ASSOCIATED PRESS: Wisconsin judge rules that paper absentee ballots violate rights of certain disabled people
Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell ruled that Wisconsin’s paper-only absentee voting system discriminates against disabled voters by denying them the opportunity to cast ballots privately and independently, violating protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. While acknowledging the hardship, the judge stopped short of ordering state election officials to implement electronic voting options, citing unresolved questions regarding the logistics and security risks of such a system. The case, brought by disability rights groups and several disabled voters, will proceed to a hearing to establish a trial date, meaning an electronic voting option will likely not be in place before the upcoming November election.
