during this pandemic. I can’t expect citizens of my city to do that either.

I recognize that a ballot by mail election presents its own challenges. It will take more time and could not be completed realistically by April 7.

In addition, uploading an ID is confusing and cumbersome to voters and many do not have the cell phone or internet access to facilitate the process properly. For some individuals, it would present a significant barrier to voting. Consequently, photo ID requirements should be waived for registered voters.

Accommodations also need to be made for the witness requirement as a result of the limits on social mobility and interaction.

Finally, current state law does not permit us to count absentee ballots until election day. We could see as many as 130,000 absentee ballots cast in Milwaukee, compared to 62,000 in the 2016 Presidential Election. We need a significantly longer processing period that begins prior to any election date.

Timing is of the essence. Every day spent preparing for in-person voting is a lost opportunity for municipalities to retool their election systems and regain traction with meeting the already heavy demands for absentee ballots.

In closing, I do not make this request lightly. Like all of you I have hoped that this step would not be necessary. Unfortunately, it is.
Wisconsin Elections Commission
March 24, 2020

Absentee Ballot Requests for April 7 Exceed 550,000 Amid COVID-19 Concerns

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin voters continue requesting absentee ballots at a record pace with concerns about Coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

As of Tuesday morning, 554,116 absentee applications have been received by Wisconsin municipal clerks, compared to 482,740 on Monday and 134,556 the previous Monday one week earlier. More than 520,000 absentee ballots have already been issued, mostly by mail.  It’s important to note that this number does not include absentee ballot requests that have not yet been entered into the state system by clerks, such as emailed requests, mailed requests, or requests by voters that require the clerk to approve the photo ID, meaning the number of requests may be much higher. 

Daily absentee ballot reports, including county-by-county numbers, are being posted here: https://elections.wi.gov/publications/statistics/absentee. (See additional absentee ballot statistics below.)

“We remain encouraged that so many voters are requesting absentee ballots already, especially through the MyVote Wisconsin website,” said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.  She urged anyone who wants to vote absentee for April 7 to act immediately.

“We want everyone who is eligible and who wants to vote to be able to do so safely,” she said. “Absentee voting will also greatly reduce crowds at polling places on Election Day, which will make social distancing much easier.”

Online Registration Returning Soon
WEC is working as quickly as it can to reinstate online voter registration at MyVote Wisconsin following a federal court order late Friday requiring the WEC to reopen it until March 30, Wolfe said.

“We will reopen registration online as soon as we can make and test the changes to our systems,” Wolfe said. “This is not as simple as reposting an online form or flipping a switch.  With the election underway, we need to be very careful to test this change to ensure it does not adversely affect other functions, including absentee ballot requests.  We will update the public and local election officials as soon as we know when MyVote Wisconsin will be ready.”

WEC is also working to ensure clerks have enough absentee envelopes to fill demand. The agency has ordered 1.2 million envelopes (600,000 each of the inner and outer envelopes), which are scheduled for delivery mid-week. These will be express shipped to county clerks, who will distribute them to municipal clerks who need them.

Absentee Ballot Requests Pouring In
[Graph]

These numbers from past Spring Elections put the 2020 requests into perspective:
 
Spring Election Absentee issued total Total Ballots Cast
Turnout Percent Absentee
2016
249,503
2,113,544
47.38%
11.80%
2017
103,533
708,711
15.86%
14.61%
2018
130,041
997,485
22.32%
13.04%
2019
170,121
1,224,303
27.22%
13.90%
2020-To Date
544,116
NA
NA
NA
           
In comparison, there were 819,316 absentee ballots cast in the November 2016 Presidential Election. The 2016 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary was a particularly high turnout election, due to both major political parties having competitive nomination races. In 2020, only one major party has a contested race for President on the ballot in Wisconsin.  Increased absentee ballots do not necessarily predict higher voter turnout as more voters may simply be voting prior to Election Day.

Voces de la Frontera
March 23, 2020

DELAY THE APRIL 7 ELECTION; KEEP VOTERS AND POLL WORKERS SAFE

Milwaukee, Wis. – Six community leaders in Milwaukee today called on Gov. Tony Evers to postpone the April 7 statewide election.

The ongoing public health crisis would interfere so much that conducting the election as scheduled would deprive many thousands of people of the chance to vote in person.
Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera, the leading immigrant rights organization in Wisconsin, noted there are over 150,000 Latino eligible voters in Wisconsin. She said: “Most Latinx voters rely on same day voter registration to cast their ballot. A decision to go ahead with this election will discourage people from voting and put them at risk of infection if they do vote in person.”

Sandy Pasch, a nurse and former legislator, said: “How can we maintain social distancing when we’re in line for voting? How can we ethically justify the harm to poll workers, voters and their families? We must delay this election.”

Debra Cronmiller, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, said: “One million people would be expected to vote in person. Ensuring that the election is by absentee voting is the safest option. And in the next two weeks before the election, the incoming volume of requests for absentee ballots will be so great that even with extended staffs, the time required to process the requests is greater than the two weeks we have.”
Reverend Gregory Lewis, of Souls to the Polls, said that “churches are closed and they play a big role in getting out the vote. And if public health officials say we have to stay home, how can we go out and vote? People will have to choose between the right to vote and their own safety.”

Thomas Kalluvila, a public health expert, said that “the only choice is prevention. In person voting would violate all public health recommendations.”

Attorney William Sulton, Legal Redress Chair of the Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP, said his organization recommends an all-mail vote on for June 2. “Mail ballots to every registered voter and mail to every eligible voter about how to register. The safest way is mail voting.”

Speakers also emphasized that any planning for a revised election schedule must include representatives of hard-to-reach communities, especially Latino and African-American. Too many people in these communities “are not comfortable with the technology needed to register online or request a ballot. Some working class families do not have access to smartphones or computers or Wi-Fi. Going to libraries is no longer an option, since the City has closed those early-voting sites.”

Attorney Rich Saks noted that all incumbent officials could legally continue in their positions until an election is held. Such de-facto officials would ensure no gap in coverage, if an incumbent’s term was scheduled to end before the election. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has upheld this position, Saks said.
 
–30–
 
For more information, contact Jack Norman, Interim Communications Director for Voces de la Frontera.

Wisconsin Elections Commission
March 23, 2020

Wisconsin Needs Poll Workers to Deal with COVID-19 Situation

MADISON, WI – The State of Wisconsin is calling on residents willing to serve as poll workers in their counties for the April 7 election to replace older poll workers who are unable to serve due to health concerns and the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Wisconsin has approximately 30,000 poll workers, known as election inspectors, who serve at polling places. A significant number of them are in their 60s and 70s, and many may have other health conditions.

“We know there are Wisconsinites looking for ways to serve their communities through this difficult time,” said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.  “If you are a state, county or municipal employee, a teacher, a student or someone who is looking for temporary work, municipal clerks need your help.”

In Wisconsin, election inspectors are appointed at the municipal level.  Anyone who is interested in working should contact their municipal clerk’s office, which you can find on the MyVote Wisconsin website: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/MyMunicipalClerk. Enter you address in the search fields and the system will tell you who your municipal clerk is and provide a phone number and email address.  Put “Poll Worker Applicant” in the subject line so that your clerk will be able to easily sort the requests.

Wisconsin law also allows people to serve as election inspectors in other municipalities within their county. If you are willing to serve in a municipality outside of your own, let your clerk know and they can alert the county about your availability.  You can also contact the county directly and can find contact information for county clerks here: https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/directory.

Municipal clerks will provide training for any new election inspectors before the election.

“The Commission and WEC staff recognize that this is an evolving situation and will continue to rely on the guidance of public health officials.  We all stand ready to adjust as directed to ensure the safety of clerks, poll workers and voters,” said Wolfe.

What are the responsibilities of a poll worker?
Poll workers conduct assigned duties at a polling site on Election Day.  Duties can include issuing ballots to registered voters, registering voters, monitoring the voting equipment, explaining how to mark the ballot or use the voting equipment, or counting votes.

Other positions at a polling place include a greeter who assists with answering questions and directing voters to the voting area, an election registration official to a polling place to register voters, and tabulators to assist at the polling place after it closes.

What are the hours of work?
Polling places are open statewide from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Poll workers can work a full day, generally from 6:30 a.m. until approximately 9:00 p.m. or later in the case of November elections.  In many municipalities, election inspectors can work a split shift.

Are poll workers (election inspectors) paid or volunteers?
Poll workers are compensated for working at polling places at a rate determined by the appropriate municipal governing body, and, in some municipalities, are also compensated for attending any required training sessions.  Poll workers may also choose to volunteer their services by filing a written declination of compensation with the municipal clerk

What are the training requirements for poll workers?
Municipal clerks are required by state law to provide training. This training provides all of the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful poll worker.  (Many municipalities require poll workers to attend a comprehensive training course prior to each Primary election.)
 
An experienced chief inspector who has been certified by the Wisconsin Elections Commission must be present at each polling place for each election. Chief inspectors must receive six hours of continuing election education training during each two-year period.

What length of commitment will be expected?
Poll workers are usually appointed to two-year terms and are generally asked to make a minimum two-year commitment.   However, given the current circumstances volunteers for only the April 7 election are appreciated and should not be expected to meet the full two-year commitment.

Where will I be assigned?
In smaller municipalities, there is often only one polling place.  However, in larger municipalities there are multiple polling places. In larger municipalities, every effort is made to assign a poll worker to their neighborhood voting site.  However, poll workers in larger municipalities such as large cities must be willing to be flexible and consider assignments at other sites.  You may also be asked to serve in another municipality in your county if there is a greater need for volunteers outside of your municipality. 

What are the qualifications to be a poll worker (election inspector)?
To be a poll worker, a person must:

    * Be a qualified elector of the county in which the municipality is located (i.e., an adult citizen of the United States who has resided in the election district for 10 consecutive days and is not otherwise disqualified to vote)
    * Be able to read and write fluently in the English language
    * NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election.

A poll worker may also:

    * Have strong clerical skills
    * Be able to solve problems
    * Be an effective communicator.

How do I become a poll worker?
If you are interested in becoming a poll worker you should apply directly to your town, village or city clerk.

Can I be excused from my regular job to be a poll worker?
Wisconsin law requires every employer to grant an unpaid leave of absence to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election official, if the employee who serves as an election official provides their employer with at least seven days' notice.  The leave is for the entire 24-hour period of each election day in which the employee serves in their official capacity as an election official.   Upon request of any employer municipal clerks must verify appointments.

How do state employees become poll workers?
Wisconsin Statutes provide that state employees appointed by a municipal clerk to serve as election officials must be granted leave without loss of pay or benefits for the entire 24-hour period of each election day in which the employee is serving as an election official. Employees must provide at least seven days’ notice of the need for leave.

State employees may certify to the municipality that they choose not to be paid as poll workers.  Alternatively, those state employees who receive pay as election officials must certify in writing to the (state) payroll office the amount of compensation received. The agency must deduct that amount from the employee’s pay earned for scheduled work hours during the 24-hour period of the election day.

State employees who “volunteer” but are not appointed to be poll workers must take vacation or leave without pay if authorized by supervisory staff.

Wisconsin Elections Commission
[letter from Meagan Wolfe, Administrator, Chief Election Official to Gov. Tony Evers]
March 20, 2020

Dear Governor Evers,

I am writing as the Chief Election Official for the State of Wisconsin to request your immediate action to support the upcoming April 7, 2020 statewide election and presidential preference primary. Voting for the April 7 statewide election is underway in Wisconsin's 1,850 municipalities. As new concerns emerge daily related to COVID-19 we must work closely with our federal, state and local government partners to ensure that every eligible Wisconsinite can safely participate in the election. At the March 18 meeting of the six-member Wisconsin Elections Commission, the commission unanimously moved to adopt a six-part directive. Specific to their directive, we request the following:

1. Assistance securing a supply of sanitation resources for local election officials
2. Assistance with recruiting poll workers
3. Access to public health officials to create accurate guidance for local election officials.

On April 7 there will be nearly 2,000 polling places requiring more than 20,000 poll workers and the potential of up to 2,000,000 voters or their absentee ballots. Elections are large public gatherings. In most other areas of our now daily lives, public gatherings have been prohibited. As required by law, in-person absentee voting and in-person registration extend these election gatherings to sites around the state for the next 18 days. Many of our trusted election custodians are over the age of 60. Others have health concerns that may place them at risk. Further, almost every municipality around the state has conveyed they do not have access to the sanitation supplies directed by public health officials.

As of today, local election officials do not have access to the people or supplies needed. This leaves voters, clerks, and poll workers to make difficult choices. Voters should not have to choose between voting or staying healthy. Poll workers should not have to choose between serving their community or staying healthy. Our local election officials should not have to choose between facilitating democracy or staying healthy.

I believe in our state and in our ability to find a way to do both. We need critical assistance to support elections in finding the people and the resources needed to make certain that each eligible citizen can exercise both their right to vote and their right to do so in a way that will not potentially jeopardize their health. On behalf of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and local election officials I am making the following requests.

1) Hand Sanitizer and Supplies
The Center for Disease Control has issued directions specific to elections and polling places to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That guidance recommends that voters and poll workers have access to hand sanitizer and surface cleaning supplies. It also discusses using cleaners on voting equipment in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

Local election officials do not have access to the supplies they need. In almost every community in the state, local election officials have reported they cannot find, purchase, or manufacture the hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, or surface and equipment wipes needed to keep them safe. At the Elections Commission we have also explored all avenues and lack access to obtain resources to distribute to local election officials. This is not a problem we have 18 days to solve, this is a problem today. The statutory requirements for in-person absentee and registration paired with the exemption of voting locations from the prohibition on gatherings more than 10 people, our local election officials are reporting they feel as though they are in limbo as we speak. We will continue to advise election offices on things they can do to meet the guidance, such as access to soap and water and working with their county health department. We are also exploring all available resources through the state, including working with manufacturers and distilleries to find raw materials.

I ask you to allocate any sanitation resources available through the state to protect the health of our voters, our local election officials, and our poll workers. Allow our local election officials access to the supplies they need to protect themselves through the state's allocation of their resource pool. Protect our public servants and the keepers of our democracy and protect our voters who are exercising their sacred right to vote.

2) Recruitment of Poll Workers
Even during the best of times, staffing polling places in each municipality requires a monumental effort on the part oflocal election officials. It also relies on at least 20,000 citizens of our state to be willing to serve as poll workers. In previous elections, more than 50% of Wisconsin's poll workers are over the age considered to be more at risk to develop serious illness from COVID-19. Local election officials around the state have expressed that they have exhausted their lists of backup poll workers; many poll workers have already conveyed they will be unable to serve. Clerks are also concerned that poll workers who are currently scheduled may become unavailable on Election Day. Local election officials have already begun recruiting students, government employees, and private industry employees to serve as poll workers and are continuing to find they are short the needed number. Poll workers must be trained in order to facilitate and safeguard the integrity of each vote. Training must start now so they can be adequately prepared in voter registration, tabulation, poll books, photo ID, and more.

I ask you to stand with me and call on Wisconsinites who are able to serve in place of experienced poll workers who are unable. I also ask you to join me in this call to action now. There are many people looking for ways to serve their community during this uncertain time. I am confident that if we put out the call, they will answer.

3) Need for a Health Official Liaison
The staff of the Wisconsin Elections Commission are experts in election law and policy. We are not, however, experts in public health nor have we had exposure to these challenges in the past. One of our agency's core responsibilities is to provide training and guidance to the 1,850 municipal and 72 county election officials. With the current COVID-19 crisis, we are tasked to guide our clerk partners through the intersection of public health and elections. As guidance changes daily, we are left to wonder if what we have provided is sufficient and will help to protect clerks and voters.

I ask you to assign the Elections Commission a Public Health expert dedicated to our office through this crisis. This person would help to create and review the documentation and training designed to keep clerks, poll workers, and voters safe by ensuring our guidance is accurate and that it complies with current health guidance. Decisions will need to be made very quickly in the next 18 days as the threat and guidance change. Our 1,922 local election officials, 20,000 poll workers, and potentially 2,000,000 voters are counting on us to protect them. We need expertise to guide us through this process.

We must act now. Any delay may jeopardize our democracy and the health of our citizens. Elections are designated as national, Critical Infrastructure - one of the sectors considered the pillars of our society. Today we stand before an opportunity to choose to reinforce this pillar together to support thriving elections in Wisconsin. I look forward to working with you on this most important mission.

Yours in service to our great state,

Meagan Wolfe
Administrator, Chief Election Official
Wisconsin Election Commission

Democratic National Committee
March 18, 2020

Democratic National Committee, Democratic Party of Wisconsin File Lawsuit to Expand Access to Voting in Wake of Global Pandemic 

MADISON, WI - Today, the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin are filing a request in the Western District of Wisconsin to expand access to voting in response to the growing coronavirus threat. 

The suit seeks the following: 

  • Extend the electronic and by-mail registration to April 3;
  • Suspend the requirement that copies of photo identification accompany absentee
    ballot requests and copies of proof of residency documents accompany voter registration requests, for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak; and
  • Extend the current deadline requiring absentee mail-in ballots to be received
    by  8:00 p.m. on Election Day to being postmarked by Election Day and received by municipal clerks’ offices within 10 days of the election. 
By implementing these measures, the state can ensure that Wisconsinites’ right to vote is not infringed upon during this extraordinary and unprecedented time. 

While the coronavirus pandemic poses an escalating public health crisis and there are a growing number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Wisconsin, today remains the electronic and by-mail registration deadline for Wisconsinites to participate in the April 7 elections. In order to control the spread of the coronavirus, schools, libraries, and businesses across the state have closed, Governor Evers banned gatherings of more than 10 people in the state, and public health officials have recommended social distancing and self-isolation to individuals in Wisconsin and across the country. The unintended consequence of these measures is a limit on the ability of Wisconsinites to access the tools necessary to comply with current rules around voter registration and absentee ballot submissions and potentially prevent countless Wisconsinites from successfully voting. 

Extending registration deadlines, suspending burdensome voter documentation requirements, and extending the deadline for absentee by-mail ballots that are postmarked on or by Election Day to be received by municipal clerks’ offices within 10  days of the election are all essential to ensuring that the April 7 elections are free, thorough and safe. 

Democratic Party Chair Tom Perez issued the following statement: 

“These steps are critical to ensuring that all Wisconsinites who wish to participate in the April 7 elections are able to do so. Given the necessary measures taken by Governor Evers and public health officials in Wisconsin to limit the spread of the virus, it’s more important than ever that we expand access to voting, and increasing these necessary measures will help protect both public health and Wisconsinites' right to participate in our democracy.” 

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued the following statement:  

“Nobody should have to choose between exposure to COVID-19 and disenfranchisement. The court should immediately strike down the barriers to full participation in voting by mail. Our democracy depends on our ability to conduct free, safe, and fair elections, no matter what—even during a pandemic.”

Wisconsin Elections Commission
March 13, 2020

Wisconsin Elections Commission Responds to Coronavirus COVID-19, Urges Absentee Voting

MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Elections Commission strongly urges anyone who is concerned about Coronavirus COVID-19 exposure to make plans now to vote absentee for the April 7 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary.
 
“If you are worried about getting to the polls on Election Day, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address and with your current name and request an absentee ballot as soon as possible,” said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.
 
Acting by Wednesday, March 18, is especially important for anyone who needs to register to vote, Wolfe said. “We want everyone who is eligible and who wants to vote to be able to do so safely,” she said. If your name or address has changed since you need to register with your current information.  You can check your registration status at myvote.wi.gov, click on "My Voter Info."
 
The WEC is working closely with county and municipal clerks throughout the state to help them prepare for a safe and healthy election. The WEC is holding three webinars throughout the day Monday for clerks.
 
On Thursday, the six-member, bi-partisan Elections Commission took unanimous action to protect voters in nursing homes.  Wolfe said the Commissioners will be holding additional meetings in the coming weeks as further action is necessary to protect voters and election officials during the voting process.
 
WEC is also working closely with Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Department of Health Services.

How to Register to Vote by the Deadline
Wednesday, March 18 is the deadline for electors to register to vote by mail or online for the Presidential Preference Primary and Spring Election. After this date, electors must register in person in the municipal clerk's office or at the polling place.
 
According to state law, mailed voter registration forms must be postmarked no later than the third Wednesday before the election. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. the same day.
 
Online voter registration is available at https://myvote.wi.gov. There are two ways you can register using the website:
 

People with a Wisconsin driver license or state ID card whose address is current with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation can complete their online registration immediately. People who need to update their address with DOT can accomplish that online and complete their online registration.
People without a Wisconsin driver license or state ID card can fill out the voter registration form online, then print it, sign it and mail it to their municipal clerk’s office along with a proof-of -residence document. The website has detailed instructions. If you do not have a printer where you are, you can save the completed form as a PDF and make arrangements to have a family member or a friend with a printer, or a copy center, to print it for you.
 
Voter registration forms that can be printed and filled out by hand are also available here in English: https://elections.wi.gov/forms/el-131-fillable
Voter registration forms that can be printed and filled out by hand are also available here in Spanish: https://elections.wi.gov/forms/el-131-spanish
 
Remember, the deadline to register online or by mail is Wednesday, March 18.
 
Voters who miss the deadline may also register in their municipal clerk’s office until the Friday before the election, April 3 or at the polls on election day.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot
There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. If they have internet access, the easiest way is to sign up at MyVote Wisconsin, https://myvote.wi.gov.
 
Just look for the “Vote Absentee” button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with putting in your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don’t already have a photo ID on file with your clerk’s office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to your clerk’s office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.
 
Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing, emailing or faxing their municipal clerk’s office. You can find your clerk’s contact information on MyVote Wisconsin. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID.   If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

Voters who are indefinitely confined, meaning they may have difficulty getting to the polls for reason of age, illness, infirmity, or disability are not required to provide a photo ID.  Voters in care facilities can have a representative of the facility confirm the resident's identity instead of providing a photo ID.  More information on photo ID and exemptions can be found at bringit.wi.gov.
 
The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, April 2. However, the WEC urges voters not to wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery.  If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven’t returned it.
 
Your absentee ballot must be received in your clerk’s office or at your polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Again, the WEC urges voters to request and return ballots as soon as possible.

Next Steps
At its March 12 meeting, the Commission affirmed that it is ready to meet for an emergency meeting if health officials issue additional guidance that impacts elections.  At this time the Commission has not considered any additional changes to the process, dates or deadlines for the April 7 election.  The Commission is also working with state leaders to determine the legal mechanisms for making future changes should they be needed. 

“The Commission and WEC staff recognize that this is an evolving situation and will continue to rely on the guidance of public health officials.  We all stand ready to adjust as directed to ensure the safety of clerks, poll workers and voters,” said Wolfe.