Senators Kelda Roys, Dora Drake, and Latonya Johnson have sent a letter to Senator Van Wanggaard, chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, objecting to the use of paper ballots for voting on SB 445/AB 446. The senators argue that this process bypasses a regular, in-person executive session.
In their letter dated February 2, 2026, the senators wrote:
“We strenuously object to SB 445/AB 446 being voted on by paper ballot rather than regular, in person executive session. Last week’s public hearing, much like the earlier one in the Assembly, revealed deep disagreement among the public, including among the Jewish community, about the wisdom and potential impact of this legislation. A bill that is highly controversial, and one that implicates fundamental rights, including the right to free speech and the right to be safe from discriminatory conduct, must be fully vetted through the normal legislative process.”
They continued: “This hasty executive session via paper ballot deprives legislators of the opportunity to ask questions of legislative council, to hear others’ questions and comments, to have discussions amongst each other, to offer and discuss amendments, and to debate the merits of the bill. Most importantly, it robs the public of their right to see their government in action, and to know that their concerns — however they feel about this bill — are being taken seriously by legislators.”
The senators criticized what they described as frequent use of paper ballots by the committee: “This committee has too often abused the convenience of paper ballots, depriving committee members of our ability to do our jobs well, preventing debate and discussion, and shutting out the public. Paper ballots should not be used as a weapon to silence members of the minority party and grease the skids for controversial legislation that the majority party wants to sneak through under the radar. Too often unfortunately that is how this committee has operated.”
The letter concludes with a request: “We respectfully request that this bill be removed from the list of bills being voted on by paper ballot, and that moving forward,the committee dramatically reduce number of paper ballots so that bills get due consideration and discussion. If chair wishes advance this bill,a public,in person executive session should be scheduled.”
Kelda Roys represents Wisconsin’s 26th Senate District in Dane County—a region covering urban,rural,and suburban areas—and serves on committees such as Joint Committee on Finance.She also participates as ranking member on Joint Committee on Review Administrative Rules.Roys co-chairs Reproductive Freedom working group,is active in LGBTQ+ Caucus,and has served on boards including Clean Lakes Alliance,the ACLU Wisconsin,and Common Cause.Her background includes legal work,founding a real estate brokerage,and leadership roles at NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin.More information about her career can be found at her official website.
Roys was joined by Senators Dora Drake (District 4)and Latonya Johnson(District 6),both representing Milwaukee.
