Contact: Sen. Devin LeMahieu
608-266-2056
Madison, Wisconsin – Today, the Senate passed legislation to prevent frivolous recounts in Wisconsin. Assembly Bill 153, authored by Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison), passed the Senate on vote of 20-13.
“Last year, Green Party Candidate Jill Stein put Wisconsin through an unnecessary recount despite receiving only 1% of the vote,” stated LeMahieu. “The recount delayed the certification of Wisconsin’s Electoral College votes, cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars, and distracted county clerks from other critical duties.”
Wisconsin’s elections are accurate, decentralized and secure. Only three state level elections have changed following a recount with the largest margin of 0.12%. Our voting machines are publically tested before an election, not connected to the internet and audited after an election.
The Recount Reform Act (AB 153) fixes Wisconsin recount law by doing all of the following:
- Stops petty recounts: Limits recount requests to within 1% of the winning candidate
- Protects taxpayers: Requires a recount petitioner to reimburse the Wisconsin Elections Commission for recount costs, and gives local clerks more time to tabulate costs.
- Protects Wisconsin’s Electoral College Vote: Requires a recount petitioner to make a recount petition earlier in the process.
“Wisconsin conducts accurate elections run by 1,924 municipal, town and county clerks around the state. It is a disservice to these dedicated public servants to allow future fringe candidates to undermine the credibility of our elections. This legislation ensures that recounts will be used appropriately,” LeMahieu concluded.
Senator Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) serves the 9th Senate District, which includes portions of Calumet, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan Counties. He is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Elections and Utilities.
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