The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Meagan Wolfe, allowing her to remain in her role as the state’s top election official, a decision pivotal in the ongoing debate on election administration.
At a Glance
- The Wisconsin Supreme Court confirmed that Meagan Wolfe can stay on as the state’s top election official beyond her term.
- The unanimous decision from the court, which has a liberal majority, echoes a similar 2022 ruling on holdovers.
- The ruling dismisses attempts by state Senate Republicans to oust Wolfe from her position.
- Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit that highlighted the illegality of the Senate’s vote to remove Wolfe.
Wisconsin Court Decision
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently delivered a ruling that ensures Meagan Wolfe remains as the State’s Chief Election Official, despite her term having technically ended in July 2023.
Sounds democratic…
This decision follows the court’s precedent to allow appointed officials to serve until new appointments are made. This ruling specifically rejected efforts by Senate Republicans to remove Wolfe from her position based on the conclusion of her term.
Meagan Wolfe was initially appointed by the Wisconsin Elections Commission in 2019 and subsequently confirmed by the State Senate. However, her reappointment was deadlocked along partisan lines within the commission, with no new candidate proposed, leading to her automatic continuation in office. Notably, Wolfe’s tenure has been central to political discourse, especially in light of the 2020 Presidential Election controversies.
The Republican-led State Senate’s push to replace Wolfe has drawn criticism and legal challenges. On the basis of 2020 election-related theories, they have sought her removal. Nevertheless, the court’s ruling underscores a lack of legal authority for the Senate action without a pending appointment.
Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul, in his defense of Wolfe’s holdover status, explained: “Under the Prehn decision, absent a statute prohibiting holdover, an incumbent may lawfully hold over and continue to fulfill their duties. No statute prohibits the administrator from holding over.”
Despite intentions to sack Wolfe, Senate Republicans encounter constitutional roadblocks. Their procedural assertions fell short legally, as the court determined that the Wisconsin Elections Commission does not have to appoint a successor immediately.
Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu added, “Senate Republicans will continue to do everything we can to ensure that Wisconsin has free and fair elections and restore integrity to the process.”
Wolfe has been a divisive figure primarily due to her oversight during the tumultuous 2020 elections. Senate Republicans have voiced their concerns over her role, especially regarding absentee ballots. Nonetheless, subsequent investigations into alleged election fraud have supported her integrity and management, further complicating Republican efforts to destabilize her position.
