The News: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) sent a cease-and-desist letter to the City of Neenah Clerk for illegal electioneering on behalf of the Constitutional Amendment Questions on the August 13th Ballot.

The Quotes: WILL Deputy Counsel Dan Lennington stated, “It is not the job of clerks to educate voters or characterize referendum questions as being supported by Democrats or Republicans, but that is exactly what the City of Neenah Clerk is doing here. Any other clerks attempting to persuade voters are on notice: this conduct will not be tolerated.”

Why It Matters: Voters are casting ballots ahead of the August 13th Partisan Primary and considering two ballot questions that would change the Wisconsin Constitution. The City of Neenah has placed a Yahoo.com news article in voting booths that paint the ballot questions as partisan in nature. The article signals that side Republicans should support, and which side Democrats should support. The Clerk has also said that “voters don’t understand” the questions and she must “explain” what the election means to voters. This conduct is called “electioneering” and forbidden by Wisconsin state law. While WILL supports passage of the amendments, any attempt to influence the outcome at the polls, especially by election officials, is illegal. The referendum questions are non-partisan.

Clerks and other individuals responsible for unlawful electioneering may face criminal penalties or be the subject of a complaint to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, or both.

Read more:
WILL Letter, 8.7.24