Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is criticizing Wisconsin’s Supreme Court for its decision to move forward with its primary election.
The Vermont senator tweeted a statement expressing his concerns about the potential impact and health risk the election could have on Wisconsin’s voters.
“It’s outrageous that the Republican legislative leaders and the conservative majority on the Supreme Court in Wisconsin are willing to risk the health and safety of many thousands of Wisconsin voters tomorrow for their own political gain,” Sanders said.
On Monday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Gov. Tony Evers’ (D) emergency order to postpone the primary election. The U.S. Supreme Court also ruled against extending absentee voting to April 13 amid the coronavirus outbreak.
It's outrageous that the Republican legislative leaders and the conservative majority on the Supreme Court in Wisconsin are willing to risk the health and safety of many thousands of Wisconsin voters tomorrow for their own political gain. https://t.co/Ut5ZQVBqhB
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 7, 2020
As many states work to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the coronavirus, Sanders argues Wisconsin could be approaching a situation that “may very well prove deadly.”
Out of an abundance of caution, Sanders also confirmed his campaign will be taking necessary precautions amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“Let’s be clear: holding this election amid the coronavirus outbreak is dangerous, disregards the guidance of public health experts, and may very well prove deadly,” Sanders’ said. “For that reason, our campaign will not be engaged in any traditional GOTV efforts.”
Let's be clear: holding this election amid the coronavirus outbreak is dangerous, disregards the guidance of public health experts, and may very well prove deadly. For that reason, our campaign will not be engaged in any traditional GOTV efforts.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 7, 2020
Sanders’ statement follows multiple reports detailing concerns about Wisconsin’s Supreme Court ruling on the primary election on Monday.
Like Sanders, Sen. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also expressed concern about the ruling arguing that it undermines democracy.
However, Wisconsin state chairman Andrew Hitt (R) argues that changes to the election laws would ultimately “erode our democracy.”
Despite the coronavirus spreading in states at a rapid pace, Hitt has criticized the Democrats for their attempts to change election laws.
“While some have argued that we should quickly change or circumvent our laws in a time of crisis, justifications in the moment can quickly lead us down a slippery slope that erodes our democracy,” Hitt said on Monday.
Consistent with years of precedent, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that election laws should not be changed on the eve of an election.
— Andrew Hitt (@AndrewHittGOP) April 6, 2020
While some have argued that we should quickly change or circumvent our laws in a time of crisis, justifications in the moment can quickly lead us down a slippery slope that erodes our democracy.
— Andrew Hitt (@AndrewHittGOP) April 6, 2020
He also considered the push for change to be a waste of time.
Hitt continued, “The confusion and time wasted as a result of these multiple lawsuits when we should have all been solely focused on preparing for a challenging election is truly sad and unfortunate.”
The Wisconsin primary election will proceed as scheduled. As of Tuesday morning, Wisconsin has over 2,500 coronavirus cases statewide.