Wisconsin Citizen Voters Score a Major Win for Election Integrity in Showdown with Wisconsin Election Commission
MADISON – In a major win for election integrity and the protection of lawful votes, the Waukesha County Circuit Court has ruled in favor of petitioners Ardis Cerny and Annette Kuglitsch in their case against the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). The decision, issued on October 3, 2025, by Judge Michael P. Maxwell, mandates that WEC verify U.S. citizenship for all new voter registrations and develop a plan to review existing voter rolls for potential non-citizens, ensuring that only eligible U.S. citizens participate in Wisconsin elections.
Key elements of the court’s order include:
- Mandatory Citizenship Verification: WEC and local election officials are enjoined from accepting any voter registration—electronic or paper—without proof of U.S. citizenship, in addition to other existing requirements.
- Review of Current Voter Rolls: The parties must collaborate on a process to evaluate Wisconsin’s voter rolls, using DOT records or other lawful means, to identify and address any non-citizens. This review must be substantially completed before the next statewide election.
- Status Hearing: A follow-up hearing via Zoom is scheduled in 60 days to monitor progress and address remaining issues.
The case is being handled by attorneys Mike Dean and Kevin Scott of Waukesha County. Both Mike and Kevin have been tireless advocates for fair and honest elections and this decision is a tremendous credit to them.
“Mike and I appreciate the Judge’s courage in taking a stand for the law and the constitution of our state. We believe this is a decision that all citizens of the state can get behind as fair and accurate elections are favored by a vast majority of the state,” Attorney Kevin Scott said.
The court emphasized that Wisconsin law requires “legal votes” cast by “legally qualified electors,” citing statutes such as Wis. Stat. § 6.02 and HAVA provisions that demand data matching for accuracy. Judge Maxwell criticized WEC’s position that it has no duty to prevent or remove non-citizens from voter rolls, calling it contrary to both state and federal mandates. The decision draws on U.S. Supreme Court precedents like Baker v. Carr and Gray v. Sanders, which protect against vote dilution, and recent Wisconsin cases such as Clarke v. Wisconsin Elections Commission.
“This ruling is a triumph for every Wisconsin voter whose voice deserves protection from dilution by unlawful ballots,” said Sharon Bemis, President of the Election Integrity Network (EIN). “It vindicates our relentless push for transparency and accountability, proving that courts will uphold the people’s will when agencies like WEC fall short.”
The ruling comes amid heightened national discussions on election security emphasizing that only U.S. citizens may vote. Advocates for election integrity hail the decision as a model for other states, ensuring compliance with laws designed to maintain accurate and secure voter lists.
“Voters have spoken loudly: Only U.S. citizens vote in Wisconsin,” said Cleta Mitchell, founder and chair of Election Integrity Network (EIN). “This court order ensures WEC finally acts on that mandate, closing loopholes that undermine trust. It’s a blueprint for states nationwide facing similar resistance.”
For more information on the case or to access the full decision, visit the Waukesha County Circuit Court records case number 2024CV001353.
This press release may be reprinted in part or in whole with proper attribution to The MacIver Institute, its CEO Annette Olson and Election Integrity Network and Chairman Cleta Mitchell. Interviews and any other media inquiries may be arranged by contacting The MacIver Institute is a non-partisan think tank advancing free-market principles, limited government, and individual liberty in Wisconsin through research, education, and advocacy. Election Integrity Network is a non-partisan, non-profit organization uniting state and national organizations to promote transparent, secure elections and empowering citizens to defend the integrity of the voting process.
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.
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This is not a triumph for Wisconsin voters. This is a win for Republicans alone. This ruling makes it easier to exclude voters who don’t vote as the Republicans want. Who are most hurt? Individuals who don’t have access to the necessary proof of citizenship. It also hurts the elderly who proof of citizenship no longer exist. There have been too many fires and floods damaging or destroying old records that hadn’t been converted to microfiche.
The dog whistle here is the term “legal voters.” Too many Republicans believe students, people of color, and other marginalized people should not be allowed to vote. It’s patently untrue that thousands of people cast illegal votes–i.e. voter fraud. Those few (I believe there 6 in 2024) who have cast illegal ballots have too often been Republicans. One defendant believed that because he had 2 home addresses, he could cast votes in both districts.
All this out cry of voter fraud is just more of the culture war Republicans have incited to keep their constituents from realizing their representatives have done little if anything to make their lives better.
Oh wait! Cleta Mitchell at the helm? Can’t be good for Badgers vioters and democracy in this state. Her record is clear- she supported the insurrection and the attempted coup. If there was real justice here, she’d be in the clink.
It’s the maciver folks. They’re concentrated evil.