Wisconsin not one of the easiest places to vote

The headline reads “Wisconsin is still one of the easiest places in the country to vote.” That quote comes from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, who has worked tirelessly to make it harder to vote. He wasn’t always successful, as the judges ruled the law was not on his side. Walker was able to get a voter ID law in place before the last presidential election. But he failed in his efforts to limit in-person absentee voting to one location, to limit early voting hours, and to limit weekend voting. The courts struck down those requirements. A judge also overturned efforts by Walker and others to force people to live in the district in which they vote longer than current law. The judges also were critical of the state’s efforts to get acceptable forms of ID to those who lack them, and forced the state to try harder. Despite these judicial attempts to ensure everyone who wanted to vote was able, we saw a sharp drop in voter turnout in the November election. That sure seems to suggest it is not as easy to vote as it used to be. And we have heard some behind the efforts to restrict voting admit that was the purpose of their efforts. So it seems a bit hypocritical for Walker to suggest that voting is still easier in Wisconsin than elsewhere. Someone better awaken the Governor, as he appears to be dreaming.