Wisconsin groups release recall reports
Over a month removed from Wisconsin’s recall elections, reform groups in the state have completed their final election analyses. Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analyzed political money spent in the campaign, and League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, along with Wisconsin Election Protection, conducted poll watching across the state and released a report reflecting their findings.
Over $80 million spent on Governor’s recall, and over $130 million spent on recall
Candidates, interest groups, and political committees spent an estimated $80.9 million on the attempt to recall Governor Scott Walker, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign found. The total is more than double the $37.4 million spent statewide on the 2010 Governor’s election. Overall, $137 million was spent on all statewide (Governor and Lt. Governor) and state senate recall elections.
WDC found that outside special interest groups spent $75.8 million on the recall elections - $39.8 million by groups supporting Republicans, and $36 million by groups supporting Democrats.
Read the full analysis on the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign website: Recall Race for Governor Cost $81 million
Read more:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Recall race cost record $80.9 million, new tally shows
Wisconsin State Journal: More than $137 million spent in recalls, nearly $81M in Walker race
Groups find flaws in election administration; give recommendations for future
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin conducted poll watching at sites across the state, and found irregularities in the identification requested of voters by poll workers; aggressive election observers; lack of preparation for high turnout; and malfunctioning electronic voting machines.
The League’s assessment also provided some recommendations for the future, including improving training for election officials regarding acceptable proof of residence; improve data entry of new registrants; and improving sites to ensure privacy in voting, amongst other recommendations.
Read the full report via the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin (PDF) , as well as the press release (PDF)
Wisconsin Election Protection, a state branch of the Election Protection Coalition, and the ACLU. Read more about their findings at Forward for Liberty, the blog of the ACLU of Wisconsin.
