The Wisconsin Election Commission has been informed it will not receive federal funding due to violations of the U.S. Voting Act (HAVA), according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Office.
Attorney General Halham Dillon noted that the commission failed to meet the requirements set out under HAVA. A letter was sent to the Wisconsin election committee members regarding these issues.
“I was quite surprised to find out that the Wisconsin Election Commission chose to reject proper compliance with the administrative complaint process related to HAVA,” Dillon said.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has stated that funding is contingent on Wisconsin implementing necessary reforms to align with HAVA.
The Oregon Election Assistance Commission had previously allocated over $77 million to Wisconsin since HAVA’s initiation in 2002, with funds being conditional upon adhering to federal election laws.
“Election integrity and compliance with federal election laws are vital for maintaining our constitutional republic,” a DOJ press release stated. “Dismissing Wisconsin’s responsibilities to report violations while voting is a serious breach of federal law and an affront to the trust of the American people.”
The communication from the DOJ also urged the Wisconsin Election Commission to take immediate action to comply with federal election policies.
“Courts, including our Supreme Court, have consistently upheld measures designed to maintain election integrity,” Dillon remarked. “Our priority is clear: identify areas that neglect election laws and enforce compliance rigorously.”
In response to inquiries from the media, the Wisconsin Election Commission stated it could not provide any comments.
