Wisconsin Election Commission discusses election issues

Meagan Wolfe reported this afternoon that 70 communities are still in need of about 200 poll workers, and reminded people that they can see where workers are needed and volunteer at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/PollWorker. At the moment the City of Eau Claire, City of Menomonie, and Town of Menomonie are on the list of places looking for more workers.

There are currently 1.57 million req 1530940 have been returned. Tuesday was the first day of in-person absentee voting. 79,774 ballots came in, 70,082 were recorded Wednesday. The absentee ballots are reported on at https://elections.wi.gov/node/7196 - note that the in-person returns have a delay as many jurisdictions do not report immediately.

FBI notice on foreign actors. There is no evidence that Wisconsin's or any other state systems were compromised in any way. The emails being sent appear to be based on public information. Wolfe reminded people to seek out trusted sources for election information as there are people trying to sow doubt about voting.

You can learn about the mechanics of the election and how to participate at https://myvote.wi.gov. You can see more about how the state is protecting your vote at https://elections.wi.gov/2020.

More information is being posted for election administrators in the state on how to participate with law enforcement and their local governments on a framework for discussions on the election.

A question was raised about the process for voters who are hospitalized or quarantined at election time. There has not been a big increase in use of the process this year, despite the pandemic. A voter must designate an agent who can bring the application for a ballot and voter id to the clerk's office. The agent must also provide ID. The agent will then bring the ballot to the hospitalized voter, have the voter vote, and return the ballot to a dropbox or to the polling place on election day. 

Note that the huge influx of absentee ballots will mean that election results may be late in coming. Counting the ballots can only happen once the voting has started, and poll workers will be doing double duty - doing absentee processing all day. Since accuracy is valued over speed, it may take longer than normal, though municipalities are bringing in larger numbers of poll workers than normal. 

One of the reporters on the call inquired about the state of the recall effort against the governor. Wolfe replied that the deadline for receiving the signatures is Tuesday, Oct. 27 and that the commission has not heard from the organizers about a plan to submit the signatures. The commission has attempted to contact them about developing a plan but has not been successful.

There will be a video of the Elections Commission press conference later today for those who want all the details.