Judge refuses to postpone Wisconsin election, extends absentee voting

A federal judge ruled against postponing Wisconsin's April 7 Spring General Election, but did extend the absentee voting deadline.

U.S. District Judge William Conley issued the ruling Thursday.

"As much as the court would prefer that the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor consider the public health ahead of any political considerations, that does not appear in the cards," Conely wrote in his ruling.

The judge said courts should not delay the election because that power is in the hands of the governor and state Legislature.

However, the judge did extend the absentee voting deadline to 4 p.m. April 13. All ballots must be received by local election officials by that time.

Voters will be able to request their absentee ballots until tomorrow, Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m.

The judge also ruled to lift the requirement for a witness signature on absentee ballots as some voters are worry they can't find someone to affirm their ballot due to the coronavirus and "stay at home" order.

Governor Tony Evers praised the judge's ruling calling the changes "common-sense"

"It’s great news that Wisconsinites will have more time to request and submit a ballot and that clerks will have more time to count ballots," said Evers.

"I continue to encourage every Wisconsinite to request their absentee ballot and vote safely from home.”

Several other states have postponed early April primaries to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.