<aside> 🗳️ Introduction
This report aims to build confidence in Wisconsin’s voting system by shedding light on the processes, checks, and quality assurance steps in place that ensure fair and free elections, and, ultimately, a stronger democracy.
Here you will find a detailed overview of the processes and offices and personnel that govern vote counting and election certification, as well as a timeline of key dates. We have also identified potential process and personnel vulnerabilities to better help our pro-democracy partners monitor our elections and target corrective action to protect the integrity of our elections.
Throughout the report, the blue ballot icon indicates legal indicates research on legal and election process questions. The orange ballot icon indicates strategic research and potential threats.
If you would like to share any feedback on this report or have questions for our research team, contact us at: info[at]informingdemocracy[dot]org. See our Research Library for additional reports and analysis.
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Elections in Wisconsin are primarily administered on the municipal level by over 1,800 different local election offices (the most of any state in the nation). Municipal officials are responsible for the majority of election administration and post-election tasks, including counting, canvassing, and certifying election results. County officials also play a role, assisting in the training of election officials and conducting county-level canvasses. At the state level, the Wisconsin Elections Commission (“WEC”), a bipartisan agency created by the state legislature, oversees statewide elections. The WEC releases guidance both interpreting state law and filling in gaps where statutes are silent on a particular issue. The WEC also certifies the final election results for the state.
Election processes in Wisconsin are grounded firmly in state statute. In addition, the WEC provides manuals, guidance, and advisory opinions governing all aspects of the election administration process. Election officials have little discretion in carrying out their duties, and Municipal and County Boards of Canvassers are required to conduct canvassing and to certify results. Wisconsin also has a number of protections in place to safeguard its canvassing and certification processes from those seeking to undermine or delay election results.
This section provides information about the officers and personnel in charge of election administration in Wisconsin. Click on each office below for complete details.
Org Chart: Wisconsin Election Administration
Governor + Lieutenant Governor
Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers
County Board of Canvassers + County Clerk
Wisconsin Elections Commission
Circuit Court and Court of Appeals
This section provides information about key election administration processes that occur at the county and state levels in Wisconsin. Click on each process section below for complete details.
Voter Challenges + Challenged Ballots
Legal Protection for Canvass + Certification
Because state election law itself is strong, many of the election vulnerabilities in Wisconsin are created and sustained by bad faith actors violating settled law. After 2020, Wisconsin remains a target for those seeking to perpetuate election conspiracies, and as a result, the state’s elections remain vulnerable to the threats posed by such conspiracies. We highlight problems that have occurred in the past, as well as potential areas that may be vulnerable this election cycle. We have also identified specific election officials who have indicated a willingness to interfere with free and fair election administration.
Read more about potential vulnerabilities here:
Potential 2024 Election Vulnerabilities in Wisconsin