Tensions are on the rise in Milwaukee as allegations of undisclosed ballot handling practices have surfaced amid the ongoing Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Concerns about the integrity and transparency of the election process have been raised due to reports of ballots being processed in unauthorized, secret areas.
The Federalist reported that the controversy centers around Paulina Gutierrez, Milwaukee's newly appointed Elections Director. On March 19, during a preparatory meeting, she allegedly stated her authority to expel disruptive observers by claiming "police powers."
This meeting occurred one day after early voting started on March 18 for the high-stakes judicial election slated for April 1.
Accusations specifically involve the handling of ballots at Milwaukee's Central Count facility, where observers have noted the presence of secluded rooms. These rooms reportedly contain operations for scanning and sorting ballots by wards, far from public oversight.
Insiders have voiced their unease, with one senior observer questioning the need for secrecy in these sorting practices. Their concerns are compounded by the implications of these actions on the overall transparency of the electoral process.
The election matchup features former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel and Democrat-backed Judge Susan Crawford, vying for a key judicial seat that commands a decade-long tenure. This contest's outcome could significantly influence Wisconsin's legal direction, heightening the concerns surrounding electoral transparency.
Senior officials and observers have expressed skepticism about why such activities would be concealed behind closed doors or curtains.
Attorney Ferris Stephens highlighted a particular instance where a black curtain was used at the Wisconsin Center, preventing any observer access.
Paulina Gutierrez, despite her critical role, had not managed a federal election before 2024, adding to the worries regarding her handling of such a pivotal election. Her direct predecessor, Claire Woodall-Vogg, was dismissed in the spring of 2024 under unclear circumstances.
Responding to these allegations, Milwaukee's communications director, Jeff Fleming, insisted that all publicly required electoral activities were conducted visibly.
However, he noted that some sorting processes aren't mandated by state law to be public, an interpretation that fuels further debate about the guidelines governing election transparency.
Historical issues also add layers of concern; a notable recount incident from a previous election in November required the reassessment of 31,000 ballots due to broken seals on tabulators. This event has only amplified current worries about the handling and security of votes.
Republican Senator Ron Johnson has commented on the situation, suggesting a severe lack of competence within Milwaukee's election administration. This sentiment underscores bipartisan unease regarding the city's election management practices.
Fleming's remarks are juxtaposed with broader assertions in the media, with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel affirming the security of Wisconsin's elections in general.
These conflicting reports create a complex picture for voters trying to understand the true nature of their electoral processes.
Daniel Eastman, an attendee at the controversial meeting, recalled Gutierrez's assertion about monitoring disruptive behaviors, which many see as an intimidating gesture that could deter legitimate observer interventions.
The public's perception of election integrity is crucial. As one unnamed source put it, the core issue is not only about what is said to occur behind closed doors but what could potentially take place, which remains a significant concern for many involved in or observing the election process.