Don’t get rid of Special Registration Deputies

Let’s start with the premise that it is good for our democracy if a larger number of people turn out to vote. That’s why it is good that Wisconsin lawmakers are considering allowing people to register to vote online. We should do what we can to make it as easy as possible for people to register, and to cast a ballot, in order to increase the participation in the democratic process. Legislation that could come up for a vote today in Madison would allow for electronic voter registration, as a number of states are doing. But this proposal, while seemingly making it easier for people to register, also makes it more difficult. That’s because lawmakers inserted a last-minute amendment that would get rid of what are called special registration deputies. These are people who are interested in furthering our democracy by volunteering to help get those who may struggle registering to vote. They don’t work for either political party. They show up at senior high rises, nursing homes and community centers to help the elderly and disabled register for the election. They don’t tell people who to vote for, just how to vote. Yet some lawmakers think these special deputies, who cost taxpayers nothing, need to go. There is no reason for that. These deputies have been in place for 40 years. They are helping our democracy, not hurting it. Lawmakers are wise to get into the electronic age by allowing people to register online, but there is no reason to also stop the good work these deputies are doing.