Wisconsin Election Officials Explain Voting Safeguards, Address Election Misinformation

With the general election approaching, Marge Bostelmann, appointed to the Wisconsin Elections Commission by Gov. Tony Evers, and Danielle Van Egtern, Dodge County clerk, both volunteers with Keep Our Republic are addressing misconceptions about election integrity, voting security and claims of election theft.

Bostelmann said one of the biggest misconceptions is that voters do not fully understand how elections are administered in Wisconsin.

“I don’t believe people understand that in Wisconsin elections are administered at the local level. So, when we go to vote the election is being run and overseen by a municipal clerk that we all know. Usually, the poll workers who are working are people we see at schools, or grocery stores, it is very local,” Bostelmann explained.

Whether you choose to vote by mail or if you choose to vote in person at one of the voter centers, there are many safeguards in place to protect your vote.

“When someone votes in Wisconsin and enters the polling place, they need to show a picture ID. They have to show where they live, they have to know they’re in that district, then they’re given a ballot,” Bostelmann said. “Then they complete that ballot and put it into the machine themselves. They see their vote being cast and they know for sure it is recorded.”

Van Egtern emphasized the importance of oversight and accountability throughout the election process.

“Every step there are dual reviews on everything. There’s more than one eye on it. We hold each other accountable to ensure that the process is carried out according to statute,” said Van Egtern.

Mail-in Voting and Ballot Return Deadlines

Bostelmann said absentee voting by mail is safe, but voters should plan ahead to ensure their ballots arrive on time.

“With regard to mail-in ballots, I think it’s really important that if you’re going to mail in a ballot then you should request it early, then return it early enough that the mail can be delivered to the municipal clerk by Election Day,” she said.

Voters are encouraged to mail their completed ballots at least two weeks before the election to allow sufficient time for delivery.

Some municipalities also offer ballot drop boxes, which provide another option for returning absentee ballots. Voters should check with their municipal clerk to confirm whether a drop box is available and learn about local procedures for using it.

Where to Find Reliable Voting Information

Both officials encouraged voters who have questions about election procedures or encounter misleading information to consult official election resources.

“If a person has any type of questions about voting they should see their municipal clerk because the municipal clerks are dedicated people who want to do a good job and just do the right thing for their constituents. They take pride in what they do,” Bostelmann said.

Van Egtern recommended that voters use MyVote Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Elections Commission website or their municipal clerk to verify election information.

As Election Day approaches, Bostelmann encouraged voters to recognize the importance of participating in the democratic process.

“Voting is our way of being able to speak to who we want to represent us. It’s an honor and a right we have to vote for the right person,” she said.