Southern Wisconsin Times

In a recent ruling by Racine County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz, it has been determined that the use of mobile absentee voting sites in Wisconsin is not allowed under state law. This decision has been hailed as a victory for election integrity by Congressman Bryan Steil, Chairman of the Committee on House Administration.

Congressman Steil expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "This ruling is a win for election integrity. The Racine mobile van was a blatant, partisan attempt to use Zuckerbucks to increase Democratic voter turnout. I applaud Judge Gasiorkiewicz's decision." The use of funds from the 2020 Center for Tech and Civic Life, a nonprofit funded by Mark Zuckerberg, to purchase the absentee voting van has been a source of controversy.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty filed a complaint against the Wisconsin Elections Commission regarding the City of Racine's use of the mobile voting van back in August 2022. The complaint alleged that the van was in violation of state law. According to a report filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, the van visited 21 designated locations in predominantly Democratic areas of the city for the purpose of early voting leading up to the primary election on August 9, 2022.

The recent ruling by Racine County Circuit Court has confirmed that none of the election statutes in Wisconsin allow for the use of a mobile alternate absentee voting vehicle. This decision has brought an end to the use of mobile vans for absentee voting in Racine.

The ruling has significant implications for election administration rules and practices, highlighting the importance of adhering to established laws and regulations. Congressman Steil, as Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, has made it a priority to ensure voters' confidence and prevent any attempts to exploit election administration rules for political gain. This ruling serves as a step towards achieving these goals.

As the nation continues to focus on election integrity, this ruling in Racine County sets a precedent for the proper use of election resources and the need to respect state laws. It underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in our democratic processes.

With the ruling now in place, it remains to be seen how other jurisdictions across the country will interpret and apply similar laws. However, the decision in Racine County sends a clear message that the use of mobile vans for absentee voting, funded by external sources, is not permissible under Wisconsin law.

In the pursuit of fair and secure elections, this ruling serves as a reminder that the adherence to established laws and regulations is paramount. It is a testament to the commitment of individuals like Congressman Bryan Steil, who actively work towards safeguarding the integrity of our democratic system.