Representative LaKeshia Myers Considers Appeal of Wisconsin Election Commission Decision

MILWAUKEE– Representative LaKeshia Myers (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement regarding her challenge to her opponent’s nomination papers for the 4th Senate District Fall election:

“On June 6, 2024, I challenged the ballot access of my opponent, State Rep. Dora Drake, because she circulated nomination papers on a form that was incorrectly created by her campaign. Representative drake used the ‘Nomination Paper for Nonpartisan Office’ form, which was incorrect. The 4th Senate District seat is a partisan office, where candidates must declare a political party. While my opponent added text to her nomination papers to show party affiliation, at some point it should have been clear to her that she was circulating the incorrect form given that she has run for partisan twice before.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission explicitly outlines the difference between nonpartisan and partisan offices. They provide a ballot access manual, ballot access checklist, and provide candidates with official templates for nomination papers. The fact that my opponent created her own nomination form and did so with incorrect information and is still being allowed to access the ballot is unconscionable. The directions outlined by the WEC are intended to protect voters as well as candidates.

For what purpose does the elections commission exist, if not to enforce its own policies and procedures? Why does WEC produce manuals and access checklists, if candidates don’t have to utilize them or follow the rules?

It is very telling that Rep. Drake used the correct form to circulate nomination papers for the special election, which was announced a month after the circulation period began for the Fall election.

I disagree with the election commission’s decision and plan to explore an appeal. Ideally, all candidates that want to run for office would do so, but if you can’t follow basic procedures and guidelines, you should not be afforded ballot access. Rules, procedures, and policies exist for a reason, and they should be upheld by everyone.

LaKeshia Myers for State Senate

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.