Recall Elections

Updated on Jun 20th, 2022

Recall gives voters the right to reconsider their choice of an elected official; however, it does not automatically result in removal of an official from office. It provides an opportunity for voters to require an elected official to run for office again before the expiration of his or her term. An official must be in office for one year before a recall can be initiated.  The requirements for initiating recall efforts are very specific and must be carefully followed.  Please consult the recall manuals.

View Recall Manuals

Number of signatures required

The petition must contain the signatures of qualified electors equal to at least 25% of the vote cast for the office of Governor at the last General Election held within the same district or jurisdiction as that of the officeholder.  Once a recall committee registers with the filing officer, the official number of signatures required will be provided.

Information about Recall Committees

When there is a recall of a statewide office, recall committees must file with the Campaign Registration Form with Wisconsin Ethics Commission. Recall committees that have registered with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission are listed in the Campaign Finance Information System (CFIS).

Voting Statistics

Updated on Jul 8th, 2022

Voter Registration Statistics

Updated on Jul 8th, 2022

Absentee Statistics

Updated on Jul 8th, 2022

Recounts

Updated on Apr 5th, 2023

Elections are often decided by a few votes. In many cases they are decided by one or two votes out of the several hundred or even several thousand votes that are cast. An election may even end in a tie vote. These circumstances encourage a candidate, typically the one who loses the election, to have all the ballots counted again to assure all legal votes are counted properly, any illegal votes are not counted, and the proper procedures for conducting the election were followed by the election officials.

The process of counting the ballots again is known as a recount. There is no automatic recount.  The procedures for requesting and conducting a recount are spelled out in the election laws. A recount is the exclusive remedy to test in court the right of a candidate to hold office based on the number of votes cast at an election.

This information is prepared by the Wisconsin Elections Commission pursuant to the requirements of Wis. Stat. §9.01(10).

Recount Manual

This manual explains the statutory requirements for requesting a recount, attempts to explain ambiguity in those statutes, expands on the statutory requirements with recommended procedures for conducting a recount, and contains sample forms for use during the recount.

View Recount Manual

Federal Candidates

Updated on Apr 11th, 2024

Reporting Campaign Finance Information

Candidates for federal office must register and file reports of campaign activities with the Federal Election Commission.

Information about how to register with the FEC.

IRS Requirements

Federal candidate committees may be required to file with the IRS. Click here for guidance.

    Qualifications
      U.S. Senator

      30 year of age, a citizen of the United States for 9 years and an inhabitant of the state at the time of the election. Article I, Section 3, U.S. Constitution.

      Representative in Congress

      25 years of age, a citizen of the United States for 7 years and an inhabitant of the state at time of election. Article I, Section 2, U. S. Constitution. (Representative need not be a resident at the time they file nomination papers and executes declaration of candidacy. 61 Atty. Gen. 155).

      Congressional Offices

      United States Senator is elected in the Fall General Election and serves a six-year term starting at noon on the third day of January. 

      Representative in Congress is elected in the Fall General Election and serves a two-year term starting at noon on the third day of January. Wisconsin has eight Representatives in Congress. Click here for a map of their districts.

        Required Documents for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

        Reporting Campaign Finance Information

        Candidates for federal office must register and file reports of campaign activities with the Federal Election Commission.

        Information about how to register with the FEC.

        U.S. President (On The Ballot)

        The names of candidates for President and Vice President are placed on the General Election ballot in Wisconsin by one of the following methods:

        Political organizations that have attained ballot status are currently the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, Constitution, and Green parties.  The names of candidates for President and Vice President for these parties are placed on the General Election ballot when their names are certified to the Wisconsin Elections Commission by the state or national party chairperson.

        Political organizations that have not attained ballot status may file a Petition for Ballot Status (see below) with the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

        Independent Candidates for President and Vice President circulate and file nomination papers.  Please consult the ELIS-15 checklist below. 

        For deadlines and detailed information about procedures for getting on the General Election ballot as a candidate for President of the United States, as well as information with respect to the Presidential Preference Primary, please consult the memo below.

          Resources for Presidential Ballot Candidates
          Write-in Presidential Candidates

          Write-in candidates for President and Vice President must file a List of Presidential Electors (EL-167wr) and a Declaration of Candidacy (EL-162) with the Wisconsin Elections Commission no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 22, 2024.  The list must contain the names and addresses of one presidential elector from each of the 8 congressional districts and 2 presidential electors from the state at large.  The names of the candidates for President and Vice President must also be listed.

            Required Documents for Write-in Candidates for President & Vice President

            Filed Complaints

            Updated on Jun 15th, 2022

            This page contains information about compliance review complaints against election officials filed with the Wisconsin Elections Commission under Section §5.06. Complaints filed under Section §5.05 are not included because they are confidential by law. However, at the direction of the Commission, close letters from some Section §5.05 complaints are posted and denoted with an asterisk (*) before the number.

            A voter may file a sworn complaint alleging that an election official has violated the law or abused the official’s discretion regarding nominations, qualifications of candidates, voting qualifications, including residence, ward division and renumbering, recall, ballot preparation, election administration or conduct of elections.

            State Candidates

            Updated on Apr 3rd, 2024

            Unless noted, these offices are elected in the Fall General Election (not the Presidential Election). Officials serve four-year terms starting the first Monday of January. A candidate must be a qualified elector of the state at the time of taking office.

              Minimum Qualifications

              The minimum qualifications to hold an office are:

              • United States Citizenship

              • At least 18 years of age (or older for certain offices)

              • Satisfy residency requirement for specific office

              • May not have been convicted of a felony in any court in the United States unless pardoned of the conviction.

              Also, a candidate may not be disqualified by virtue of one or more of the impediments described in 6.03, Wis. Stats. 

              Partisan

              These state offices are considered partisan which means that the candidate runs as a representative of a political party.

              • Governor

              • Lieutenant Governor

              • Attorney General

              • Secretary of State

              • State Treasurer

              • Legislative offices:

                • There are 99 Representatives to the Assembly who are elected every two years in the Fall General Election and serve a two-year term starting the first Monday of January. Candidates must be a resident for one year within the state and a qualified elector of the district at the time of taking office.

                • There are 33 State Senators who are elected to staggered four-year terms. Candidates must be a resident for one year within the state and a qualified elector of the district at the time of taking office.

              • District Attorneys are elected during Presidential Election years.

                Required Documents for Statewide Constitutional and Legislative Offices

                The CF-1 Campaign Registration Statement and Statement of Economic Interests are available from and filed with Wisconsin Ethics Commission.

                Required Documents for District Attorneys

                The CF-1 Campaign Registration Statement and Statement of Economic Interests are available from and filed with Wisconsin Ethics Commission.

                Non-Partisan

                These offices are non-partisan which means the candidate does not run as a member of an political party.

                • State Superintendent of Public Instruction

                • Justice of the Supreme Court

                • Court of Appeals Judge

                • Circuit Court Judge

                  Required Documents for Non-Partisan Office

                   

                  The CF-1 Campaign Registration Statement and Statement of Economic Interests are available from and filed with Wisconsin Ethics Commission.

                  Residency Requirements
                    Governor and Lt. Governor

                    A qualified elector of the state at the time of taking office. Article V, Section 2, Wis. Constitution.

                    Attorney General

                    A qualified elector of the state at the time of taking office

                    State Senator and Representative to the Assembly

                    A resident for one year within the state and a qualified elector of the district at the time of taking office. Article IV, Section 6, Wis. Constitution. 65 Atty. Gen. 165.

                    Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Court Judge

                    Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin for 5 years immediately prior to the election and a qualified elector of the state, district, or circuit at time of election. Article VII, Sections 7, 10, 24, Wis. Constitution

                    District Attorney

                    Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and a resident of the prosecutorial unit (county) at the time of taking office. Wis. Stat. § 978.02.

                    Registered Write-In Candidates

                    To register as a write-in candidate, a Campaign Registration Statement (CF-1) must be filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission prior to collecting or spending any money on the campaign. The deadline to register as a write-in candidate is 12:00 p.m. (noon) the Friday before the election.

                    Filing a Sworn Complaint

                    Updated on Mar 23rd, 2023

                    Types of Complaints

                    Each type of sworn complaint is described in detail below to help you find one that best fits your situation.

                      §5.05 Complaints (Election Law Violation)

                      Any person may file a complaint alleging a violation of election law such as electioneering, distributing election-related materials at active polling locations, false statements affecting elections, voter intimidation, bribery and election fraud. If you are filing a complaint against an election official, consider whether filing a 5.06 complaint would be a more appropriate course of action.

                      Under Wis. Stats. §§ 5.05(5s), 12.13(5), and 12.60(1)(bm), the WEC is required to keep Wis. Stat. § 5.05 complaints confidential, and staff do not place those complaints online or comment on them. Parties to a Wis. Stat. § 5.05 complaint have on occasion, been known to provide comment, but the processes are generally kept entirely confidential. In any case, the WEC will not provide comment on a confidential complaint.

                      When should you file an Official Sworn Complaint under § 5.05?

                      • If you believe you witnessed:
                        • Electioneering
                        • Distributing election-related materials at polling locations during an election
                        • False statements affecting elections
                        • Voter intimidation
                        • Bribery
                        • Election fraud

                      See full statute here § 5.05 for additional information.

                      Please note: Even if the Commission finds reasonable belief or probable cause this does not guarantee the complaint will be given to the district attorney or that the district attorney will prosecute.

                      §5.05 Complaint Process Timeline
                      Submit Complaint Receipt and Response Commission Investigates Complaint Transferred to District Attorney
                      Day 1 Days 2-21 Time Varies If Needed, Time Varies
                      1. Fill out EL-1100 Form.
                      2. List the specific statute that was broken.
                      3. Notarize the complaint.
                      4. Email, fax, mail, or deliver the form to the Commission
                      1. Within 5 days, the Commission acknowledges receipt of the complaint.
                      2. The accused is given 15 days to respond.
                      1. The Commission analyzes relevant evidence for the complaint.
                      2. If probable cause is found, the Commission refers the complaint to the District Attorney (see next step).
                      3. If probable cause is not found, the Commission will notify the complainant.
                      1. If needed, the complaint is referred to the District Attorney. Their office may communicate with you.
                      2. There is NO guarantee that the District Attorney will prosecute or contact the complainant or respondent further.
                      §5.06 Complaints (Violations or Appeals of Decisions of Election Officials)

                      A voter may file a complaint alleging that an election official has violated the law or abused the official’s discretion regarding nominations, qualifications of candidates, voting qualifications, including residence, ward division and renumbering, recall, ballot preparation, election administration or conduct of elections. A complaint under § 5.06 can also be an appeal of an election official's decision.

                      When should you file an Official Sworn Complaint under §5.06?

                      • If you believe an election official has violated the law or abused the official’s discretion, or appeal a decision made by an election official, regarding:
                        • Nominations
                        • Qualifications of candidates
                        • Voting qualifications-based on residency, ward division, or renumbering
                        • Recall
                        • Ballot preparation
                        • Election administration
                        • Election Conduct

                      In order to file a complaint against a local election official, the complainant must be a resident of the jurisdiction or district served by the official.

                      See full statute here (§5.06) for additional information.

                      § 5.06 Complaint Process Timeline
                      File Complaint Response from Accused Verified Response (optional) Commission Investigates Complaint Commission Issues Order
                      Day 1 Day 2-22 Time Varies Time Varies If Needed, Time Varies

                      1. Fill out EL-1100 Form.

                      2. List the specific statute that was broken.

                      3. Notarize the complaint.

                      4. Email, fax, mail, or deliver the form to the Commission

                      1. Within 5 days, the Commission acknowledges receipt of the complaint.

                      2. The accused party is given 10 business days to send a notarized response. 3 additional business days are provided for service.

                      		 1. The complainant can send a notarized reply to the accused response within 10 days.

                      1. The Commission analyzes relevant evidence for the complaint.

                      2. The Commission may either dismiss the complaint or an order may be issued (see next step).

                      1. The Commission offers resolution to the complaint.

                      2. Accused party can appeal the decision to the circuit court within 30 days.
                      §5.061 HAVA (Help America Vote Act) Violation

                      Whenever any person believes that a violation of HAVA has occurred, is occurring, or is proposed to occur with respect to an election for national office in Wisconsin, that person may file a written, verified complaint with the Commission.

                      Complaint Form (EL-1100)

                      Any person may file an official sworn complaint alleging a violation of Wis. Stat. chs. 5 to 10 or 12 under Wis. Stat. § 5.05. The complaint should include the specific statute(s) you believe has been violated.

                      Complaints based on word of mouth, social media postings, or other third-party accounts are often difficult to investigate and determine if they are legitimate. Eyewitness accounts or paper/electronic documents generally yield the best results. When filling out the complaint make sure to include all relevant information and supporting documents.

                      If you are unsure if what you witnessed falls under these categories please contact the Commission by phone or email to help determine if what you witnessed may have been a violation of election law before submitting an official complaint.

                      Getting Your Complaint Notarized

                      All sworn complaints submitted to the Wisconsin Elections Commission must be notarized. To get a notary:

                      1. Make sure all forms are completed (minus your final signature).

                      2. Contact a local bank, UPS store, or attorney. Please note that some of these may charge notary fees ($5 or less).

                        *The Wisconsin Elections Commission has multiple notaries available to you at no charge. If you need a notary, please contact the Wisconsin Elections Commission to set up a time to meet with a notary.

                      3. Bring a photo ID with you, as the notary will have to verify your identity.

                      4. The notary will sign and stamp your form and have you sign the form.

                      5. Send in the completed and notarized complaint form to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

                      Submitting Your Complaint

                      Once your complaint form is completed, please submit it to the Wisconsin Elections Commission by mail, email, fax, or in-person, using the instructions on the form.

                      Election Complaints & Concerns

                      Updated on Aug 12th, 2022

                      The Wisconsin Elections Commission hears complaints concerning violations of election law. Complaints alleging that an election official has acted improperly may result in the Commission issuing an order to that official to correct the violation. Complaints alleging election crimes may be referred by the Commission to a district attorney for consideration of prosecution. An individual may submit formal complaints under three distinct processes:

                      In Wisconsin, you may submit formal complaints requesting legal action under three distinct processes:

                      • Election Crime (§5.05)

                      • Election Official Abuse or Violation (§5.06)

                      • Violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) (§5.061)

                      Those submissions are requests for official investigations and can lead to possible court litigation or prosecution. If you are unsure if your complaint qualifies, feel free to contact the Commission with questions.

                      File a Sworn Complaint

                      Submitting Comments & Concerns

                      An informed voter is an empowered voter, which is the best protection against voter suppression or intimidation.

                      If you have a comment or concern or had a positive or negative experience that does not fit under the sworn complaint categories, you may submit general comments and concerns. Submitting a comment or concern is a simpler process than a formal complaint and the WEC staff will review your submission to determine the appropriate course of action.

                      Election Comments

                      The comment form is simple, and you can include as much or as little information as you want. There is no notary or statute requirement, making this the quickest way to get feedback to WEC staff. Not every comment leads to follow-up. Using the comment form is a good option for people who:

                      • had a positive/negative experience at their polling place.

                      • want to comment on a Commission opinion.

                      • had a positive/negative experience registering to vote or requesting an absentee ballot.

                      Submit an Election-Related Comment

                      Accessibility Concern

                      These comments allow the WEC to efficiently address any potential barriers for voters. The Commission will also use this information to inform training and clerk communication related to accessibility. The accessibility concern form is a good option for people who:

                      • encountered barriers during the voting process.

                      • are experiencing an accessibility-related concern and need it addressed promptly.

                      • witnessed something that was inaccessible online, at an in-person absentee location, or at their polling place.

                      Report an Accessibility Concern

                      Complaints FAQ

                        If I believe I have witnessed efforts to commit fraud or corruption in the voting process, how do I report this?

                        If you have witnessed efforts to commit any kind of fraud or corruption in the voting process, you may report this to local law enforcement officials such as your sheriff’s or police department.   You may also report this to the District Attorney in your county.

                        You may report this to federal law enforcement officials at:

                        United States Attorney's Offices
                        Eastern District of Wisconsin:  414-297-1700  
                        Western District of Wisconsin:  608-264-5158

                        If I believe I have witnessed discrimination or intimidation in the voting process, how do I report this?

                        If you have witnessed actual or attempted acts of discrimination or intimidation in the voting process, you may report this to the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice at 1-800-253-3931.

                        Complaints for Other Agencies

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