Caution Against Reliance on Third-Party Election Information

Several election officials have informed the Government Accountability Board of unauthorized third-party information such as “reference guides” on websites purporting to describe the required procedures for election officials.  For example, the “We’re Watching Wisconsin Elections” group has recently published four reference guides for observers to use that contained numerous significant and factual errors.  We advise that you and your election inspectors should NOT accept these guides as accurate or authoritative statements of Wisconsin election administration law.

We recommend the following:

1. Local election officials should rely only on the Wisconsin Statutes and G.A.B.’s authorized publications and official communications (e.g., Photo ID Law Updates) for election procedures.
2. If an observer refers to their information as the alternative document, kindly refer them to the Government Accountability Board’s manuals available on our website (http://gab.wi.gov)
3. The chief election inspector retains the right to preserve order in the polling place.  If an observer is argumentative or disruptive, they may be ordered to leave the polling place.  If a disorderly observer refuses to comply with the chief election inspector’s directive, the chief inspector should, seek assistance from law enforcement.

If you have questions about this guidance, please contact the G.A.B. Help Desk at (608) 261-2028, or via email at GABHelpDesk@wi.gov.  Thank you!

cc:      Kevin J. Kennedy
        Director and General Counsel
        Government Accountability Board

        Michael R. Haas
        Staff Counsel
        Government Accountability Board