Wisconsin Puts Hold On Sending Voter Data To Trump Panel

A presidential panel that asked Wisconsin and other states for voter information has put that request on hold pending a ruling by a federal judge.

The Trump administration created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity to investigate what it claims were voter irregularities. After the commission asked states for voter data, a group called the Electronic Privacy Information Center sued, calling it an unconstitutional invasion of privacy.

Wisconsin Elections Commission spokesman Reid Magney said the presidential panel sent a follow-up to states Monday telling them to hold off.

“They’re saying don’t send us anything,” Magney said. “Wait until we hear what the federal judge has to say.”

If the federal judge lets the voter data gathering proceed, Magney said the Wisconsin Elections Commission will let the presidential panel know it can get a copy of the data for $12,500. That’s the same amount the state charges anyone who asks for the information.

Magney said the presidential panel’s data request didn’t arrive until last Wednesday because it was initially sent to Wisconsin’s Secretary of State, who does not handle elections.

In addition to the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the American Civil Liberties Union also announced Monday it’s suing to halt the Trump administration’s commission.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 6:43 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2017, to include original reporting from WPR.