Commission Supports Wolfe But Disagrees Whether Appointment Required

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) in Tuesday’s special meeting regarding its only agenda item, “Appointment of an Interim Administrator and an Administrator for the 4-Year Term Expiring on July 1, 2027,” voiced unanimous support for Administrator Meagan Wolfe’s performance.

The Commissioners differed on whether or not they had the legal authority to vote on the matter, based on a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in 2022, Kaul v. Prehn.

The three Republican appointees on the Commission voted in favor of appointing Wolfe to another term, and the three Democratic appointees all abstained because they said they did not believe the Commission had the ability or authority to appoint an administrator, citing the Prehn decision. All Commissioners voiced support for Wolfe’s performance over the past four years.

The six-member Commission needs a four-vote majority to take any action. As a nonpartisan Administrator, Wolfe serves as the Wisconsin’s Chief Election Official. She was appointed in 2018 with unanimous votes by the Commission and then by the state Senate in 2019.

Much of the debate and discussion about the appointment centered on the Prehn ruling and whether appointed leaders may remain in their positions as a holdover until there is a statutory vacancy.

“I truly appreciate the unanimous support of all the Commissioners,” Wolfe said. “I serve at the pleasure of the Commission and will continue to take their direction on next steps forward.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.