Preserving Voter Trust By Combating Absentee Ballot Myths In Wisconsin

Voting booths with American flags and "VOTE" signs.

Misinformation about absentee ballots in Wisconsin stirs unprecedented concerns over vote integrity.

At a Glance

Absentee ballot misinformation challenges voter confidence.
Wisconsin officials confirm folded ballots are valid.
Recounts and lawsuits complicate election processes.
Official communication remains vital in preventing confusion.

Absentee Ballots Under Scrutiny

Misinformation in Wisconsin has cast doubt over absentee ballots, with rumors wrongly suggesting that ballots with folds might be dismissed as void. This has led to confusion among voters concerned about the mechanical readability of such ballots and potential disenfranchisement. Despite these claims, local officials affirm that creased ballots are counted accurately, reflecting the importance of voters being well-informed about election processes. It emphasizes a need for effective communication from election authorities.

Concerns have also been amplified by a lawsuit aiming to alter the absentee voting process. This lawsuit demands voters return a signed request with their ballots. Proponents argue it’s a push for fair election administration, as emphasized by Daniel Eastman’s comment, “Wisconsin needs to demand fair election administration.” Critics, however, view this as creating hurdles for voters, potentially disenfranchising many, as highlighted by Mike Haas.

Challenges Facing Election Officials

The lawsuit against absentee ballots demands has posed potential complications for election officials. It requires that voters using Wisconsin’s online portal include a signed request with their absentee ballots. The Wisconsin Elections Commission opposes the lawsuit, warning that it could disenfranchise voters and create chaos before the upcoming primary elections. Officials like Marinette Deputy City Clerk Mindy Campbell have expressed concerns over the increased workload as absentee ballot requests have surged significantly since COVID-19.

“Absentee ballot requests have increased so much, even just since COVID-19,” Marinette Deputy City Clerk Mindy Campbell said. “Marinette has 10,000 people, and before COVID-19 we used to have between 100 and 200 absentee ballot requests. This April, there were 500 requests, and that’s for a low-turnout election.”

If the lawsuit succeeds, officials may need to print additional forms with absentee ballots, complicating their workload. This coincides with a recount in Milwaukee due to improperly sealed ballot tabulators. Melissa Howard of the Milwaukee Election Commission stated this recount as a measure taken “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure transparency, though it delays counts.

Reassuring Voter Confidence

Ballot misinformation has been further debunked by state manuals specifying that ballots are only remade in situations like overvotes. Local election officials have reassured voters that creased ballots are valid and counted. A false Facebook post claimed they might be void, but this was fact-checked and confirmed as false by both local authorities and election officials. Communication remains critical as officials continue to ensure that votes are counted properly, either by machine or manually.

Understanding the accurate processes of absentee voting not only prevents voter disenfranchisement but strengthens the integrity of the electoral system. Officials are urged to maintain clear and consistent communication, reassuring the public throughout this voting period in Wisconsin.