Gov. Tony Evers is responding to calls to postpone Wisconsin's spring election because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The League of Women Voters, the Milwaukee branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera said last week that allowing the election to go on as scheduled would expose thousands of voters to the virus.



Gov. Evers issued the following statement regarding the upcoming April 7 election.

"If I could have changed the election on my own, I would have, but I can't without violating state law. I've asked the legislature to do its part to ensure a fair and safe election, and I hope we can get some clarity as soon as possible. The bottom line is that we have to keep folks safe, and we have to make sure everyone who wants to vote has the opportunity to make their voice heard."

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) responded with the following statement:

"Not once has the governor suggested moving the election date. In fact, not a single Democratic legislator has even introduced a bill that would move the election date. For Democrats to suggest now that their hands were somehow tied is pure cowardice. I continue to support holding the election on April 7 -- our Republic must continue to function."

There are more than 1,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wisconsin. Thirty-four people have died across the state, and nearly half are in Milwaukee County.

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