Government Accountability Board State of Wisconsin 212 E. Washington Ave., Third Floor Madison, WI 53703 [email protected] (608) 266-8005 Help Desk (608) 261-2028 http://gab.wi.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: MADISON, WI – The Government Accountability Board has released its Final Draft Report and recommendations on Early Voting, and has opened a public comment period on the issue until November 30, 2009. The report examines several different options for Early Voting in Wisconsin, ranging from the creation of Early Voting Districts to making changes in the existing in-person Absentee Voting procedures. Board staff is recommending changes to Absentee Voting procedures designed to improve the process while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the ballot. The Final Draft Early Voting Report and recommendations are now available on the Early Voting page on Board’s web site: http://elections.state.wi.us/ The Board is scheduled to consider the report and recommendations at its December 14, 2009, meeting. The Board is encouraging election officials, voters and the public to read the report and submit comments by November 30, 2009. Written comments may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected], or by regular mail to Early Voting Comments, Government Accountability Board, PO Box 7984, Madison, WI 53707, or by fax to 608-267-0500. Nathaniel E. Robinson, Elections Division administrator, said the report and recommendations are the product of intense staff research and many forums held around the state over this past spring and summer to engage the public and local election officials and solicit initial reaction. “Now that the staff has done its due diligence, we would like to have as much additional public feedback as possible on the Final Draft Report before it is formally submitted to the Board for consideration on December 14,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel. “Our staff and Board value informed feedback from our local election partners, Wisconsin’s 1,850 municipal and 72 county clerks, as well as the general public. This opportunity will give them time to share their thoughts with us.” Any recommendations adopted by the Board to change current voting procedures will require approval by the Legislature and the Governor before implementation. The Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.) is responsible for administration and enforcement of campaign finance, elections, ethics and lobbying laws in Wisconsin. The G.A.B. is made up of six non-partisan, former judges and is supported by an agency of non-partisan staff members. Additional information about the mission of the G.A.B. may be obtained by telephone at 1-608-266-8005, by electronic mail at [email protected], or through the Internet at http://gab.wi.gov.
