Fact Check: During the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Milwaukee election officials allegedly processed ballots in secretive back rooms, blocking observers from watching the action. According to The Federalist, windows were covered, mail bins were stacked to obscure views, and the elections director, Paulina Gutierrez, reportedly kept these areas off-limits, even to folks like state Rep. Dave Maxey, who got a stern talking-to when he tried to peek inside. One room supposedly held stacks of blank ballots, and Gutierrez was seen hauling blue bags around, raising eyebrows about what was really going on. The city claims it’s all legit—sorting ballots by ward and such—but the lack of transparency is maddening. Wisconsin law says observers should have a clear view of the public parts of the process, yet here we are with frosted glass and restricted access. Sources say it’s a “perception issue,” which is putting it mildly. Here is my problem with this; every time democrats, who are in charge of administering elections in blue counties, pull stuff like this it makes every single sane person question the results of the election, and I would like to understand who that benefits? We cannot continue to watch things like this and then see no action afterwards because while I am not saying this would’ve changed the outcome, what I am saying is that this is against WI state law, it’s shady and it makes everyone question the legitimacy of the race.

Claim Analysis: Allegations of Secretive Ballot Processing in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

1. Introduction

The claim under scrutiny alleges that during the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election, Milwaukee election officials processed ballots in secretive back rooms, obstructing observers from witnessing the proceedings. Specific allegations include covered windows, obstructed views with stacked mail bins, and restricted access to areas where ballots were handled. The claim also mentions that the elections director, Paulina Gutierrez, was seen moving bags of ballots and that observers were denied access, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with Wisconsin election laws.

2. What We Know

The 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election took place on April 4, 2023, resulting in the election of Janet Protasiewicz, a Milwaukee County circuit judge, who defeated former justice Daniel Kelly. This election was notable for its high voter turnout and significant campaign spending, reportedly exceeding $56 million, making it the most expensive state Supreme Court race in U.S. history 1910.

Allegations regarding the handling of ballots in Milwaukee have surfaced, suggesting that election officials may not have adhered to transparency requirements outlined in Wisconsin law, which mandates that observers should have a clear view of the election process 12. However, specific details about the alleged secretive practices, such as the covering of windows and the stacking of mail bins, have not been independently verified in the sources available.

3. Analysis

Source Evaluation

The primary source of the claim appears to be an article from The Federalist, a publication known for its conservative editorial stance. While it may provide a perspective that aligns with certain political biases, it is essential to critically assess its reliability. The Federalist's articles often reflect a particular ideological viewpoint, which may influence the framing of facts and allegations 1.

Other sources, such as Wikipedia and Ballotpedia, provide factual information about the election's context, including voter turnout and spending, but do not delve into the specific allegations regarding ballot processing. These sources are generally considered reliable for factual reporting, but they do not address the claims of misconduct directly 12.

Methodology and Evidence

The claim relies on anecdotal evidence, such as the reported experiences of state Rep. Dave Maxey and the assertion that Gutierrez restricted access to certain areas. However, without corroborating evidence or documentation, these assertions remain unverified. The lack of independent eyewitness accounts or documentation from neutral observers raises questions about the credibility of the claims.

Moreover, the assertion that the situation creates a "perception issue" suggests an acknowledgment of the potential for public distrust, but it does not provide concrete evidence of wrongdoing. The framing of the issue as a partisan concern—suggesting that it benefits Democrats—also indicates a possible bias in the interpretation of the events 1.

Conflicts of Interest

The Federalist's conservative leanings may present a conflict of interest, as it could be motivated to highlight alleged misconduct by Democratic officials in a politically charged environment. This potential bias necessitates careful scrutiny of the claims made in its reporting.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The allegations regarding secretive ballot processing during the Wisconsin Supreme Court election remain unverified due to a lack of independent corroboration and concrete evidence. The claims primarily stem from a politically biased source, which raises concerns about the reliability of the information presented. While there are assertions of obstructed views and restricted access, these have not been substantiated by neutral observers or documented evidence.

It is important to recognize that the absence of verification does not inherently imply that misconduct did not occur; rather, it highlights the limitations of the available evidence. The claims are largely anecdotal and lack the necessary documentation to support them conclusively. Readers should approach such allegations with a critical mindset, considering the potential for bias and the importance of seeking out reliable, corroborated information.

As always, it is advisable for individuals to critically evaluate information themselves, especially in politically charged contexts where narratives may be shaped by ideological perspectives.

5. Sources

1. "2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election - Wikipedia." Retrieved from Wikipedia.
2. "Wisconsin Supreme Court elections, 2023 - Ballotpedia." Retrieved from Ballotpedia.
3. "Wisconsin Supreme Court election: Milwaukee runs out of ballots." Retrieved from Wisconsin Watch.
4. "Wisconsin State Supreme Court Live Election Results 2023 - NBC News." Retrieved from NBC News.
5. "Wisconsin election updates recap: Supreme Court, state DPI updates." Retrieved from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
6. "Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Results 2023: Live Updates." Retrieved from Politico.
7. "Live results: Wisconsin Supreme Court special election." Retrieved from PBS NewsHour.
8. "Turnout in Wisconsin Supreme Court race breaks record." Retrieved from Spectrum News.
9. "Record Voter Turnout Spurs Protasiewicz To Victory In Supreme Court Race." Retrieved from UpNorthNews.
10. "What to know about the candidates running for Wisconsin Supreme Court." Retrieved from Wisconsin Independent.