Welcome to this week's edition of my e-update. My office has been hearing from a lot of folks over the past several weeks requesting an update on election integrity efforts. You can read about this and more below.
Also, there are a number of exciting events coming up around the 87th Assembly District in the weeks ahead. For more information check out the Around the 87th section of my e-update. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any thoughts on issues before the legislature or if you need assistance with a state agency.
Update Regarding Election Integrity Efforts
So far this legislative session, one of the top issues constituents have contacted my office about is to share their concerns about protecting the integrity of our elections. Recently, a number of these contacts have been requesting a "forensic audit".
In the financial sector, a “forensic audit” is a well-defined process relating to the way an audit should be conducted when it is likely criminal behavior will be uncovered and evidence needed for the judicial process. Outside of the financial sector, forensic audits are not defined; however, the term has been used recently to describe the application of forensic science to the examination of elections equipment, ballots, and procedures. However, the use of this term is new and does not hold any specific meaning for what process must be used when examining an election. While several states have entered into some investigation or review of their elections that some are calling a forensic audit, how each has been undertaken has varied.
As I've mentioned in a previous e-update, earlier this year, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved an audit of the elections administration in Wisconsin by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB). This work is confidential while in progress and performed independently of the legislature. The LAB anticipates that the audit will be complete and the audit report will be published in the fall of 2021. These auditors have been charged by the legislature to investigate the election and report back on the following:
The use of electronic voting systems, including the methodology and results of the Elections Commission's most recent statutorily required post-election audit and the actions taken as a result of this audit.
General Election-related complaints filed with the Elections Commission and clerks, as well as how those complaints were addressed.
The efforts by the Wisconsin Elections Commission to comply with elections laws, including by working with clerks to ensure voter registration data include only eligible voters, and by providing training and guidance to clerks.
The efforts by clerks to comply with elections laws, including by administering elections, processing absentee ballots, and performing recount responsibilities, as well as the observations and concerns of clerks regarding elections administration.
Along with the LAB audit, there is another investigation in progress in Wisconsin. This investigation is being conducted by a special group formed by Assembly Speaker Vos and is lead by former State Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman. This group is charged with investigating potential irregularities or illegalities in the 2020 presidential election and will have the power to subpoena information and materials in their preparation of the report to the legislature and may also refer any illegal activity they uncover to the proper law enforcement authorities. When any updates become available I will be sure to keep you updated.
In addition to these investigations, a number of election reform bills have been approved by the Assembly so far this session. As I shared back in May, the Assembly approved Assembly Bill 173 which would prevent outside organizations from using their funds to attempt to influence the election administration in certain municipalities around our state. Unfortunately, this proposal was vetoed by Governor Evers.
In June the Assembly passed four more bills. These bills close Voter ID loopholes, standardize ballot collection procedures, make sure that only the voter makes corrections to their ballot, and establishes uniform distance for recount observers. These four bills, Senate Bills 204, 205, 212, and 292 all await action by Governor Evers.
Asking DWD to Follow the Law, Again
Under state law, by June 15th of odd-numbered years, the Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is required to submit to the legislature an updated statement of unemployment insurance financial outlook. Unfortunately, just like two years ago this report was not received by the legislature by the statutory deadline. As Chairman of the Labor and Integrated Employment Committee, I joined Representative Petryk, the Chairman of the Workforce Development Committee earlier this week to send a letter to DWD Secretary-designee Pechaeck asking the department to follow the law and submit this report to the legislature. It is my hope that DWD submits a copy of this report to the legislature soon.
With the inability of DWD to complete this simple task, how can the people of Wisconsin have faith that Governor Evers and his administration's attempt to solve the workforce issues facing employers in our state will be efficient, timely, and meet the needs of our state? You can read a copy of this letter by clicking here.
Capitol Tours Resume
The Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison is, in my opinion, the best in the nation. I am pleased to share that guided tours of the building have now resumed. Our State Capitol has a rich history and a unique beauty that I encourage everyone to experience on a guided tour. If you are going to be in the Madison area this summer I encourage you to check it out. To learn more about a tour of the Capitol or to schedule a tour click here to visit the official tour website. Also, if you are in the building please feel free to stop by my office, Room 109 West, and hopefully, I will be available to say hello.
Around the 87th
One of my favorite parts about serving as your state representative is getting out and interacting with constituents at many of the wonderful community events across the 87th District. Check out some of the upcoming events around the district below. Also, if you know of any other events, please contact my office and let me know, so I can include them in a future e-update and try to attend myself.
Check out some of the events coming up around the district:
One of the best ways to stay up to date with what is going on in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking service. This service allows you to follow legislative activity in Madison. Once you create a free account you can sign up to receive notifications about specific bills or committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject area (i.e. agriculture, veterans). You can sign up for this service at notify.legis.wisconsin.gov.
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If you have any thoughts regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
State Capitol Room 109 West - PO Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0087 or (608) 266-7506 Email: Rep.Edming@legis.wisconsin.gov
