FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 10, 2021

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

Joint Legislative Audit Committee Co-chairs Statement on Green Bay Election Administration and Ongoing Elections Audit

MADISON– “The documents released recently and accompanying article detail concerning interactions between City of Green Bay officials – in particular the Mayor’s office – and non-government individuals affiliated with the privately-funded grants provided to Wisconsin’s largest municipalities to assist with the costs of election administration. 

"Recently, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee authorized the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau to conduct an audit of elections administration in Wisconsin. Included in the scope of this audit, is the directive to examine issues pertaining to the efforts by clerks to comply with election administration laws, including by administering elections, processing absentee ballots, and performing recount responsibilities, as well as the observations and concerns of clerks regarding elections administration which would include the use of private-grant funds. This audit effort is ongoing and by statute, is performed independent of the Legislature.

"The materials and article making news this week have been provided to the Legislative Audit Bureau for their independent review of these interactions and the access granted to Green Bay’s elections administration during the 2020 elections.”

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). 

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