Madison – State Representative Janel Brandtjen (R- Menomonee Falls) applauds a ruling from the Waukesha County Circuit Court stating that guidance must come from the Wisconsin Elections Commission by a 4 -2 vote, and any guidance from Meagan Wolfe or staff violates state law.
The language is clear:
“Plaintiffs challenge guidance from administrators and staff not authorized or approved by a majority vote of the Commission. To the extent such is to happen, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs have a substantial likelihood of success in showing that such a practice violates Wisconsin law.
In their individual capacity neither Wolfe nor Rydecki nor any other WEC staffer has the authority to provide legal advice to municipal clerks or local election officials regarding compliance with Wisconsin Election laws. In their official capacity, neither Wolfe nor Rydecki nor any other WEC staffer has any authority to provide legal advice or guidance regarding compliance with Wisconsin Election Law except as authorized by a majority vote of the Commission two-thirds vote.
[Wisconsin Election Law] provides actions by the Commission. ‘Any action by the Commission except an action relating to procedure of the Commission, requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members.’ The unique nature and structure of the Commission, comprised of political appointments to provide equal representation for the two major political parties, confirms the need for all the guidance and advice to have the approval of the Commission, which is to say, from the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members.”
