Wisconsin Rep. Tiffany Demands Probe into Duplicate Ballot Fiasco

Vote-by-mail envelopes and application form with a pen.

Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany demands answers as Madison’s duplicate ballot error raises election integrity concerns.

At a Glance

Over 2,000 voters in Madison, Wisconsin received duplicate absentee ballots due to a file-merging error
Rep. Tom Tiffany is calling for an independent investigation into the incident
The error affected 2,215 voters across 10 wards, more extensive than initially reported
Officials claim safeguards are in place to prevent double voting, including unique barcodes on ballots
The incident has reignited concerns about election integrity in a key battleground state

Duplicate Ballot Fiasco Uncovered in Madison

In a startling development that has raised serious questions about election integrity, over 2,000 voters in Madison, Wisconsin, received duplicate absentee ballots due to a file-merging error. The incident, which has sparked concerns among election officials and lawmakers alike, has prompted Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07) to demand a thorough investigation into the matter.

The error, initially thought to affect only one ward, has now been revealed to impact 2,215 voters across 10 wards in Madison. This revelation has amplified concerns about the integrity of the upcoming election in this crucial swing state. Madison, a Democratic stronghold, played a significant role in the 2020 presidential election outcome, making this error particularly concerning for those monitoring election processes closely.

Wisconsin Republican calls for investigation into 2,000 duplicate ballots that went out in Madison https://t.co/aGGuRva83o

— Just the News (@JustTheNews) September 26, 2024

Rep. Tiffany Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Rep. Tom Tiffany has taken swift action in response to the ballot error, sending a letter to Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl requesting answers and transparency regarding the duplicate ballots. Tiffany’s concerns stem not only from the current incident but also from past controversial election practices in Madison.

“This can’t just be swept under the rug,” Tiffany said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “The people responsible for this need to be held accountable.”

The congressman’s call for an independent investigation gained urgency after learning that the error affected multiple wards, not just one as initially reported. This development has raised questions about the full extent of the problem and the city’s ability to accurately administer the election.

Madison Officials Respond to Concerns

In response to the growing controversy, Madison city officials have been quick to address concerns and explain the safeguards in place to prevent double voting. Dylan Brogan, Madison’s communications director, emphasized the city’s commitment to transparency in election administration.

“The City of Madison really prides itself on being extremely transparent in our election administration,” Brogan told The Post. “On the day we found out a clerical error occurred, we immediately reached out to voters.”

Officials have assured the public that safeguards are in place to prevent double voting. These include unique barcodes on each absentee ballot and a system that marks received ballots in a poll book. The city clerk’s office has also contacted affected voters, instructing them to destroy one of the duplicate ballots.

🚨BREAKING: The City of Madison clerk said the duplicate absentee ballots were sent to one ward yesterday.

Now, they say it’s 10.

There needs to be an independent investigation now, not after the election.

— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) September 25, 2024

Implications for Wisconsin’s Electoral Process

This incident has reignited concerns about election integrity in Wisconsin, a state where President Biden won by fewer than 21,000 votes in 2020. As absentee voting has just begun for the upcoming election, the timing of this error is particularly sensitive.

While Madison officials maintain that the error has been swiftly addressed and that no double voting is possible, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing election administrators. It also highlights the importance of rigorous oversight and transparency in the electoral process, especially in key battleground states like Wisconsin.

As the situation continues to unfold, voters and officials alike will be watching closely to see how this incident impacts public trust in the election system and what steps will be taken to prevent similar errors in the future.