Today, Explained Vote and die
Apr 8, 2020
Sean Johnson, Capitol Bureau Chief for Wisconsin Public Radio, provides keen insights into the chaos of Wisconsin's primary election, where voters grappled with choosing between safety and their civic duty during the pandemic. Nate Persley, a law professor at Stanford, discusses the broader implications of these challenges on democracy and the complexities of mail-in voting. Both guests emphasize the urgent need for state-level reforms and funding to ensure safe voting practices going forward, raising crucial questions about the future of elections across the country.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wisconsin's Primary Amid Stay-at-Home Order
- Wisconsin held a primary election on Tuesday despite a stay-at-home order.
- This was due to state law and a lack of agreement between the Democratic governor and Republican legislature.
The Fight Over Wisconsin's Election
- The fight over the election stemmed from evolving views on the pandemic.
- Governor Evers initially supported holding the election but later pushed for a mail-in election, leading to a court battle.
Disparities in Polling Places
- While some polling places were quiet and organized, Milwaukee, with a large African American population, had only five polling places open.
- This created long lines and difficulties for voters, especially in a community disproportionately affected by COVID-19.