WISCONSIN — From a ban on ballot drop boxes to back-and-forth changes over who can return an absentee ballot, there is, understandably, a lot of confusion about voter accommodations for Wisconsinites with disabilities.
Disability Rights Wisconsin has tried to clear up any confusion for voters, especially those who may need help returning or delivering their ballot.
You might remember, any kind of ballot return help was restricted for the April and August elections because of an ongoing legal battle.
However, a court ruling at end of August clarified that federal law protects the rights of disabled voters to receive assistance from a person of their choice to mail or return their absentee ballot. It just cannot come from their employer or a union representative.
Another common area of confusion is over alleged incompetency to vote. The issue has been widely discussed in the wake of the 2020 election. However, it is straightforward in law: only a court can make that ruling.
“Family members, medical staff, caretakers cannot make that determination and may not take away the right to vote,” Barbara Beckert with Disability Rights Wisconsin explained. “In addition, the activation of a person's power of attorney for health care should not be allowed to prevent that person from registering to vote.”
Disability rights advocates also urged voters to plan ahead as much as possible. Wisconsin has strict voter ID laws with very narrow and limited exceptions.
While free state ID cards are available, many Wisconsinites use their driver license. However, many people who need accommodations at the polls are non-drivers and require assistance to obtain an ID.
Rides to the Polls and VoteRiders Wisconsin can offer transportation assistance and several Dept. of Motor Vehicle offices across the state offer extended hours during the week leading up to the election.
For those in need of accommodations, you can find a full list of resources here.