Overview

The Wisconsin Elections Commission (“WEC” or the “Commission”), established by the state legislature in 2016 and signed into law by Governor Scott Walker, is the primary statewide body responsible for elections in Wisconsin. “WEC.” **The WEC is a bipartisan entity and is governed by six Commissioners, three of whom are members of the Democratic Party and three of whom are members of the Republican Party. “WEC.” **The members serve for five-year terms. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a). A majority of the Commissioners, with the advice and consent of the Wisconsin State Senate, select an Administrator, who serves a four-year term as the director of the Commission. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(b)(1). The Administrator also acts as Wisconsin’s chief election official. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 5.05(3g).

The WEC is responsible for the administration of statewide elections in Wisconsin. “WEC.” **The Commission ensures legal compliance with election laws, tests electronic voting systems, maintains the statewide voter registration system, works with the state legislature to develop election-related legislation, and safeguards election security. “WEC.” The Commission also supports local election officials and educates the public by providing courses and training opportunities, preparing manuals, answering inquiries from local election officials, and issuing guidance and advisory opinions. “WEC;” Wis. Stat. Ann. § 5.05(6)(a). In addition, the Chairperson of the Commission is responsible for canvassing and certifying state and federal election results. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.70; “WEC.” The Commission prescribes procedures for recounts, orders the commencement of some recounts by County Boards of Canvassers, and posts public notice of recounts. Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 9.01(10), (ar)(3), (2).

The current membership of the WEC is as follows:

• Commissioner Don Millis (R), term expires in June 2024, appointed by the Assembly Speaker;
• Commissioner Robert Spindell, Jr. (R), term expires in May 2026, appointed by the Senate Majority Leader;
• Commissioner Marge Bostelmann (R), term expires in May 2024, appointed by the Governor;
• Commissioner Ann Jacobs (D) (current Chairperson), term expires in May 2026, appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;
• Commissioner Mark Thomsen (D) (current Vice Chairperson), term expires in May 2024, appointed by the Assembly Minority Leader;
• Commissioner Carrie Riepl (D), term expires in May 2026, appointed by the Governor; and
• Administrator Meagan Wolfe, appointed by the Commission and confirmed by the state Senate in May 2019 for a four-year term. [1]

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the WEC are:

1. Administering statewide elections. “WEC.”
2. Canvassing and certifying state and federal election results. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.70; “WEC.”
3. Supporting local election officials and educating the public through training, manuals, and advisory opinions. “WEC.”

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Appointed: ****Members of the Commission are appointed for five-year terms. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a). Four of the members are appointed by the state legislature (one by the Senate Majority Leader, one by the Senate Minority Leader, one by the Speaker of the Assembly, and one by the Assembly Minority Leader). Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a). Two of the members are nominated by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a). The Governor must select nominees from lists of candidates prepared by the two major political parties. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a)(5). If there is an additional political party, other than the two major parties, whose candidate for governor received at least 10% of the vote in the most recent election, the Governor nominates an additional member of the Commission from a list prepared by the leader of the additional political party. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a)(6).
  • The Commission appoints an Administrator with the advice and consent of the State Senate. The Administrator serves a four-year term. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(b)(1).
• Term of Office: Members of the Commission serve five-year terms. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a). The Administrator serves a four-year term. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(b)(1).