Overview

Immediately after the polls close on Election Day, the local canvass takes place at each polling place. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(1). The polling place’s Election Inspectors serve as the Local Board of Canvassers. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(1). During this process, the Election Inspectors canvass all votes received at the polling place, compare poll lists, tally results from voting machines, count write-in votes, count paper ballots, secure ballots, make returns of the votes to the Municipal Clerk, and transport ballots and other materials to the Municipal Clerk. Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 5.85, 7.51. The Election Inspectors also process and count absentee ballots in places where central absentee processing centers are not used. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 6.88. The local canvass is conducted publicly. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(1).

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Local Board of Canvassers are:

1. Canvassing all votes received at a polling place. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(1).
2. Determining whether ballots are defective. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(2)(b).
3. Processing and counting absentee ballots in places where central absentee processing centers are not used. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 6.88.
4. Securing ballots. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(3).
5. Publicly announcing the results when the tally is complete. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(4).
6. Making returns of the votes cast on a tally sheet. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(5).
7. Delivering all ballots, statements, tally sheets, lists, and envelopes to the Municipal Clerk. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(5).

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Ex Officio: ****The Local Board of Canvassers are the Election Inspectors appointed at each polling place. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.51(1).
• Term of Office: Election Inspectors are appointed for two-year terms. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.30(6)(a). Once appointed, election inspectors serve in every election held during their two-year term. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.30(6)(a).
• Qualifications: Election inspectors must be qualified to vote in the county served by the polling place at which they are appointed. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.30(2)(c); “Manual” at 9. Election inspectors must be able to read, write, and understand English, and they may not be candidates for any office on the ballot in the election at which they serve. “Manual” at 9. The Wisconsin Elections Commission also recommends that the Municipal Clerk, even when not on the ballot, not serve as an election inspector. “Manual” at 10.