USPS begins investigation, 'made aware of potential issues with absentee ballots'



MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) met via video call Friday, April 10 to discuss the issues with absentee ballots.

Specifically, members discussed a problem with getting information from the United States Postal Service (USPS) on why some ballots did not arrive in time for the April 7 election.

Meagan Wolfe



"We heard of multiple situations where a household made their request and were sent ballots by the clerk's office on the same date, and maybe one member of the household received one within a few days, another member may have taken a few additional weeks, then some did not receive it at all," said Meagan Wolfe, an administrator with the WEC.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) released a statement on Friday concerning potential issues with the delivery of Wisconsin absentee ballots.

"We have been made aware of potential issues with absentee ballots in Wisconsin and are currently conducting an investigation into the claims. At this time we do not have additional information to provide on this issue. It is important to note that throughout every election cycle, the U.S.  Postal Service works with state and local election officials to ensure the timely delivery of Election Mail. The United States Mail system serves as a secure, efficient and effective means for citizens and campaigns to participate in the electoral process, and the Postal Service is committed to delivering Election Mail in a timely manner."


The Milwaukee Election Commission asked for a federal investigation.

Neil Albrecht



"We identified a pattern in the context that we were receiving from voters that many had been issued over those days," said Neil Albrecht, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission.

The WEC also discussed how to determine when ballots were mailed by the USPS with improper dates.