More than 80,000 absentee ballots already returned
The Wisconsin Democratic Party on Tuesday called on the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission to allow voters who have already returned absentee ballots to cast new ones, after a rapidly shifting field left many ballots cast for candidates who are no longer actively campaigning.
The request comes as more than 80,000 absentee ballots have already been returned for the Aug. 11 primary, according to the party. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her campaign on Friday, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley recently rejoined the race with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers. The party said it wants voters who cast ballots for Rodriguez or other former candidates to be able to make a new choice.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission earlier this month approved guidance that prevents absentee voters from receiving a new ballot simply because the candidate they supported dropped out or because they changed their minds. That guidance, adopted after a different Democratic candidate, Missy Hughes, ended her campaign in June, means that ballots already cast for Rodriguez or Hughes will count even though neither candidate is still running. Both remain on the ballot.
The state party said the request is all-but certain to result in a lawsuit with the primary just three weeks away. There are now five Democratic candidates actively campaigning for governor.
The Democratic primary winner will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has only token opposition. The seat is open after Gov. Tony Evers decided not to seek a third term. Democrats are hoping to retain the governorship and flip both chambers of the state Legislature to gain full control of state government for the first time since 2010.