WEC Seeks Public Input on Election Security Funding Plans
The Commission has established several ways for local election officials and members of the public to provide feedback.
MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Elections Commission is asking local election officials and the public for ideas to improve election security using new federal funding.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission has committed about half the $6.9 million grant money to hiring six new staff members over four years ($2.4 million) and new technology ($1 million) to meet immediate security needs before the 2018 General Election and beyond.
Interim Administrator Meagan Wolfe said the Commission staff consulted with key election security partners including the Department of Homeland Security and Wisconsin’s Division of Enterprise Technology to prioritize the initial spending. Now, the Commission wants input from local election officials and the public about how best to spend the remaining federal funds for long-term election security needs.
“We need to know how we can help local election officials with their technology and training needs, as well the public’s ideas for ideas for improving election security,” Wolfe said.
The Commission has established several ways for local election officials and members of the public to provide feedback:
- Attend the WEC’s public meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25, at the State Capitol. The Commission will take public testimony at the beginning of the meeting, which is being held in GAR Hall, Room 413 North. Testimony is limited to 2 minutes per person, though speakers representing groups may be given additional time at the discretion of the chair. The Commission welcomes speakers to submit detailed written testimony.
- Email a letter to the Commission at elections@wi.gov outlining your ideas.
- Mail a letter to Wisconsin Elections Commission, PO Box 7984, Madison, WI 53708-7984.
- Members of the public can also take a short online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VKZJFNL
The online survey asks respondents how they think the WEC can best use the grant funds to continue to improve and enhance election security beyond 2018. Options include election security training, post-election audits, staffing, updating computers and equipment, and managing and correcting misinformation about Wisconsin elections. Respondents will also be asked, in their own words, how they would like to see the WEC spend the grant monies to help ensure elections remain safe in Wisconsin.
The online survey will be available until November 16. WEC staff will analyze all feedback and make recommendations for long-term election security plans to the Commission in early 2019.
The Commission will be sending a more detailed online survey to county and municipal clerks to assess their specific needs.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission is responsible for administration and enforcement of election laws in Wisconsin. The Commission is made up of six Commissioners – four appointed directly by the State Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the Assembly and the Minority Leaders in the State Senate and Assembly. The remaining two Commissioners are by the Governor with confirmation by the State Senate from lists of former municipal and county clerks submitted by the legislative leadership in each party.
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.
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