Statement issued on Douglas County election mistake

SUPERIOR — On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Douglas County Clerk’s Office learned of a mistake involving ballots in the Town of Summit, which has about 700 registered voters. Tuesday morning, shortly after the polls opened, the Douglas County clerk became aware that all in-person and absentee ballots the county printed for the Town of Summit voters contained the wrong Assembly district. The ballots contain Assembly District 73 but should instead contain Assembly District 74. Wisconsin’s newly enacted district maps moved the Town of Summit from AD 73 into AD 74.

There is a contested Democratic primary in AD 73 and a contested Republican primary in AD 74. All other contests on the ballot contain the correct districts. All other ballots within Douglas County contain the correct districts. The County Clerk’s Office informed the candidates affected by this mistake earlier that morning.

The County Clerk’s Office does not plan to issue corrected ballots or attempt another potential remedy for numerous reasons: There is not enough time for new ballots to be printed and delivered in one day; absentee ballots with the incorrect Assembly district have been circulating for weeks; voting equipment containing the incorrect districts has already been programmed and tested. Town of Summit voters do not need to change their voting plan — they should proceed to the polls as normal and no additional action from them is needed at this time.

After Election Day, Wisconsin law will likely prevent boards of canvass from being able to count votes in the Assembly District 73 race in the Town of Summit.

After Election Day, the County Clerk’s Office plans to examine the error to better understand how it occurred and how to prevent it in the future.

“My office is committed to transparency and accuracy. Our protocols will be thoroughly reviewed and any procedures that are identified that could eliminate this type of error in the future will be implemented,” said Kaci Jo Lundgren, Douglas County clerk.

The Douglas County Clerk’s Office sincerely regrets this error and the inconvenience it has caused voters. Voters should not hesitate to contact the Clerk’s Office with any questions.