Wisconsin GOP’s Election Integrity Focus
Brian Schimming, chair of the Wisconsin Republican Party, appeared on Friday’s WarRoom to discuss the measures the party is taking to protect the vote in the critical battleground state of Wisconsin. With razor-thin margins deciding the past 12 elections, Wisconsin remains a pivotal state, and Schimming is determined to ensure that every Republican vote is counted securely and fairly.
Building the Largest Election Integrity Operation
Schimming detailed the creation of Wisconsin’s most robust election integrity operation to date. He emphasized that Wisconsin GOP has allocated significant resources to protect against potential voter fraud, which has been a concern for many voters. Their efforts include employing 10 full-time staff members dedicated exclusively to election integrity, a larger operation than any other party in the U.S.
By November of the previous year, the GOP had recruited almost 6,000 poll workers to monitor voting in local clerk offices across the state. Schimming stressed the importance of working collaboratively with election officials but noted that if issues arise, they are prepared to take legal action to ensure voting laws are followed. This combination of cooperation and accountability is designed to address concerns about potential election manipulation and build confidence among Republican voters.
Addressing Voter Concerns
According to Schimming, one of the top concerns for voters in Wisconsin is the fear of voter fraud. Several Republican voters have raised this issue, and Schimming addressed it head-on by outlining the safeguards in place. He reassured voters that the GOP is committed to "being in the room” when votes are cast and counted, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Schimming also highlighted that Wisconsin’s voting system is unique. The state has no partisan registration, meaning voters do not need to declare themselves Republican, Democrat, or Independent. This adds another layer of complexity to monitoring voting patterns. Additionally, Wisconsin allows absentee voting up until Election Day, increasing the GOP’s focus on tracking ballots as they come in.
Legal and Logistical Preparations
Schimming revealed that Wisconsin’s decentralized voting system involves 1,851 clerks across the state. This decentralized system creates challenges for uniformity in election processes, but Schimming’s team is prepared. The GOP has forged relationships with many clerks while maintaining the readiness to file lawsuits when necessary. As an example, he cited a recent case in Racine County where the Republican National Committee successfully sued a clerk for not using an equal number of Republican and Democrat poll workers.
On Election Day, hundreds of attorneys will be stationed in courthouses and polling places to ensure legal compliance. This marks a significant shift from past elections, where voters typically reported concerns through an 800-number hotline.
Encouraging Voter Participation
To combat fears that votes may be stolen, Schimming urged voters to remain vigilant but not to lose confidence in the system. He emphasized that the GOP’s election integrity efforts are designed to ensure that every vote counts. Schimming encouraged voters to report any concerns they see, further empowering individuals to take part in the election process.
Schimming urged that despite concerns about potential irregularities, voters should feel confident that their vote will be protected and that the Wisconsin GOP is taking every necessary step to secure a fair election.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Schimming’s leadership aims to reassure Wisconsin voters that their voices will be heard, their votes will be protected, and the integrity of the election process will be maintained. With substantial resources dedicated to election integrity and legal readiness, the Wisconsin GOP is prepared to address any concerns while encouraging Republicans to vote confidently.
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