The Wisconsin Supreme Court dealt a legal blow to Republican efforts to restrict mobile voting vans, dismissing a lawsuit arguing they violate state election laws. In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled that Ken Brown, Racine County’s GOP chairman, lacked legal standing to challenge the use of the van during the 2022 primary election. While the ruling avoids addressing the mobile voting vans’ legality, it preserves their potential use in Wisconsin’s high-stakes elections.
Mobile voting units became a flashpoint in 2022 when Racine deployed a van funded by a $10,000 grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL). Critics labeled these funds Zuckerbucks due to CTCL’s support from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Our goal was to expand access, not influence outcomes,said Racine Clerk Tara McMenamin, who oversaw the van’s 21-stop tour across the city.
Republicans argued the van:
- Violated state laws barring early voting sites from favoring any party
- Increased risks of voter fraud
- Targeted Democratic neighborhoods to boost turnout
However, the court emphasized Brown failed to prove personal harm under Wisconsin’s aggrieved plaintiff standard. This precedent could limit future election-related lawsuits by requiring stricter proof of direct injury.
With Wisconsin being a perennial swing state, both parties monitor voting access policies closely. Voters approved a 2023 amendment banning private election funding—a direct response to Zuckerbucks controversies. Despite this, the ruling leaves municipalities legal wiggle room to innovate with mobile units if they avoid perceived partisan targeting.
Dissenting conservatives warned the decision undermines election integrity oversight, while liberals maintained courts shouldn’t arbitrate hypothetical disputes. Legal experts suggest the battle over mobile voting vans might resurfaces in future cases with plaintiffs demonstrating clearer standing.