CPAC reports alleged ballot harvesting in Milwaukee to Wisconsin Election Commission

CPAC on Wednesday reported an alleged incident of ballot harvesting that occurred at a ballot drop box in Milwaukee to the Wisconsin Election Commission.

"As part of CPAC’s efforts to ensure elections are free and fair, CPAC has filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission ('WEC') and reported to local law enforcement allegations of potential efforts to commit fraud or corruption in the voting process by an unknown individual," reads a statement released by CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp on Wednesday.

"CPAC received reports of illicit ballot harvesting at the dropbox location outside Milwaukee City Hall. A witness reported an individual depositing a significant number of absentee ballots into the dropbox before fleeing the scene," the statement continued. "Ballot Harvesting is illegal under Wisconsin Law. Chairman Matt Schlapp is committed to protecting our elections and urges WEC and local law enforcement to investigate these allegations."

According to the complaint, "CPAC received reports of illicit ballot harvesting as outlined in the sworn declaration attached (Exhibit A). On October 25, 2024, at approximately 7:55 pm, Declarant witnessed an individual that appeared to empty the contents of a bag into the dropbox outside of the City Hall dropbox location at 200 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

"Ballot harvesting is illegal under Wisconsin law. Wisconsin statute requires that completed absentee ballots be 'mailed by the elector, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots' unless the elector is disabled. Wis. Stat. § 6.87(4)(b)1. CPAC believes the facts provided establish probable cause to believe a violation of Wisconsin law has occurred and urges the Wisconsin Election Commission to promptly investigate these allegations."