Please read before filing a complaint
Statement from Kevin J. Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B:
We are living and working in historic political times. The Government Accountability Board recognizes that many Wisconsinites have passionate views regarding politics in this state, as well as actions taken by elected officials on both sides of the aisle.
As a result, the G.A.B. has received many complaints asking the Board to investigate or become involved in what are, in essence, political controversies. Not every action of a public officeholder that a citizen may disagree with constitutes a violation of the Ethics Code for State Public Officials or of campaign finance laws.
The G.A.B. is an independent, non-partisan agency. The public can be assured the G.A.B. will investigate the activities of public officials where there is a reasonable basis to do so. However, the G.A.B. has no authority over procedural rules of the Legislature, and cannot insert itself into political and legislative debates.
Election Comments and Complaints
Leave a comment
Use this link to give us feedback -- positive and negative -- about your experience voting. The Board will use this information to improve future elections.
Make a complaint
Use this link to report irregularities you witnessed with the recall petition process, at or around the polling place, or to file a complaint about an election official. Information collected may be used to open an investigation, and forwarded to a District Attorney for possible use in a prosecution.
Elections Complaints Accepted
Complaints involving the following parties and subjects may be filed with the Board:
- Election Crimes.
Anyone who witnesses potential election fraud or voter intimidation may file a report with the Board. See Section §12.13. - Local election officials.
A voter may file a complaint alleging that an election official has violated the law or abused the official’s discretion regarding nominations, qualifications of candidates, voting qualifications, including residence, ward division and renumbering, recall, ballot preparation, election administration or conduct of elections. See Section §5.06.
- Compliance with federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
Whenever any person believes that a violation of HAVA has occurred, is occurring, or is proposed to occur with respect to an election for national office in Wisconsin, that person may file a written, verified complaint with the Board. See Section §5.061, Stats.
What complaints are outside
the Board's jurisdiction ?
Confidentiality of Investigations
- Members and staff of the Government Accountability Board are subject to strict confidentiality provisions related to investigations or prosecution of violations under the Board’s jurisdiction. See Section 12.13(5).
- Except as permitted by law and as necessary to communicate with law enforcement, no Board member, employee, or investigator may disclose information related to a Board investigation or prosecution.
- Violations of this confidentiality requirement are subject to maximum penalties of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of three years, six months. See Section 12.60(1)(bm).
Campaign Finance, Ethics and Lobbying Complaints
The Ethics and Accountability Division accepts these complaints:
- Compliance with Campaign Finance Laws.
Any person may file a complaint with the Board asking that it investigate alleged violations of campaign finance laws under Chapter 11 of the Wisconsin Statutes. - Code of Ethics for State Public Officials.
Certain state public officials are subject to regulations related to standards of conduct, use of office for personal financial gain, and conflicts of interest. See Sections 19.41 - 19.58. - Compliance with Lobbying Laws.
Lobbyists and organizations which hire lobbyists are subject to certain restrictions and reporting requirements under Sections 13.61 - 13.65 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
The Board may conduct an investigation and pursue civil forfeitures, or refer the matter to the appropriate district attorney for criminal prosecution.
To File a Complaint:
Please complete form GAB-1100 to file a formal complaint with the Ethics and Accountability Division.
About the G.A.B. Complaint Process
- When the Board receives a complaint, it will first assess whether there is a reasonable basis to investigate. The Board’s staff may attempt to obtain further information before the Board makes that decision. If the Board believes there is a sufficient basis to proceed, it may authorize an investigation.
- The Board may issue subpoenas, take depositions, and ask courts to issue search warrants. By statute, with limited exceptions, all aspects of, and records related to, an investigation are confidential. The Board’s staff may acknowledge the existence of a complaint only if the complainant makes it public. All actions by the Board take place in closed session.
- At the conclusion of an investigation, the Board may dismiss a complaint, seek a voluntary forfeiture, bring a court action for a civil forfeiture, or refer a matter to the appropriate District Attorney for criminal prosecution.
- Only a voluntary settlement agreement, court action, or referral to a district attorney are public.
Complaints Arising from Budget Repair Bill Dispute - Case No. 2011-GAB-01
In February and March of 2011, the Government Accountability Board received numerous complaints related to events and the actions of various state public officials involved in the debate regarding Governor Scott Walker’s budget repair bill.
This memorandum from the Government Accountability Board summarizes the complaints and their disposition.
News Release: G.A.B. Dismisses Budget Repair Bill Complaints
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| G A B Memo on Budget Repair Bill Complaints 05-18-11.pdf | 52.37 KB |
| Exhibit A - DOT correspondence 2.28.11.pdf | 406.08 KB |