March 26, 2025 

Contact: Debra Cronmiller 
LWVWI Executive Director
dcronmiller@lwvwi.org 
(608)256-0827 

Wisconsin’s April 1 Election Unaffected by Executive Order – Here’s Why

(MADISON, Wis.) – As Wisconsin prepares for the April 1, 2025, election, recent discussions surrounding the President’s Executive Order on election administration have sparked questions about its impact on our state’s electoral process. The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is committed to ensuring that voters have the facts about our elections—free from misinformation and political rhetoric.

First and foremost, in an email to the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) staff have confirmed that the Executive Order does not affect the upcoming April 1 election because there are no federal contests on the ballot. This Executive Order pertains only to federal elections and has no immediate effect. While it remains to be seen how litigation will affect this executive order, and whether and how it will be implemented, it is essential to understand that Wisconsin already has strong election laws in place that uphold the integrity of our voting process.

Here’s what voters should know:

• Under existing law, only U.S. citizens may vote, and violations carry serious penalties. Wisconsin law explicitly requires that all voters be U.S. citizens, and any intentional violation of this requirement is a criminal offense. 

• Wisconsin has a strict procedure for voter eligibility challenges. Any challenges to a voter’s right to vote, including on citizenship grounds, must come from personal knowledge from the individual making the challenge. Both the challenger and the voter must take an oath if the challenge is not quickly dismissed, and the voter has the ability to respond to the accusation. 

• Ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Wisconsin law mandates this requirement, ensuring that votes are counted in a timely and transparent manner.

• Every ballot cast in Wisconsin already has a paper record. 

• All poll workers in Wisconsin must be U.S. citizens. Wisconsin law is clear: only qualified electors—who must be U.S. citizens—are eligible to serve as poll workers.

• Wisconsin is exempt from the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Much of the executive order only applies to NVRA states. Unlike many states, Wisconsin is exempt and has long offered same-day voter registration on Election Day, ensuring accessibility while maintaining security.

Furthermore, Wisconsin’s unique system of election administration, in which elections are managed at the municipal level by local clerks, ensures that our elections are run with transparency, professionalism, and accountability. Wisconsin election officials—dedicated public servants—work tirelessly to administer free, fair, and accurate elections.

As an organization committed to defending democracy, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin urges voters to stay informed and reject unfounded claims that undermine confidence in our elections. Misinformation and political gamesmanship threaten the very foundation of our democracy. Instead, let’s focus on facts: Wisconsin’s election system is strong, secure, and designed to uphold the will of the people.

The League will continue working to ensure that every eligible voter can participate in elections without unnecessary barriers. This executive order has no effect on the April 1 election, and as we approach April 1, we encourage all Wisconsinites to exercise their right to vote with confidence, knowing that our state’s election laws are already built to protect both access and integrity.

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The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that  advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 21 local Leagues  throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org.