Wisconsin

Members of the Pillars of the Community have asked the following questions about Wisconsin’s election system. Here is what the state says about voting and elections. In our subsequent meetings the Pillars and election officials will continue to discuss and kick the tires around these subjects.

What are the safeguards to prevent fraud in mail voting?

Wisconsin takes several precautions to ensure the integrity of mail voting. Voters must submit a valid photo ID when applying for an absentee ballot (unless they qualify for an exemption), and each ballot requires a witness signature. Once completed, ballots can be tracked using the MyVote Wisconsin portal, which allows voters to confirm when their ballot was sent, received, and processed. Clerks verify voter identities, and absentee ballots are only counted on Election Day to maintain election security. Finally, detailed records document each step of the absentee ballot request and return process, so anyone who attempts to circumvent the law will be tracked.

How are felons prevented from voting?

Individuals convicted of a felony in Wisconsin are prohibited from voting until they complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation. The state’s voter registration process includes checks against Department of Corrections records to ensure that felons who are still serving their sentences are not allowed to vote.

How is the voter list maintained and checked for accuracy?

Wisconsin law provides many mechanisms to review the information in the voter registration database. All voter records are checked against Department of Transportation records. The Department of Corrections and Department of Health Services provide regular updates about felony convictions and deaths, respectively. Wisconsin Registers in Probate provide information about guardianships and adjudications of incompetency. And Wisconsin law empowers all municipal clerks to manage their voter lists and make changes when they have reliable information that a voter’s status has changed. Wisconsin is also a member of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created by and comprised of state election officials from around the United States, to keep voter rolls up-to-date. ERIC uses information from DMVs, the USPS and the Social Security Administration to help election officials maintain more accurate voter rolls and detect possible illegal voting.

What safeguards are in place for voting in nursing homes?

Special Voting Deputies (SVDs) are assigned to help nursing home residents vote securely. These deputies follow strict procedures to prevent coercion and ensure the integrity of the vote. Nursing home residents who are classified as indefinitely confined do not need to provide a photo ID when voting.

Can voting machines be hacked or otherwise manipulated?

Wisconsin’s voting machines are not connected to the internet. The machines undergo pre-election testing and are subject to audits to verify their accuracy. Each vote cast using these machines generates a paper record, which can be used for audits and recounts.

How do we prevent college students from voting both at home and at school?

College students must decide whether to vote using their college address or their permanent home address. Once registered in one location, they cannot vote in another. Wisconsin’s WisVote system tracks voter registration statewide to prevent double registration or voting in multiple locations.

How do we prevent non-citizens from voting?

Voters must attest to their U.S. citizenship under penalty of perjury, and they are required to present a valid proof of residence and a photo ID for voting purposes. Acceptable forms of ID include a Wisconsin driver’s license, state ID, or other specified forms, but not a specific document proving citizenship.

Additionally, voter information in Wisconsin is cross-referenced with state databases, like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and ERIC, to confirm the accuracy of registration details, ensuring that voters meet residency and identification requirements. However, Wisconsin law does not provide for any process to systematically verify citizenship beyond the attestation during registration.

Why does it take so long for Milwaukee (and some other cities) to count their votes?

Delays in reporting election results often occur because of the large number of absentee ballots, especially in large cities like Milwaukee. By current state law, absentee ballots cannot be processed or counted until Election Day, and central counting locations are often used to process them, which can lead to later results being reported.

Are paper ballots kept and used for verification? Are they safeguarded from tampering?

Yes, Wisconsin uses paper ballots, which are stored securely after each election. These ballots are available for post-election audits and recounts. Election workers use tamper-evident seals, and chain-of-custody procedures are followed to ensure that ballots remain secure and free from tampering.

How do poll workers get appointed?

In Wisconsin, poll workers, also known as election inspectors, are appointed by local election officials, typically the municipal clerks. Political parties, usually the Democratic and Republican parties, submit lists of potential poll workers by November 30 of odd-numbered years. Clerks must first select poll workers from these lists to ensure bipartisan representation. Governing bodies must first select poll workers from these lists to ensure bipartisan representation. If there are not enough nominees, clerks can appoint other qualified individuals. Poll workers must be Wisconsin residents, at least 18 years old, and complete mandatory training. High school students aged 16 or older can serve with parental and school permission.

What is needed to register to vote in Wisconsin?

To register to vote, Wisconsin residents need to provide proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, or lease) and a valid photo ID. Registration can be done online, by mail or in person. Same-day registration is also available at polling places on Election Day. Only registered voters meeting the photo ID requirements receive a ballot counted on Election Day.

How can someone report voting fraud concerns?

If someone suspects voting fraud, they can report it directly to their municipal clerk or to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, or file a formal election complaint with the Commission.