Left-leaning judge undermines election integrity in Wisconsin with ballot ‘curing’ ruling
Judge Strikes Blow Against Election Integrity in Wisconsin
A far-left, Madison-based judge has dealt another blow to election integrity in battleground Wisconsin, a swing state that will play a crucial role in the upcoming presidential election. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ryan Nilsestuen, who previously served as Democrat Gov. Tony Evers’ top attorney, has ruled in favor of the leftist League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. This ruling allows local election officials to correct absentee ballots with missing or incorrect information.
The ruling, issued Tuesday, collides with the conservative Waukesha County Circuit Court opinion in 2022 that found Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) guidance allowing “curing” of absentee ballot envelopes defied state election law. Judge Michael J. Aprahamian at the time prohibited WEC “from providing any advice or guidance that municipal clerks or other local election officials have the duty or ability to modify or add information to absentee ballot certifications.”
Nilsestuen’s ruling contradicts this, siding with the League of Women Voters and its well-funded left-wing law firms. They argue that rejecting absentee ballots for minor errors violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Under state election law, witnesses to absentee votes must provide their signatures and addresses on the ballot envelopes. However, the statute does not grant authority to Wisconsin elections officials to modify absentee ballot certificates. Aprahamian ruled that the Wisconsin Elections Commission does not have the power to order clerks to cure ballots.
Voting in ‘Crisis’
In the 2020 presidential elections, the flood of absentee ballots in Wisconsin resulted in numerous missing or erroneous ballot certificate information. This raised serious concerns about voter integrity. Leftist “voting rights” activists took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to push for standardized voting by mail. However, this led to ballot-harvesting initiatives and the widespread use of absentee ballot drop boxes, both of which defied state election law. Democrat Joe Biden narrowly won Wisconsin by a margin of less than 1 percent, claiming victory by just over 20,000 votes.
It was revealed that a Democrat Party operative employed with the National Vote at Home Institute worked closely with local elections officials in Wisconsin’s major cities. This operative offered assistance in “curing” absentee ballots that were missing signatures or witness signature addresses. These efforts were funded by grants from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife.
Eroding Trust in Elections
The League of Women Voters in Wisconsin, supported by well-funded leftist law firms such as the Fair Elections Center and Law Forward, celebrated their victory. However, this ruling is expected to be appealed. The League argues that small errors or omissions on the absentee certificate envelope should not prevent voters from exercising their constitutional rights.
Nilsestuen, the Dane County judge, previously served as Evers’ chief legal counsel and advised the governor on his Covid-19 lockdown policies and other big-government initiatives. State Sen. Dan Knodl expressed concerns about election integrity in Wisconsin, especially with Evers vetoing Republican-led election reform bills and leftists gaining control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
“It puts into question what kind of trust and faith you have in elections,” Knodl said.
What is the Deceptive Practices and voter intimidation Prevention Act?
Specifically, the bill prohibits any person, within 60 days before a federal election, from communicating, causing to be communicated, or producing for communication certain information on voting, if the person (1) knows such information to be materially false, and (2) has the intent to impede or prevent another person … Te Suppression Laws and Ever-Growing Concerns
This latest ruling by Judge Nilsestuen adds to the growing concerns about election integrity and raises questions about potential voter suppression laws in Wisconsin. Voter suppression refers to any tactic or policy that aims to reduce the number of eligible voters or make it more difficult for certain groups of people to vote. While it is crucial to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of elections, it is equally important to safeguard the rights of every eligible citizen to cast their vote. Any measures that disenfranchise voters or create obstacles to the exercise of their rights undermine the democratic process. The conservative Waukesha County Circuit Court opinion in 2022, which was against the “curing” of absentee ballot envelopes, was a significant step towards preserving election integrity. However, Nilsestuen’s ruling has now reversed that progress and allowed for the modification of absentee ballots. The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, along with their left-wing law firms, argue that rejecting absentee ballots for minor errors violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act. While it is crucial to protect the rights of individuals, it is also important to ensure the accuracy and validity of the electoral process. Proponents of stricter voting laws argue that they are necessary to prevent voter fraud and maintain the integrity of elections. They believe that requiring strict adherence to the rules is essential for fair and transparent elections. On the other hand, opponents argue that these laws disproportionately affect certain groups, such as minority communities, the elderly, and low-income individuals, who may face additional barriers when trying to meet the strict requirements. They argue that such laws can suppress the votes of these marginalized populations and undermine the principle of equal representation. While the debate on voter suppression laws continues, it is important to find a balance that ensures both the integrity of the electoral process and the protection of every eligible citizen’s right to vote. This can only be achieved through open dialogue, informed decision-making, and a commitment to upholding democratic values. In conclusion, Judge Nilsestuen’s ruling in favor of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin raises concerns about election integrity in Wisconsin. As the state plays a crucial role in the upcoming presidential election, it is essential to carefully consider the potential impact of such decisions on the democratic process. Striking a balance between ensuring the accuracy of elections and protecting the rights of every eligible voter remains a vital task for both lawmakers and citizens alike.
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