After lengthy discussions with the Trump campaign, the Milwaukee Board of Canvassers ultimately agreed to set aside certain absentee ballots during the recount.
The Trump team had several legal objections before the board began recounting nearly 460,000 ballots in Milwaukee County.
Here’s a list of requests:
Trump campaign requests:
1. Trump observer at each recount table
2. All written applications for absentee ballots set aside for observation
3. Ballot envelopes without written application set aside
4. Ballot envelopes with different ink set aside— Sierra Trojan (@SierraTrojan) November 20, 2020
Requests cont:
5. Ballot logs set aside
6. Ballot envelopes and applications for indefinitely confined voters set aside
7. Copies of photo IDs for absentee ballots set aside
8. Data for tabulating machines and images of ballots be preserved— Sierra Trojan (@SierraTrojan) November 20, 2020
The Milwaukee Board of Canvassers agreed to instruct poll workers to set aside absentee ballot envelopes that:
- had different colored ink
- were marked as indefinitely confined
NEW: Milwaukee County Board of Canvassers agreed in exec session to several requests of the Trump campaign, including to set aside absentee ballot envelopes that might have different colored ink. @WI_Elections has told clerks for years they could add missing addresses. Now debate pic.twitter.com/QPBXsxJ5B0
— Jason Calvi (@JasonCalvi) November 20, 2020
It also appears we have observers from both campaigns.
The Milwaukee Board of Canvassers have said that no more than one observer from the Trump campaign and one observer from the Biden campaign can be at each table – they say that is to avoid some of the clusters that were occurring yesterday. pic.twitter.com/aCJcKgXohK
— Mary Spicuzza (@MSpicuzzaMJS) November 21, 2020
Although it remains in question how effectively observers can see each ballot.
This leaked photo certainly won’t ease anyone’s skepticism.
This is how far away they’re making observers sit inside Milwaukee
No wonder @BobSpindell wanted to testify pic.twitter.com/BuSn23hFZy
— Neanderthal Scholar Poso (@JackPosobiec) November 21, 2020
Despite only a handful of Trump requests being fulfilled, the Biden campaign didn’t take kindly to the news.
It’s appears the Board of Canvassers agreed with President Trump’s legal objections in the Milwaukee, WI recount. The Biden team isn’t very happy. pic.twitter.com/8dNiGaFetu
— Mythinformed MKE (@MythinformedMKE) November 21, 2020
After seeing the number of ballots set aside thus far, it’s not hard to imagine why they’d be upset.
Two entire 8’ tables worth of ballots have already been pulled and put aside for legal objections. Milwaukee Center election recount. pic.twitter.com/sGGwYiqqR0
— Mythinformed MKE (@MythinformedMKE) November 21, 2020
More ballots that have been flagged for legal objections. The Board of Canvassers are discussing these ballots at the moment. Live at the Milwaukee Center election recount. pic.twitter.com/1BkmO3E5Jt
— Mythinformed MKE (@MythinformedMKE) November 21, 2020
Fox 11 News has been following the recount closely:
Milwaukee County will recount nearly 460,000 ballots — costing an estimated $2.3 million. The recount process must be done by Dec. 1.
“The timeline, we will continue to plow through this as we go. We expect additional objections and those come to the commission. We’ll just continue to work through the process,” George Christenson, the Milwaukee County clerk, said.
Observers were present at the Wisconsin Center to watch the recounting process. They are not allowed to touch any recount materials, but can walk around the facility and bring any concerns to the Board of Canvassers.
Both Joe Biden and President Donald Trump supporters were directed not to speak to the media.
FOX 11 did speak to one Trump supporter, who says she feels it’s her duty as an American to observe the recount.
“I don’t think the voting anymore has been honest, especially in this election and the previous election. If we all don’t make sure the recount is correct, we don’t know if we have the right person,” Ruth Koehler from Elm Grove said.
For real time updates, tune into the Milwaukee County recount livestream here:
Here is earlier footage from the Board of Canvassers discussing ballot objections:
LIVE: Board of Canvassers discussing ballot objections. Live at the Milwaukee Center election recount.https://t.co/fGqrUiZ60I
— Neanderthal Scholar Poso (@JackPosobiec) November 21, 2020
This story is developing, so stay tuned for future updates!