A state lawmaker is worried Wisconsin's electronic filing system for campaign finance reports could prevent people from considering a run for public office.
State Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) says the system being used by the Government Accountability Board is confusing and hard to understand for the non-tech savvy. He says it may be keeping some potential candidates from running for office, because they're worried about being unable to meet filing requirements.
The concerns were raised this week during a confirmation hearing for GAB member Judge Gordon Myse. The judge admits the new technology can be hard for some candidates to adapt to. However, Myse says staff help is available for candidates who are having a hard time using the system.
Ellis says candidates should still be able to file a hard copy of their reports, which GAB staff could then adapt for electronic use. The Neenah Republican plans to draft legislation that would give candidates the option to file a paper report, instead of an electronic version.