Monday, April 21, 2025

Common Cause Wisconsin Statement to JCRAR regarding Election Observer Rule


For release: Monday - April 21, 2025

Statement from Common Cause Wisconsin to the Joint Committee for Review of Administration Rules regarding Wisconsin Election Commission Rule on Election Observers, CR 24-032


TO: Members of the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules
FROM: Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin
DATE: April 21, 2025
RE: Statement from Common Cause Wisconsin on Wisconsin Election Commission Rule on Election Observers, CR 24-032

Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) supports the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Rule on Election Observers, CR 24-032, which establishes much needed clear rules and standards for election observers. Founded in 1970, CC/WI is the state’s largest non-partisan citizens political reform advocacy organization with more than 9,000 members and activists in every county in Wisconsin.

Common Cause Wisconsin has recruited volunteer observers over many years and for several election cycles to be able to have our members observe and monitor the election process at polling locations throughout the state. CC/WI members have long been eager to be part of Wisconsin Election Protection programs in many different capacities, but they have particularly emphasized the value and importance of being trained as nonpartisan election observers by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin for Election Day. 

Common Cause Wisconsin was an active participating member of the WEC Election Observer Advisory Committee assisting with the development of the rule which occurred over a nearly two-year period with extensive input and involvement from many different stakeholders from across the ideological spectrum. WEC Commissioners ultimately adopted the rule by a very strong bipartisan 5 to 1 vote. 

Why is this rule so important and why is it essential for Wisconsin?

Because election observers need clear rules in order to carry out their tasks effectively and fairly at polling locations. Having this rule in place will help ensure the safety of voters, observers, and election officials. The rule seeks to benefit observers but will also preserve and enhance access to the election process, and help improve transparency, security, and confidence in Wisconsin’s elections. The rule strikes a careful and important balance between the election officials being able to carry out their jobs, an observer’s access and ability to be able to view the voting process, and a voter's right to privacy and confidentiality while casting a ballot. 

The rule is also comprehensive and responsive to the many concerns members of the advisory committee named specifically during the meetings. These areas include the use of recording equipment, how observers can interact with voters and election officials while in the polling place, respecting a voter’s right to privacy and the handling of confidential information, an observer’s role when working with Special Voting Deputies, the safety and authority of election officials and chief inspectors, and maintaining an open and transparent process that is observable. The rule ensures the basic needs of election observers are met, such as access to restrooms, access to the voting process without interfering with election officials and voters, and receiving disability-related accommodations.

Common Cause Wisconsin recognizes the challenging task the WEC staff faced in compiling public comments together with feedback of the advisory committee with various nonpartisan organizations and active political parties in the state who often work with election observers. The WEC staff and commissioners spent many hours facilitating the advisory committee, considering and incorporating outside input from individuals and organizations, and having honest and candid discussions about how to improve the role of the election observer. The commissioners should be commended for finding common ground embodied in the submitted rule, and completing the process which fulfills WEC’s obligation to promulgate rules under that statute. As a result, this rule reflects fairness with clear, applicable expectations of election observers.

On March 11th, the Assembly Campaigns and Elections Committee voted 5-2 to reject the rule not for substantive reasons, but for reasons cited that they would like to address some concerns regarding election observation through legislation. Both routes can be taken. Passing the rule does not interfere with legislative actions, but having this rule in place now will provide observers and election officials much needed clarity while the legislature considers statutory changes. However, rejecting this rule allows chaos and uncertainty to continue in polling places for voters, election officials, and election observers. It would be beneficial to pass the rule and then work on the legislation they seek to change or update the statutes. 

Observers, voters, and election officials rely on clear information from the WEC and the Wisconsin legislature. Common Cause Wisconsin supports CR 24-032 - Rule on Election Observers as written, and requests that the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules adopt the rule. Establishing clear rules and standards for election observers across the state will help improve citizen confidence in the voting process and help observers in their important role of witnessing the election process.

--------------------------

Jay Heck
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

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Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wisconsin Voters Decisively Step Up, Turn Out and Reject Outside Interference from Musk’s Millions

For release: Wednesday, April 2, 2025


Statement of Jay Heck, Common Cause Wisconsin Executive Director

Wisconsin voters turned out to vote in record numbers on and before April 1st and decisively opted for impartial justice and independence from the influence of the world’s richest person and his unprecedented attempt to buy control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
 
It wasn’t even close.
 
$25 million from Elon Musk for negative, untrue ads on the airwaves and social media, for million-dollar payments to selected partisan actors, for $100 bribes to tempt voters to sign petitions and to fund an army of out-of-state canvassers who knew nothing and cared nothing about Wisconsin -- were all resoundingly rejected by the voters of Wisconsin.
 
Wisconsinites were not fooled on this April Fool’s Day election. Over 50 percent of our state’s eligible voters, a record turnout for a Spring contest, voted early in person, by absentee ballot through the US mail or delivery to secure ballot drop boxes, and in person on Election day to reclaim their democracy and their state in the most expensive judicial election in the history of the country with the largest chunk of that money coming from Musk.
 
It was a massive repudiation not only of Elon Musk, but of what has occurred and continues to occur in Wisconsin and in the nation since January 20th.
 
The power of Wisconsin voters showing up and voting in droves “trumped” the richest person in the world and other unprecedented billionaire and corporate campaign cash demonstrating yet again that the people, when they are informed, educated and mobilized, can triumph over wealth, negativity and unprecedented outside interference.
 
Common Cause Wisconsin is proud to have played a role in this inspiring display of democracy in action. This election reaffirms our unshakeable belief that power is ultimately invested in the hands of the people and that democracy will triumph over massive wealth if voters have good reason to engage and participate at the ballot box. 
 
In the Badger State on April 1st we did just that.
 
On Wisconsin. Forward!
Jay Heck, Executive Director, Common Cause Wisconsin

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Jay Heck
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

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Monday, March 31, 2025

In the News - March 2025



How Wisconsin's high court race became the most expensive in U.S. history
March 31, 2025 - CBS Morning Show (video), CBS News

Elon’s Musk Taken to Task By His Own AI Tool for ‘Election Bribery’ As He Dangled to $2M In Handouts to Voters Before Crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
March 29, 2025 - Christian Boone, Atlanta Black Star

Is Elon Musk skirting election law in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race?
March 28, 2025 - Jill Colvin, ABC News / with AP (Scott Bauer)

Why Elon Musk, GOP Are Trying to Buy the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
March 28, 2025 - Matt Cohen, Democracy Docket

How Elon Musk, George Soros and Other Billionaires Are Shaping the Most Expensive Court Race in U.S. History
March 28, 2025 - Megan O’Matz, ProPublica

AG Kaul: Trump's order on elections 'has no effect' on Wisconsin's April 1 election
March 28, 2025 - Mitchell Schmidt, Wisconsin State Journal

Trump Executive Order on Elections - Jay Heck interview
March 27, 2025 - Greg Stensland, Between the Lines, WFDL fm radio

Musk announces $1 million for Wisconsin voter in Supreme Court race. Opposition calls it ‘corrupt’
March 27, 2024 - Scott Bauer, The Associated Press

Trump order on noncitizen voting won’t affect Wisconsin’s high-stakes Supreme Court election
March 26, 2024 - Anya van Wagtendonk, Wisconsin Public Radio

Experts say Trump order requiring proof of citizenship for voting won’t apply to April 1 election
March 26, 2024 - Henry Redman, Wisconsin Examiner

Not an April Fool’s joke
March 20, 2025 - Phil Anderson, Duluth Reader

Spring General Election Information - Jay Heck interview
March 19, 2025 - Greg Stensland, Between the Lines, WFDL fm radio

Voter ID constitutional amendment on the ballot as early voting begins
March 18, 2025 - Tim Kowols, Door County Daily News

Commentary | Elon Musk invades Wisconsin
March14, 2024 - Jay Heck, Wisconsin Examiner

Supreme Clash: Rivals battle for control of the court by accusing each other of being a threat to public safety
March 7, 2025 - Bill Lueders, Isthmus

Schaber seeks constitutional amendment for nonpartisan redistricting
March 2, 2025 - Carol Lenz, The Dairyland Patriot

Read More...


Tomorrow – Tuesday, April 1st is Election Day in Wisconsin!

For release: Monday, March 31, 2025



Image: The outside of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Chambers / photo: E Grunze 


The Whole World is Watching the Most Important Election in the Nation During 2025

Tomorrow is April 1st which has long been celebrated as “April Fool’s Day” throughout much of the nation. But on this April 1st in Wisconsin the real fools are those who are eligible to vote and don’t bother to do so in what has shaped up to be the most consequential and important election in the United States in 2025. The Wisconsin Supreme Court election to be decided tomorrow is already by far the most expensive judicial election of any ever waged in the history of our country with upwards of $80 million already spent in a state with about 4 million eligible voters.



Wisconsin was the most closely contested swing state in the nation in November 2024 with less than 30,000 votes separating the winner and loser of both the US Presidential and US Senate contests in the Badger state. And because Spring elections always experience far less participation than November elections, every vote cast and counted tomorrow is even more important and carries even more weight than in a presidential or gubernatorial election because so many fewer voters are participating. Therefore, when you vote you have great voice and power and your ability to effect change is significant.



In addition to the all-important, critical and nationally significant Wisconsin Supreme Court election to fill the seat of the retiring most senior justice on the court, Ann Walsh Bradley, voters will elect the State Superintendent of Public Instruction as well as many local offices for judge, city council, county board, mayor, and others.



Voters will also decide on the adoption of a state constitutional amendment ballot question regarding the enshrinement into our state constitution Wisconsin’s extreme and restrictive voter photo ID law which CC/WI opposes for the reasons we laid out in January when this partisan measure was before the Wisconsin Legislature.



Like so many Wisconsin voters, we have been very concerned about the unprecedented outside interference and involvement of both the richest person in the world, Elon Musk who is spending millions of dollars to influence the outcome of our state election, as well as The White House attempting to sow distrust and confusion in Wisconsin a week before the election with the issuance of an Executive Order that we believe is not at all applicable to Wisconsin and is likely unlawful and unconstitutional in its scope and execution.



Therefore, tomorrow your vote and your voice really matter and will make a difference much more so than perhaps it ever has before and even more than you realize. Please take the time to vote tomorrow and ensure that you do it correctly so that your vote will be counted. Here’s what you need to know:



Mail-in Absentee Ballot Return


If you still have an absentee ballot that was mailed to you and you have not returned it yet, be sure to personally hand return your completed ballot TODAY. Absolutely Do NOT mail it! All ballots need to be received no later than 8:00 PM tomorrow (Tuesday) on Election Day. Your clerk and myvote.wi.gov will have information about where you can take your ballot for hand delivery.


Don't forget: The ballot envelope needs a witness signature and the complete address of the witness, filled out by the witness.

REMINDER: Voters with a disability who need assistance may have someone return their absentee ballot.

You can track your ballot through the official ballot tracker on MyVote.WI.Gov. Don't see that your ballot was received? Contact your clerk for further information.


In-Person Voting at your Polling Location on Election Day


If you are planning to vote in person at the polls, read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1st.


Polling Location

Polling places can change from election to election. To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the Find My Polling Place page on the MyVote.Wi.Gov website and type in your address.


Registration

You can register to vote on Election Day at your polling location. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 28 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward. You'll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically - like on your phone or tablet).


Photo ID

You are required to show a photo ID before you vote. If you have a Wisconsin driver's license or a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued ID card, then you’re all set. Selected other forms of ID work too, and it’s very important to check the official list of acceptable IDs at Bring It to The Ballot to make sure you have what you need.

What if you don't have an acceptable ID to vote tomorrow? You can ask for AND vote with a provisional ballot. But, for your ballot to be counted, you MUST either come back to your polling place with an acceptable form of ID before it closes at 8:00 PM on Election Day OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk's office by 4:00 PM the Friday after the election (Friday, April 4th). If you don't have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, call or text the VoteRiders helpline 866-ID-2-VOTE for assistance.


Your Ballot

You will find local and state races on your ballot. (View a sample of your ballot at MyVote.wi.gov). These offices and the people who serve in these roles have a direct impact on your life.

Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidate best represents your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411.


College Students voting in Wisconsin

Are you a college student voting in Wisconsin? Or do you know a student who wants to vote in Wisconsin? Here is important information from the Common Cause Wisconsin website to know and share: Three Things College Students Need to Do to Vote in Wisconsin


Have questions or need some assistance?

Help is just a call, text, or email away.


If you experience problems at the polls or have questions, there is help. Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with any questions you have or to report problems.

Voters with disabilities have the right to have ready access to any polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking and returning an absentee ballot, and voting curbside at a polling location. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Or email: info@disabilityvote.org. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.



We are all exhausted and ready for this seemingly endless election season, that has been ongoing for more than a year, to end. And after tomorrow it should, at least for a little while. But for now, the stakes for your family and for Wisconsin are just too high to ignore this election. Get out there and vote or, if you have already, please encourage your family, friends and everyone and anyone you know to get to the polls tomorrow.


It is no exaggeration to say that your vote in Wisconsin on April 1st will have an impact like no other vote you have ever cast before. The whole world is literally watching what we do here tomorrow. So, get out there and make a difference!


On Wisconsin!

Forward,


Jay Heck

Executive Director

Common Cause Wisconsin


--------------------------


Jay Heck
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

Read More...