The Corona crisis has shaken up the schedule of the election year in the United States. Wisconsin has a dispute about the election date until the last minute. Now the area code should go as planned - despite concerns about the health of the voters.
Washington (dpa) - Despite the corona crisis, the planned area code is supposed to exist in the US state of Wisconsin this Tuesday. The Supreme Court overturned Governor Tony Evers' ordered move, Wisconsin Democratic Party leader Ben Wikler wrote on Twitter.
"Thousands will wake up and have to decide whether to exercise their right to vote or to stay healthy and safe," said Governor Evers. The ruling allowed the election to go as planned - against the advice of health experts and with "extreme risk" to the public.
The Supreme Court's ruling, which was widely reported by numerous US media, came just hours after Evers last minute ordered the area code to be moved by two months. "I can't watch with a clear conscience and can't do anything," said Evers of the short-term move. He was obliged to ensure the safety of people.
Republican representatives in Wisconsin had taken legal action against the decision and accused Evers of an "unconstitutional maneuver". It exceeded the governor's powers to "cancel" an election, they argued.
US media reported that the Supreme Court in Washington - the highest US court - ruled Monday night to extend the six-day postal deadline.
How exactly the election day will now run is unclear. Various other states had postponed their votes for March and April due to the pandemic to a later date.
The United States has been hard hit by the corona pandemic. The absolute number of cases of infection is higher there than in any other country. Exit restrictions apply to many parts of the country. The schedule of the election year has been completely mixed up by the crisis.
Republican incumbent Donald Trump plans to run for a second term in the presidential election in early November. He has already been determined as the presidential candidate of his party. For Democrats, former US Vice President Joe Biden and left Senator Bernie Sanders have yet another race to nominate their party. Biden is clearly in the lead after the previous primaries. So far, Sanders has maintained his presidential application.
