Voting Amid a Pandemic

In the run-up to Wisconsin’s spring election, the governor, state legislature, and state and federal courts engaged in a back-and-forth confrontation about how and when voters would cast ballots. When Wisconsin held its election on Tuesday, April 7, voters turned out despite reduced numbers of polling places, long lines, public health orders to stay home, and fear over the risk of infection. By holding an election, Wisconsin distinguished itself from other states that have postponed their elections in recent weeks. Elections in the United States reflect global trends; since the beginning of March, at least 47 countries and territories have postponed elections, while 14 countries and territories have proceeded with previously scheduled elections. The COVID-19 threat to U.S. elections caps off a decade filled with changes to the practice of voting. During this time, the U.S. Supreme Court issued three major rulings governing elections: Over the last decade, some state legislatures have changed how they manage voter eligibility and access to the polls. Since 2010, 25 states have passed new voting restrictions, including laws that require voters to present ID at the polls, cabin how voters become and stay registered to vote, and limit absentee and early voting. Between 2014 and 2016, states removed nearly 16 million people from the voter registration rolls, increasing the purge rate by 33 percent, as compared to removals between 2006 and 2008. In addition, Russian interference in the 2016 election and continued efforts to disrupt the 2020 election have, for some members of the public, cast doubt on the legitimacy and security of American elections. Against this patchwork of court rulings and legislation regulating voting across the United States, state and federal governments are now weighing their options for the November election. At present, 45 states have statutes regulating election day emergencies. In recent weeks, many state legislatures have proposed new legislation permitting the postponement of elections, expanded vote-by-mail and absentee voting, and modified election procedures during emergencies. Many governors have taken executive actions to accomplish similar goals. This week’s Saturday Seminar focuses on the current debate surrounding whether, when, where, and how Americans will vote in this year’s elections