NEW REPORT: Watchdog Finds Wisconsin Elections Have Strong Protections Despite Escalating Anti-Democracy Threats

Step-By-Step Guide Details Wisconsin Vote Counting and Certification Process to Help Guard Against Election Subversion

Informing Democracy Identifies 15 Officials as Potential Election Threats, Highlights Other Potential Vulnerabilities

Background Briefings Available for Reporters, Advocates

Today, Informing Democracy released a new report detailing the county- and state-wide officials and processes that govern the Wisconsin general election taking place on November 5, 2024. The comprehensive guide is centralized in a highly interactive, searchable tool to help journalists and pro-democracy champions monitor election processes, and includes:

• A timeline for the ongoing and overlapping processes for vote counting and election certification, with different customizable view options;

• An extensive library of research on election personnel focusing on whether they may pose a threat to election administration, with supporting evidence;

• An overview of anti-democracy trends and the potential impact on Wisconsin elections.

In conducting research into Wisconsin election administration, the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization made up of election professionals, researchers, and lawyers found that Wisconsin elections are largely well run.

“Wisconsin voters should cast their ballots this November knowing that their elections are secure and well-protected from threats,” said Informing Democracy’s Executive Director, Jenna Lowenstein. “This in-depth guide breaks down how our elections work, who counts the votes, and who certifies the results. We hope it helps voters, journalists, and advocates alike feel more confident and prepared to monitor potential issues.”

However, Informing Democracy did find potential vulnerabilities in certain electoral processes and identified 15 election officials who raise concern due to anti-democratic tendencies:

• Out of 210 public officials, research surfaced of 15 officials whose findings raised cause for concern (7 percent) residing in 15 counties.

  • Three were County Clerks and 12 were members of County Boards of Canvass.

  • Eight Wisconsin county election officials – one County Clerk and seven members of Boards of Canvassers – publicly denied or questioned the results of the 2020 election.

  • Two members of County Boards of Canvassers were identified as supporting efforts that subvert fair administration of elections.

You can read the full report here. For questions about the upcoming elections in Wisconsin or to speak with a researcher, please email Ryan Thomas at ryan@zpstrategies.com.