Madison, WI – On Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers vetoed AB 173, a bill introduced by Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) and Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) to protect the integrity of Wisconsin elections. Specifically, the bill would prevent private entities, political groups and out-of-state billionaires from buying election administration in the state.
In response to the veto, Sen. Stroebel issued the following statement:
“When elections are held the public deserves to know they are free from partisan influence. When an out-of-state billionaire selectively paid for election administration in certain areas of Wisconsin, the money had a partisan influence on the outcome of the 2020 election according to a study of the project. That kind of behavior undermines public confidence in elections and distorts the impartial and fair administration of election laws.
“It is frankly shocking to me that Gov. Evers doesn’t believe there should be a law prohibiting partisan activists from controlling access to ballots, issuing recommendations on election decisions and overseeing the conduct of our elections. Election integrity is not a partisan issue, and when private, partisan entities attempt to control our elections everyone loses.”
“My Republican colleagues and I will not be deterred by a partisan veto of common-sense election integrity legislation. We will continue to champion election transparency and uniformity.”
Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) represents the 20th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Calumet counties.