GAB Issues Statement on Recall Petition Fraud

MADISON, WI – It is a felony in Wisconsin to destroy, deface or otherwise commit fraud with a recall petition, according to the Government Accountability Board.

In the last several days, the media has reported on various Facebook posts and other Internet chatter about schemes for recall opponents to circulate petitions and then not turn them in for filing.

“At this time, the G.A.B. has no credible evidence that petition destruction or fraud has occurred,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel.  “However, we want the public to know we take this issue seriously, and we have been in contact with some district attorneys regarding this issue.”

Under Wisconsin law, election fraud is a criminal offense.  Petition destruction or fraud is a Class I felony, punishable by up to 3½ years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Persons with evidence of petition destruction or fraud should contact their local police department or district attorney’s office.