In the midst of controversy surrounding the Wisconsin State Elections Board, the Board requested an increase of over $1 million in its taxpayer supported budget to help maintain Wisconsin's new federally mandated voter database.
In addition to the voter list funding, the board is asking for money to help hire two new staff members.
Wisconsin's voter database is not yet finished despite the Jan. 1 deadline. This delay has caused many legislative members concern about the organization of the project and the company hired to handle it, Accenture.
State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said The contract [with Accenture] has been criticized from the very beginning. It has taken longer and cost far more than was anticipated or can be justified.""
However, the Board maintains that the money is necessary. According to State Elections Board spokesperson Kyle Richmond, the $1 million needs to be approved to be able to finish the slow but moving project. Without the funding the list may not finish.
""This would be the first time Wisconsin has a consolidated voter list. It will prevent duplication and fraud and your voter history will follow you as you move,"" Richmond said.
The request for funding has come at a difficult time, especially for an increase that would potentially impact Wisconsin taxation. The Board is currently under fire after ruling U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Green Bay, illegally transferred $468,000 in campaign contributions. Critics claim that the decision was partisan and inappropriate. The board will meet Wednesday to rule on an additional $775,000 after the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign filed a federal finance complaint.
State Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, said the request is unlikely to pass the Legislature. ""I think it will be difficult for members of the finance committee, democratic or republican, to go along with any more additional expenses.
