The head of the state Government Accountability Board touts Wisconsin’s elections system to a national committee.
GAB executive director Kevin Kennedy appeared before the Presidential Commission on Election Administration Friday morning, during a hearing in Cincinnati, OH. Kennedy’s talk focused on Wisconsin’s efforts to create open and non-partisan elections.
Kennedy highlighted the work the GAB does with the 72 county and 1,852 municipal clerks who actually run the elections in the state. Kennedy said the agency stresses the importance of paying attention to election-related data, so clerks can enough ballots and staff ready on Election Day. “Know your numbers is something we continually preach to local election officials. Knowing how many people turned out in past elections is a good predictor of how many will show up in the future.”
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:60)
Kennedy also detailed efforts to check polling places across the state for access issues, which could make it difficult for those with disabilities to cast a ballot. He said public education efforts have also been important, due to the recent wave of election law changes made in Wisconsin.
The Commission was created in March of this year by President Obama. It’s charged with finding non-partisan ways to shorten lines at polling places, promote efficient elections, and provide better access to the polls for all voters.
