For the City-Times

The Government Accountability Board has launched BADGER Voters, a new website that allows users to purchase voter lists online.

Previously, candidates, political parties and other groups that purchase voter lists had to contact the G.A.B. staff or a local clerk to request a quote, then wait for the data to be generated, and pay by check.

The new website – http://BADGERVoters.gab.wi.gov – allows users to do everything online for many standard requests.  They can now independently request a voter list, generate a price quote, purchase, and download the data online 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

G.A.B. Elections Division Administrator Michael Haas said BADGER Voters is designed to improve customer service for purchasers of voter lists and reduce the workload of local election officials.  “Voter data is still available through county and municipal clerks, but clerks should feel free to direct requesters to the BADGER Voters website,” he said.

Haas said voters’ information is confidential in the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) remains protected under state law.  Private data that cannot be purchased include a voter’s date of birth, driver license number, Social Security number, special accommodation needs for voters with disabilities, financial information, or any information about “confidential voters” who are victims of domestic abuse, stalking or sexual assault.

Under Wisconsin law, non-private data in SVRS is a public record, including the voter’s name, address, and voting history.

“Voter records have always been public information in Wisconsin, which helps ensure transparent and honest elections,” Haas said.

State law also requires the G.A.B. to charge for SVRS data.  The price is $25 plus $5 per 1,000 voter records.  The minimum cost for voter list data is $30.  The maximum cost for a large request is capped at $12,500.

BADGER Voters allows users to make six standard voter data requests:

• All statewide registered voters

• All registered voters in a jurisdiction or district

• Voters in specific elections

• Permanent absentee voters

• Absentee voters in a specific election

• Absentee ballot requests within a given date range.

The site also allows users to submit a custom data request that is outside of the standard requests. Custom requests require G.A.B. staff action, so the data is not immediately available.

Users of the BADGER Voters website must register for a secure account with the Wisconsin Department of Administration, which provides users with access to multiple State of Wisconsin web applications, including the BADGER Voters website.  Users can purchase the data by using a MasterCard or Visa credit card, electronic funds transfer (EFT, or “e-check”), or online through a secure website managed by the State of Wisconsin.  Payment by check or cash via mail or in-person is still acceptable.

Requesters who are unable to access the BADGER Voters site to submit their voter data request or download the file should contact the G.A.B. Help Desk at [email protected] or (608) 261-2028.