Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Ban Private Funding of Election Administration

Wisconsin's governor this month vetoed legislation that would restrict county clerks and the state election commission from accepting some private funding for administering elections.

Assembly Bill 173 would "Generally prohibit any county or municipality from applying for or accepting any non-governmental grants or donations for election administration," Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement to members of the assembly.

"I am vetoing this bill because I object to restrictions on local governments potentially using supplemental funding for election administration," the Democrat added, alleging the bill would impose unnecessary restrictions on using private funding.

Counties and other jurisdictions received private funding during the COVID-19 pandemic that "Helped them conduct safe elections under extraordinary circumstances," according to the first-term governor, paying for poll workers and personal protective equipment.

Conservatives have criticized the major jump in private funding seen during the 2020 election.

Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook last year that the center is nonpartisan and that the funding went to help counties have proper staffing, training, and equipment.

"To be clear, I agree with those who say that government should have provided these funds, not private citizens. I hope that for future elections the government provides adequate funding. But absent that funding, I think it's critical that this urgent need is met," he said at the time.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/wisconsin-governor-vetoes-bill-that-would-ban-private-funding-of-election-administration_3892369.html