WI GOP Introduces Bills to Exit ERIC, Prohibit ‘Zuckbucks’ in Polls.
Wisconsin Takes Steps to Secure Elections
Wisconsin is making progress in safeguarding its elections with new measures introduced by Republican legislators. These measures aim to prohibit private funding of elections and remove the state from the leftist-controlled voter-roll “maintenance” group known as ERIC.
One of the amendment’s co-sponsors, GOP Rep. Ty Bodden, expressed his support, stating, “We all know Zuckerbucks played a terrible role in the 2020 election and that must never be allowed to happen again.”
In the past, bills attempting to restrict private money in Wisconsin elections were vetoed by Democrat Gov. Tony Evers. However, by using the constitutional amendment process, Republicans can bypass Evers’ opposition and let the voters have the final say.
The proposed amendment seeks to curb interference from private actors in the election process. During the 2020 election, nonprofits like the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) and the Center for Election Innovation and Research (CEIR) received hundreds of millions of dollars from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. These “Zuckbucks” were used to change election protocols and heavily favored Democrat-majority counties.
Wisconsin received approximately $10.1 million in ”Zuckbucks” from CTCL during the 2020 contest, with the majority going to Democrat-won cities. The constitutional amendment aims to put an end to this practice and prevent the perversion of the elections process.
Withdrawing Wisconsin From ERIC
In addition to the “Zuckbucks” ban, another Republican-backed measure seeks to withdraw Wisconsin from ERIC. ERIC, also known as the Electronic Registration Information Center, is a voter-roll management organization that prioritizes registering new voters over cleaning up existing voter rolls.
The legislation introduced by GOP Rep. Ty Bodden and Sen. Duey Stroebel aims to address concerns about voter data security and lack of transparency. ERIC’s relationship with CEIR, a left-wing nonprofit involved in the distribution of “Zuckbucks,” further raises concerns about partisan influence in voter registration outreach.
Several Republican election officials have already withdrawn their states from ERIC and formed separate data-sharing pacts to manage voter rolls more effectively. This growing list includes Alabama, Virginia, Ohio, and others.
How does disassociating from ERIC contribute to ensuring a fair and unbiased voter-roll maintenance system in Wisconsin?
Distorting the integrity of our elections. It’s about time we put an end to the influence of private money and ensure that our elections are fair and transparent.”
The amendment aims to address concerns about the influence of private funding on elections. In the past, wealthy individuals and organizations have poured money into campaigns, leading to an unequal playing field where candidates with more financial resources have an advantage over others. By prohibiting private funding, Wisconsin seeks to level the playing field and ensure that the voice of every citizen is heard, regardless of their financial backing.
Additionally, the amendment seeks to remove the state from the leftist-controlled voter-roll maintenance group known as ERIC. This move comes in response to concerns about the objectivity and fairness of the group’s actions. By disassociating from ERIC, Wisconsin hopes to establish its own independent system for voter-roll maintenance, free from any perceived biases or external influences.
These measures have garnered support from Republican legislators who believe that securing elections is crucial for the functioning of democracy. They argue that without proper safeguards in place, there is a risk of voter fraud and manipulation which can undermine the legitimacy of election results. By taking these steps, Wisconsin aims to restore faith and trust in the electoral process.
However, critics of these measures argue that they are motivated by partisan interests rather than genuine concerns about election security. They claim that by targeting private funding, Republicans are attempting to limit the resources available to Democratic candidates and favor their own party. Similarly, they argue that removing Wisconsin from ERIC is a political move designed to gain more control over the state’s voter rolls.
Despite the controversy surrounding these measures, it is clear that Wisconsin is taking steps to secure its elections. The debate over election security is a complex and contentious one, with valid arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote and that their vote counts. Finding the right balance between election integrity and accessibility is crucial for the functioning of a democratic society.
It remains to be seen how these measures will be implemented and their impact on future elections in Wisconsin. It is important for all stakeholders to engage in open and constructive dialogue to address concerns and find common ground. Ultimately, the strength of Wisconsin’s democracy depends on the fairness and transparency of its electoral process.
As other states grapple with similar challenges, they can look to Wisconsin as an example of taking proactive steps to secure elections. The lessons learned from this experience can help shape future policies and practices, ensuring that the democratic process remains strong and resilient.
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