Lawsuit Challenges Lack of Transparency in Voter Registration in Wisconsin and Minnesota

Lawsuit Challenges Lack of Transparency in Voter Registration in Wisconsin and Minnesota

A lawsuit filed by the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) challenges the exemption of Wisconsin and Minnesota from federal transparency requirements for voter registration. The lawsuit argues that the exemption violates the principle of equal state sovereignty.

PILF contends that the exemption, granted to seven states that offered same-day voter registration or didn't require voter registration, unfairly treats the remaining states differently. The lawsuit seeks to bring the National Voter Registration Act's transparency requirements to all 50 states.

The lawsuit names Wisconsin Election Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon as defendants. The Wisconsin Election Commission declined to comment, while the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office did not respond to a request for comment.

PILF argues that Minnesota and Wisconsin grant and remove voting rights through voter registration and maintenance of the voter list. Therefore, Congress' goal of making the process transparent should apply to both states. The lawsuit cites the Supreme Court case of Shelby County v. Holder, which reaffirmed the principle of equal state sovereignty.

Thirteen of the 20 states that offer same-day voter registration are still subject to the federal transparency requirements. PILF's lawsuit aims to ensure equal treatment for all states and promote transparency in voter registration processes.