Press Release: Gov. Evers Signs Assembly Bill 168 Relating to Rights for Voters with Disabilities

RIVER FALLS — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Assembly Bill 168, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 48, a bipartisan bill preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities at polling locations by providing accommodations for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities that affect verbal speech and individuals who communicate non-verbally.  

“We have to make sure voting is fair and accessible, and that everyone has the opportunity to cast their vote at the ballot box,” said Gov. Evers. “I am proud to sign this bill today to remove barriers to the ballot box for individuals with disabilities because it is essential to ensuring that every Wisconsinite can vote. This bill sends a clear message that the state is committed to protecting and preserving the right to vote for all Wisconsinites.”

Assembly Bill 168, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 48:

• Creates an exemption for a voter to state their name and address to an election official before being permitted to vote for individuals who communicate non-verbally and those with developmental or physical disabilities that affect verbal speech; and
• Allows an individual to present their personal information via written document or by the delegating the task to another trusted person.