Two major politicians from Milwaukee who are up for election in April are chiming in about the voting process for the scheduled April 7 presidential primary and local general election in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that is leading to a stay-at-home order from both Governor Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
“There has to be a change,” said Mayor Barrett during a news conference Monday. He is running for re-election against State Senator Lena Taylor.
“Whether it’s all mail-in balloting, whether it’s a new date, this issue is going to explode if we do not address this issue and address this issue fast. People will not be coming to the polls. To suggest people are going to go out and vote in that circumstance is simply wrong. I am calling on state government and the state legislature…we have to have a dramatic change to make sure people’s right to vote can be exercised in a safe way.”
In-person early voting was cancelled for Milwaukee due to coronavirus.
State Senator Chris Larson, who is running against David Crowley for the Milwaukee County Executive spot, told WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi on Monday questions how changes will happen considering the spread of COVID-19 leading to more cases and more deaths.
“For the big reason…April will likely be worse than March. May may end up being worse than April,” said Larson.
“When do you delay it to? There is no end in sight until we get a full grasp.”
He also said the state government must act quickly in order to make sure government functions if there is a delay.
“We’re not going to be able to do it unless we get the legislature in and get the Governor agreeing,” said Larson.
“If there’s not an election, (seats decided by election) become vacant…that’s frankly worse.”