Celestine Jeffreys. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Wisconsin Elections Commission ruled Green Bay City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys likely violated state law in April 2022 by accepting absentee ballots brought in on behalf of voters, if the delivering person indicted the voter was sick without verification of a disability. Jeffries said her office changed its policy nearly 18 months ago to conform to the policy.
Matt Roeser complained to the WEC about Green Bay for allegedly failing to follow state law when accepting absentee ballots. In a five-page decision issued late Wednesday, the WEC upheld the claim.
“In short, the Commission has determined that the Complainant has shown probable cause that the Respondent violated Wis. Stat. 6.87(4)(b)1. The Commission’s order, however, seeks only to prevent the Respondent from permitting ballot return assistance to voters who are not disabled,” the ruling states.
It goes on to say: “the Commission does find an abuse of discretion to the extent that the policy described by the Respondent allows ballot return assistance if a voter is merely reported to be ‘sick.’ Sickness alone may or may not constitute a disability, and thus it cannot be a qualification to receive ballot return assistance. Though the Commission does not find an abuse of discretion or violation of law in the Respondent’s policy of not directly asking about any disability, the Respondent should ensure that voters who qualify for ballot return assistance under the Voting Rights Act are able to receive such assistance.”
It continues on to read, “The Commission herby orders Celestine Jeffreys to amend the policy described in the Response or any current or future policy in a manner consistent with this decision This decision solely affirms that a single voter may not return multiple ballots without a statutory exemption unless they are assisting a person with a disability or are a registered agent of a hospitalized voter returning their ballot. Accordingly, to the extent that the Respondent’s policy accepted ballots from voters who are “sick,” but not disabled, it is contrary to law.”
Jeffreys could appeal, but in a statement, said changes were made months ago.
“We are proud to report that, as long ago as the August 2022 election (and several weeks before the WEC issued guidance on the subject), Clerk Jeffreys had modified her policy to ensure that anyone bringing in an absentee ballot belonging to someone else affirmed that they were assisting a voter with a disability in accordance with the law. In that way, Clerk Jeffreys complied with today’s WEC’s decision nearly eighteen months ago,” the statement says. “As we always have, the City will continue to hold free and fair elections, consistent with state law and WEC guidance. We will continue to ensure that every eligible voter, including those with disabilities, can cast their ballot with independence and dignity. We will also continue to protect voters from harassment and interference.”
The WEC did not issue any sanctions.
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