Registration Confusion Draws ACLU to UWM Dorms

Students of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee gathered in the Sandburg Residence Hall to cast their vote for the midterm gubernatorial election only to be turned away when showing electronic proof of residency. The ACLU has sent representatives to the residence hall to enforce acceptance of electronic proof.

Some UWM students said they were met with confusing and contradictory voting guidelines from employees.

The Sandburg Residence Hall served as the voting location for both students living in the building, and residence of the 127 and 130 ward of Milwaukee. Off campus students were directed to various locations that were assigned to the ward they reside in.

Campus was littered with supporters for both Scott Walker and Mary Burke to encourage students to cast their vote at their respective locations; however, registration regulations were misconstrued among supporters and voting employers.

“You can pull up your address on your PAWS [Panther Access to Web Services] account on your phone and use it as residency proof”, said Sally Evans, a Burke supporter, to passing students. PAWS is the account students use for registering for classes and receiving grades and other information.

Yet, students were turned away at Sandburg until they brought printed proof of residency.

“It’s not too bad because I can print for free at the Housing Office,” said Chrissy Broughton. “One guy actually got all the way to registration table, even though the man at the entrance was supposed to tell you what you needed, and they turned him away once he reached the front of the line.”

Sandburg residents were excited they could vote without leaving their building. But irritated conversations about the misunderstood policies echoed through the lobby after students cast their ballot.