DPW On Green's Vote Suppression

Extreme Green Joins Republicans in Trying to Suppress the Right to Vote

DPW Chair Joe Wineke Reminds Poll Workers: ‘No Voter Should be Turned Away From the Polls Because They Forget Their Driver’s License’

MADISON – Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke released the following statement today regarding Congressman Mark Green’s efforts to prevent people from voting. Green has challenged a correct ruling by the State Elections Board that allows Wisconsin voters to use the last four digits of their Social Security Number when registering to vote if they do not have their driver’s license with them at the polls.

“The intent of the federal Help America Vote Act is exactly that – to help people vote and to provide registration options to voters. Unfortunately, Republicans led by Mark Green are determined to put up roadblocks that prevent Americans from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

“Wisconsin state law, in compliance with federal law, allows individuals registering to vote to either provide their driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security Number. This correct interpretation of HAVA by the State Elections Board is in line with federal guidelines and registration requirements in numerous other states, including Florida, Alabama, Kansas, and West Virginia.

“Yet Mark Green and Republicans continue their quest to turn as many people away from the polls as possible in an effort to stack the elections in their favor. Through misinformation campaigns and political scare tactics, Green and the Republicans are doing their best to prevent certain groups of people who traditionally vote Democratic – from the elderly to minorities to young people – from voting this fall. Mark Green and the Republicans should be ashamed of their attempts to suppress the vote.

“No voter who is able to provide the last four digits of their Social Security Number should be turned away from the polls tomorrow because they forgot their driver’s license.”