Rep. Janel Brandtjen, R-Menomonee Falls, says she had received three military absentee ballots at her home address that she did not request.
The Assembly Campaigns and Elections Committee chair has advocated for decertifying the 2020 election results and joined some Republicans in strongly criticizing election administration in the state since Donald Trump’s 2020 loss.
Brandtjen said the ballots, addressed to three people named “Holly” with three different last names, came from Menomonee Falls, South Milwaukee and Shorewood. She did not immediately respond Monday to an inquiry about how she knew they were military ballots. She said she had given the ballots to the Waukesha County Sheriff to be investigated and contacted the Thomas More Society and former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who now works for the conservative law firm.
Wisconsin Elections Commission spokesperson Riley Vetterkind said the commission is still gathering information about the allegations and plans to work with law enforcement to address them.
“It is illegal to provide false information or use another person’s information to unlawfully request the ballot of someone else. The WEC and local clerks are continually monitoring for any unlawful activity,” Vetterkind said.
Vetterkind noted non-registered military voters are prompted to provide their name, date of birth and address in the state when requesting an absentee ballot in addition to certifying they meet the qualifications to vote.
Brandtjen in a statement said she believes whoever requested the ballots was trying to point out vulnerabilities in the military voting system, noting registration isn’t required for military voters. Military voters are required to show photo ID when voting absentee in person, but not for requesting an absentee ballot via fax or email.
“Feeling shocked about this situation is an understatement because it demonstrates stolen valor from those who protect this nation,” Brandtjen said. “I think it’s sad that people feel they have to break the law to get the attention of the legislature. This is now the second time citizens have tried to point out loopholes in our elections.”
Last month, conservative activist Harry Wait was charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors after he requested the absentee ballots of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Racine Mayor Cory Mason. Wait said his goal was to show weaknesses in absentee ballot request procedures.
See Brandtjen’s release, with a photo of the ballots:
https://www.wispolitics.com/2022/rep-brandtjen-military-ballots-at-risk
