The Sconi

In a stunning blow to election integrity, Wisconsin’s liberal-majority Supreme Court has stripped everyday voters of their long-standing right to challenge questionable election practices, leaving the Badger State’s democratic process at the mercy of unaccountable bureaucrats. The court’s recent ruling in Brown v. WEC effectively shuts the courthouse doors to citizens seeking to protect their sacred right to vote, undermining a key safeguard enacted by the people’s elected representatives. But hope is not lost—on April 1st, Wisconsinites have the power to fight back by electing Judge Brad Schimel as their next Supreme Court Justice.

For years, Wisconsin law empowered regular voters, election observers, and concerned citizens—to act as watchdogs, ensuring elections remain free, fair, and above board. This common-sense check allowed anyone to file a complaint with the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) and, if unsatisfied with the outcome, appeal to the state courts for a fair hearing. It was a system rooted in accountability, mirroring federal election oversight, and designed to bolster public confidence in every ballot cast. But the partisan majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court threw it all out the window.

Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley’s scathing dissent laid bare the consequences: the decision transforms WEC into “an unreviewable Supreme Court of Election Law,” leaving voters powerless against bureaucratic whims. “See something, say something” has been the rallying cry of our times—yet now, even when voters speak up, the court ensures no one will listen. Complaints about election irregularities, no matter how severe, are now a dead end, with WEC’s word as final. Why bother reporting abuse when the system offers no recourse?

This isn’t just a legal technicality—it’s a direct attack on the will of the people. As Justice Bradley warned, the majority’s preference for this scheme overrides the legislature’s intent, jeopardizing the very foundation of fair elections. Without judicial oversight, bad actors could exploit the system, knowing voters lack the tools to hold them accountable. The result? A chilling effect that could silence complaints altogether, eroding trust in democracy itself.

Wisconsinites deserve a Supreme Court that upholds the law, not one that bends it to suit partisan agendas. This decision isn’t about justice—it’s about power. On April 1st, we can restore integrity to our courts and ensure every voter’s voice is heard.

Schimel, a Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge and former Wisconsin Attorney General, is running to reclaim the court for the people. With a proven record of defending the rule of law, he stands as the antidote to a judicial system infected by politics. His opponent, backed by the same liberal forces that delivered this ruling, threatens to cement a legacy of partisan overreach.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has the power to shape the future of elections, from ballot accuracy to voter rights. On April 1st, voters can send a message: no more closed doors, no more unchecked bureaucrats, no more assaults on democracy. Electing Brad Schimel is the simple, powerful remedy to a court gone astray.

Vote Brad Schimel for Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice on April 1st. Protect your vote. Protect Wisconsin.

Lane Ruhland, Senior Counsel at Husch Blackwell, specializes in state and federal political campaign finance law, advising corporations, political campaigns, and PACs on election matters, according to the Federalist Society. With experience in high-profile cases, including the 2016 presidential recount in Wisconsin and Governor Scott Walker's 2014 election integrity program, she has also helped draft over 100 legislative proposals.