FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 11, 2021

Contact: Sen. Cowles: (608) 266-0484 / Rep. Kerkman: (888) 529-0061

Joint Legislative Audit Committee Approves Comprehensive Review of Elections Administration 

MADISON– Today, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee voted 6-4 to approve an audit of elections administration in Wisconsin. Following the recent General Election, which was held November 3, 2020, questions have been raised about elections administration, including compliance with elections laws, the use of electronic voting systems, and complaints filed with the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) and local election officials. 

“What voters want and deserve from elections, is confidence, transparency, and accountability,” said Rep. Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes). Legislators have been flooded with contacts from folks who are gravely concerned that our elections are being compromised and that there are no repercussions for those who bend or break those laws. With this audit, the Legislative Audit Bureau will examine election processes that are designed to protect the integrity of our elections and evaluate how well these measures worked.”

The Legislative Audit Bureau has previously completed audits of issues related to elections administration, including Complaints Considered by the Government Accountability Board (report 15-13), Government Accountability Board (report 14-14), Compliance with Election Laws (report 07-16), and Voter Registration (report 05-12). The audit will review efforts by WEC and local election officials to comply with elections laws, administration of elections, processing absentee ballots, voter registration data, performing recount responsibilities, training and guidance provided to clerks, the use of electronic voting systems and review of the statutorily required post-election audit of electronic voting systems, and General Election-related complaints filed with WEC and clerks and their response.

“I feel that the great work of the award-winning nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau will lend credibility to this issue and the findings that result from this audit effort will show that our elections are run properly and securely, but that it will also provide the Legislature with valuable insight on how we can improve any election practices that need additional attention. A comprehensive audit of Wisconsin’s election laws, practices, and procedures by a nonpartisan and independent entity is the only way that we can get a factual and precise representation of how our elections are being administered,” said Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay).

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