Investigation Demanded After Ballot Error Discovered in Wisconsin Election

Vote-by-mail envelopes and application form with a pen.

Rep. Tom Tiffany calls for an investigation into an error that sent over 2,000 duplicate ballots to voters in Wisconsin, stirring significant concerns about election integrity.

At a Glance

Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-07) sent a letter to the City of Madison Clerk seeking answers about duplicate absentee ballots.
Around 2,000 duplicate ballots were sent due to a file-merging error.
This error affected 2,215 voters across ten wards.
Madison officials emphasize safeguards against double voting.
Rep. Tiffany calls for an independent investigation into the error.

Tiffany Calls for Clarity and Accountability

Rep. Tom Tiffany, representing Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, has formally requested an investigation into a significant clerical error that led to the sending of over 2,000 duplicate absentee ballots to voters in Madison. Tiffany addressed his concerns in a letter to Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl. This error has triggered questions regarding the reliability of the election process as absentee voting begins in this pivotal swing state.

Tiffany expressed his apprehension regarding the transparency of the Madison Clerk’s Office, highlighting previous controversial election practices. He emphasized that election integrity is non-negotiable, citing the need for stringent measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The clerical error, which originated from merging duplicate files, impacted over 2,215 voters in ten wards—significantly higher than the single ward initially reported.

Madison’s Response: Assurances and Safeguards

Madison’s officials, including communications director Dylan Brogan, underscored the city’s commitment to transparency and the swift actions taken to mitigate the situation. Brogan reassured, “The City of Madison really prides itself on being extremely transparent in our election administration.” The Clerk’s Office reached out to the affected voters, urging them to destroy one of the duplicate ballots received.

Safeguards such as unique barcodes for each absentee ballot and cross-referencing received ballots in poll books were emphasized to ensure no duplicate ballot could be counted. These measures were implemented to maintain the integrity of the elections, although skepticism remains regarding their effectiveness.

🚨BREAKING: The City of Madison clerk said the duplicate absentee ballots were sent to one ward yesterday.

Now, they say it’s 10.

There needs to be an independent investigation now, not after the election.

— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) September 25, 2024

Calls for an Independent Investigation

Given the gravity and scope of the error, Rep. Tiffany has called for an independent investigation. He argued that the incident not only affected a larger number of voters than initially reported but also occurred in a state that has a significant bearing on national election outcomes. Tiffany stated, “There needs to be an independent investigation now, not after the election,” emphasizing the urgency and necessity for immediate action to preserve voter confidence in the system.

Amid these concerns, election officials continue to reassure the public that no duplicate ballot will be counted multiple times. The entire voting process, including marking received ballots in poll books and confirming single scans with unique barcodes, acts as a safeguard against potential double voting. However, the credibility of these assurances is put to test by continuous public and political scrutiny.

Yesterday, the City of Madison Clerk admitted to an “error” that resulted in thousands of duplicate absentee ballots being mailed.

Wisconsinites deserve transparency and answers.

How was the error discovered, what ward(s) were impacted, and who is responsible for the error? pic.twitter.com/COsXh86TLl

— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) September 24, 2024

The Broader Context of Voter Confidence

The incident in Madison is reminiscent of a similar absentee ballot error in Milwaukee during the 2020 presidential election, which led to unfounded allegations of election fraud. This context underlines the persistent challenges faced in ensuring election integrity and public trust in electoral processes. President Biden’s narrow victory margin in Wisconsin during the 2020 elections further exacerbates these concerns.

“Voters deserve clear answers regarding the full scope of this blunder, how the city plans to restore public confidence in its ability to accurately administer the election, and assurances that those responsible are held accountable,” Tiffany wrote.

With absentee voting already underway and early in-person voting starting shortly, the focus remains on securing election processes and restoring voter confidence. The City of Madison has pledged to uphold transparency and rectify any issues promptly. The key lies in robust mechanisms and accountable leadership to avoid repeating past mistakes and safeguarding the democratic process.