With just days left before the election, Milwaukee is facing scrutiny as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) files a complaint regarding alleged illegal ballot harvesting. According to CPAC, a witness reported that an unknown person deposited up to 500 absentee ballots into a drop box outside Milwaukee City Hall on October 25 before fleeing.
In its complaint to the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) and Milwaukee police, CPAC claims this incident represents “fraud or corruption in the voting process.” Ballot harvesting, where large quantities of ballots are gathered and submitted by a single person, is illegal under Wisconsin law. CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp emphasized that CPAC is committed to protecting election integrity and urged immediate action.
🚨 UPDATE: 2024 Election
BREAKING: CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp has Witness which has Photographing Evidence of an Individual Stuffing at least 500 Ballots into an Unguarded Ballot Box in Milwaukee, WI
• Matt Schlapp filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Elections Commission,… https://t.co/OVY1NK6rjj pic.twitter.com/2b3TRAp4sX
— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) November 2, 2024
The complaint states that the witness observed the individual approach the drop box around 7:55 p.m. carrying two bags, including a large green bag filled with ballots. The witness reported that the individual emptied the green bag into the drop box multiple times before quickly leaving after noticing they were being watched.
CPAC attached photographs of the suspect to the complaint, though these images were redacted in the public filing. Schlapp shared his concerns on social media, stating that CPAC is determined to ensure transparent elections and calling on WEC and law enforcement to investigate thoroughly.
REPORT: @CPAC Files Suit Against Wisconsin.
CPAC Announces They Have Photographic Evidence Of Illegal Ballot Harvesting At A Ballot Drop Box Outside Milwaukee's City Hall. https://t.co/ciPaZjV8GV— John Basham (@JohnBasham) November 1, 2024
Milwaukee’s election procedures have faced criticism in the past. The city’s former election director, Claire Woodall-Vogg, came under fire during the 2020 election over ballot counting delays and controversies surrounding funding from Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, intended to support election logistics. Critics raised concerns that such funding could lead to partisan influence.
The city’s current election administrator, Paulina Gutierrez, has stated that Milwaukee’s drop boxes are monitored with cameras and that there is a strong chain of custody for ballots. However, CPAC’s allegations raise fresh questions about election security, with Schlapp calling for a full investigation into the alleged ballot dumping.
