A message from RPW Chairman Brian Schimming on early voting:

 

Why now?  It’s simple: the law is on the books, and we can’t keep going into Election Day 200,000 votes down — and expect to make it up within 13 hours. An important statistic: we’ve had 11 statewide elections in the last 23 years that have been decided by 30,000 votes or less. Over the years, and certainly more so since the pandemic, people of all political stripes have adjusted toward voting early – and we need to have an effective, safe, and secure EV program to increase our numbers and win. 

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Even the Democrats have taken notice of RPW's growing effort. They know that when Republicans not only vote on Election Day, but maximize our early vote, the math doesn’t come out in their favor. The state Democratic Chairman said, “for a number of elections we’ve had this unusual advantage where the Republican Party was intentionally leaving tools on the table…Republicans are getting their act together.” 

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It’s a comprehensive effort: persuasion on the front end, voter registration, pushing early vote, “ballot chase,” — our efforts will include multiple methods including doors, email, calls, texts, social media digital efforts, among them — to maximize turnout.  

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The good news: we know how to do this, but it needs to be expanded dramatically to be candid. Why? Every nickel, dime, and dollar we can save by convincing “our voters” to vote early allows us to reallocate dollars to turning out “mid” or “low propensity,” independent, and “new” voters. It’s about growing and expanding our conservative base. This includes outreach and contacting communities large and small, senior centers, campuses, tech colleges, wherever voters may be – meeting them where they are. 

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The fact is, we know how to do this right, and have shown it in races like Ron Johnson’s hard-fought reelection.  And thanks to our work together, Republicans had the highest off-year conservative voter turnout in the state’s 169-year history this past Spring.  

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The rollout naming Wisconsin the first state went really well. Some of the coverage can be seen here:

Center Square, Benjamin Yount: Republicans embrace early voting in Wisconsin, Democrats snicker 

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Wisconsin Daily Star, Matt Kittle: RNC, Wisconsin Republican Party Launching "Bank Your Vote" Early Voting Campaign

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WisPolitics, Kate Morton: RNC taps Wisconsin for first early voting initiative

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We're continuing our crucial Election Integrity and legal efforts as well. The RPW scored a number of legal victories in court throughout the last two years: banning drop boxes and ensuring "indefinitely confined" is not misused by big city Dem clerks, to name a few. And just a few weeks ago, the Democrat Green Bay clerk, who we went to court and obtained an injunction against when our poll watchers were blocked from observing voting processes, now backed down from going to a September trial to fight us. We'll expand our on-site presence with volunteers, staff, and attorneys to ensure the law is followed. Not sometimes, but every single time. 

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Ballot Security:  We are expanding our ballot security operation as well. We successfully grew the number of GOP "Poll Workers" from 1,000 to 5,000 last year – a record-breaking 500% increase! And this year, I'm looking to recruit even more poll workers to ensure there are even more eyes throughout our election. In addition to covering the whole state, we'll be able to focus on known "hot spots."

 

And about "Poll Watchers:" We know how to reach out and mobilize fast. We must have GOP "Eyes on the Prize" at every voting location in Wisconsin. For the last election, we deployed 46 field people in ten days, recruited 4,200 volunteers, and had 1.5 million contacts. With our already established 72 counties' networks and coalition allies, we can do what it takes to ensure every step of the voting and counting process is observed. 

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This is a broad overview of what's to come. We need all hands on deck for statewide success. That's why we're doing it. It's why Ron Johnson and our state leadership are asking for your help in our expanded effort.”

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