Democracy Demands Accountability

In 2020, 10 individuals in Wisconsin signed their names to a certificate falsely claiming to be the rightful presidential electors for Donald Trump, despite the fact that he lost the state. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture or political theater. The false certificate was used as part of a coordinated attempt to override the will of Wisconsin voters and undermine our democracy at its core.

Nearly five years later, only three individuals have been charged for their involvement in the attempt to overturn the election results, yet none of those were among the 10 fake electors. All 10 fake electors continue to operate freely in our communities without repercussions. 

During a recent visit to Green Bay, Wisconsin, Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized that protecting the rights of Wisconsinites is vital to the state’s Department of Justice. He outlined two criteria for determining when the department gets involved in multistate litigation: (1) if there is a legal basis, and (2) if the issue causes harm to Wisconsinites.

If the fake elector scheme doesn’t meet both of these criteria, what does?

Other states, including Michigan and Georgia, have moved forward with prosecuting all 2020 fake electors in their states. And the harm to Wisconsinites is undeniable. When false electors signed the certificate that was used in an attempt to override the outcome of our election, they harmed every voter who made their voice heard. Their actions sowed distrust among the public, opened the door to overturning election results in the future. And the scheme made it clear that some individuals believe the rules of democracy don’t apply to them.

We can’t afford selective accountability. Prosecuting a few while allowing others to walk away sends a dangerous message that you can undermine democracy and avoid consequences depending on your connections or position.

Wisconsinites deserve better. We deserve full and fair justice. We deserve to know that our elections will be protected not just through words but through decisive action.

We’re calling on Attorney General Kaul and the Wisconsin Department of Justice to finish the job. The public harm is clear. The time for half-measures is over.

Join us in demanding full accountability for all 10 fake electors. Call Attorney General Josh Kaul’s office at (608) 266-1221 to demand that he prosecute all of them. Talk to your family and neighbors and ask them to do the same. Because if we let this moment pass quietly, the next attack on our democracy may be even louder.