The Wisconsin Elections Commission is taking proactive steps to address a significant issue regarding the counting of ballots in recent elections. During a special meeting on January 2, 2025, commissioners discussed the discovery that 193 ballots were not counted, raising concerns about the processes in place for ballot handling and counting.

Commissioner Bostelman emphasized the importance of understanding how this oversight occurred, noting that similar mistakes could happen in any municipality, regardless of size. He framed the situation not as a complaint but as an opportunity for the commission to provide guidance to prevent future errors. "We need to find out how it happened to ensure it doesn't happen again," he stated, highlighting the commission's role in improving election processes.

Commissioner Millis echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the failure to catch the issue during local or county canvassing. He pointed out that the commission has limited powers to investigate on its own motion but stressed the need to determine whether the problem stemmed from procedural failures or inadequacies in existing procedures. "It seems to me that either there was a failure to follow procedures or our procedures aren't good enough," he remarked.

The discussions reflect a commitment from the Wisconsin Elections Commission to enhance the integrity of the electoral process. By investigating the circumstances surrounding the uncounted ballots, the commission aims to implement necessary changes and ensure that all votes are accurately counted in future elections. This proactive approach underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust in the electoral system.