Wisconsin Senate Bill SR4

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/14/23
• Passed: 9/14/23

Caption

Calling on the Wisconsin Elections Commission to appoint an election administrator.

Impact

The passage of SR4 highlights the Wisconsin Senate's lack of confidence in Meagan Wolfe's ability to continue serving as election administrator, as the Senate has explicitly voted to reject her nomination. This resolution compels the Wisconsin Elections Commission to act promptly in appointing both an interim administrator and a permanent replacement. This is crucial for ensuring the stability of election operations in the state, as the absence of an appointed administrator could lead to significant disruptions in the electoral process.

Summary

SR4 is a Senate Resolution that addresses the need for the Wisconsin Elections Commission to appoint an election administrator following the expiration of Meagan Wolfe's term on July 1, 2023. The resolution emphasizes the commission's nondiscretionary statutory duty to appoint or reappoint an administrator at the end of the term. By asserting that failing to take this action would represent a dereliction of duty, the resolution underscores the importance of maintaining a functional elections administration in Wisconsin.

Contention

SR4 has surfaced as a points of contention due to the Senate's expressed lack of confidence in the current administrator, which raises questions about the independence of the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Critics may argue that rejecting Wolfe's nomination and pushing for her replacement could be seen as a political maneuver rather than a decision based on administrative qualifications. The resolution signifies a clash between legislative oversight and the operational autonomy of the Elections Commission, emphasizing the tension inherent in election management.

Voting_history

The resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 14, 2023, with a vote tally of 22 yeas and 11 nays, indicating that while there was significant support for the resolution, there was also notable opposition.