Press Release
Sign-On | A Strong Economy Depends on Respecting Our Elections
For Immediate Release
October 12th, 2026
As Wisconsin approaches the November midterm elections, we—business and civic leaders from across the state, Republicans, Independents, and Democrats—affirm a simple principle: a strong economy depends on respect for our elections and the rule of law.
Wisconsin's elections are administered locally, with bipartisan oversight, paper ballots, publicly tested equipment, and open procedures. Alleged voter fraud in Wisconsin has been litigated and investigated numerous times, and no material fraud has been proven. Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites serve as election officials and poll workers, and their work deserves our respect and protection.
Those safeguards now face new pressure. In September 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a criminal investigation "surge" into alleged voter fraud in nine states, including Wisconsin, running through mid-October—just weeks before the midterms. This is on top of ongoing FBI investigations into Wisconsin’s 2020 election.
Respect for the rule of law and reliable government institutions are among America's greatest competitive advantages. Businesses invest, hire, and expand when rules are predictable and institutions are stable.
As Wisconsin business leaders, we support: every eligible citizen's right to vote and have that vote counted; impartial, transparent election administration free from politically timed interference; resolution of any genuine disputes through established legal processes; and respect for lawful election outcomes, regardless of which candidates prevail.
We will act on those principles. We will stand with Wisconsin's election officials against threats and intimidation, correct demonstrably false claims about Wisconsin's elections regardless of who makes them, and speak publicly and together if lawful certification is obstructed or a lawful outcome is challenged outside established legal processes.
Our commitment is not to a party or candidate. It is to the rules and institutions that let Wisconsinites choose their leaders—and that give businesses the confidence to invest in Wisconsin's future.
Ian Abston
Michael Barber
Russell J, Barcelona, Ph.D.
Dr Julie K Baron
Jennifer Bartolotta
Jackie Berd-Barber
John Burke
Tania Burke
Dawn Caliendo
Craig Caliendo
Steve Chernof
Peggy E. Coakley
Sean Cummings
Tracy Ebert
Kathy Ehley
Kathleen Eilers
Jill Enos
John Florsheim
Tom Florsheim
Ellen Gilligan
Linda Gorens-Levey
David Irwin
Linda Katz
Matt Levatich
David Lubar
James Madlom
Theodore Molinari
Mark Mone
Carl Mueller
Cory Nettles
Greg Oberland
Dan Olszewski
Nikki Palmer-Quade
Frank Pasternak
Anoop Prakash
Chuck Pruitt
Austin Ramirez
Daniel Rashke
Joseph A Rock
Jeff Rusinow
Sachin Shivaram
Greg Smith
Julie Tolan
Bob Venable
Christian Walters
Kyle Weatherly
Sage Weil
Greg Wesley
Mark Wiesman
Jay Williams
DeVona Wright
Gail Yabuki
Jeff Yabuki
Letter to the Clerks and Election Officials
For Immediate Release
May 27, 2026
To Wisconsin’s Clerks and Election Officials:
As business leaders from across Wisconsin, we write to express our gratitude, support, and confidence in the municipal clerks, election workers, and election administrators who help ensure every eligible Wisconsin voter can safely and securely participate in our democracy.
For years, you have carried out one of the most important responsibilities in public service: administering free, fair, transparent, and nonpartisan elections grounded in law, not politics. You do this work because you believe in public service, the rule of law, and the integrity of our democratic process.
That work deserves respect.
Recent rhetoric and continued efforts to cast doubt on Wisconsin’s elections — despite repeated audits, recounts, court rulings, and bipartisan reviews confirming the integrity of the 2020 election — continue to fuel distrust, harassment, and intimidation directed at election officials simply doing their jobs.
We are particularly troubled by efforts to target local election officials through misinformation, political pressure, or unsupported accusations. We are also concerned by comments from elected officials, including Congressman Tom Tiffany, continuing to question the legitimacy of Wisconsin’s 2020 election despite years of reviews confirming it was free, fair, secure, and accurate. Public officials should strengthen confidence in democratic institutions, not undermine the dedicated professionals who administer elections with integrity and professionalism.
Wisconsin’s election system works because it is built on local control, transparency, bipartisan oversight, paper ballots, and post-election audits. The election procedures are reviewed, tested and continually strengthened. Clerks and election officials — Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike — have consistently demonstrated commitment to the law and to the voters they serve.
As business leaders, we understand that trust in institutions matters. Stable democracy, peaceful transitions of power, and confidence in elections are foundational to Wisconsin’s economy and future. Undermining that trust with conspiracy theories or unsupported claims harms not only our civic fabric, but also Wisconsin’s reputation and ability to attract talent, investment, and opportunity.
To Wisconsin’s clerks and election workers: thank you for the long hours, professionalism, and continued service to your communities despite growing public pressure and threats.
We stand with you in support of free, fair, secure, and nonpartisan elections in Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy
Stephen Chernof
Jill Enos
John Florsheim
Tom Florsheim Jr.
David Irwin
David Lubar
Cory Nettles
Anoop Prakash
Sachin Shivaram
Greg Wesley
Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy Statement on Federal Intimidation of Wisconsin Election Officials
For Immediate Release
May 15, 2026
Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy strongly condemns efforts by the Trump administration to intimidate Wisconsin election officials over the lawful administration of the 2020 election.
Wisconsin’s 2020 election was free, fair, secure, and extensively reviewed. The results were confirmed through recounts, audits, court rulings, and investigations. Republican and Democratic election officials alike fulfilled their legal and constitutional responsibilities, and the outcome has been settled for years.
The recent reports involving federal agents contacting Milwaukee-area election officials at their homes are deeply troubling and undermine confidence in the public servants who administer our democracy with professionalism and integrity.
Attempts to relitigate the 2020 election through intimidation tactics damage public trust, discourage civic participation, and create unnecessary fear for election workers who simply did their jobs.
Wisconsin’s business community depends on stable democratic institutions and respect for the rule of law. Those principles are not — and must never be — partisan.
Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy Join Legal Challenge to Congressional Maps, Citing Threat to Civic Engagement and Economic Stability
For Immediate Release
June 6, 2025
Contact: Stephanie Miller 920.470.4618
Today, Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy, a nonpartisan coalition of business leaders, joined a motion to intervene in Bothfeld v. Wisconsin Elections Commission which challenges the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s congressional districts on the grounds that it undermines electoral competitiveness and weakens democratic accountability. The legal action argues that Wisconsin’s current congressional map violates the state constitution by creating districts so uncompetitive that they deny voters meaningful representation and diminish participation in elections.
“Our economy depends on a healthy democracy,” said Tom Florsheim, CEO of Weyco group and a member of Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy. “When voters are denied real choices and elections are no longer competitive, we lose more than good governance — we lose the foundation for long-term economic growth, investment, and civic stability.”
Despite Wisconsin being one of the most politically balanced states in the nation, just one of its eight congressional districts is considered competitive. The remaining seven are drawn in a way that all but predetermines the outcome, insulating incumbents and reducing incentives to respond to a broad range of constituents.
“Business leaders know that competition drives innovation, responsiveness, and accountability — and the same holds true in a healthy democracy,” said Anoop Prakash, a manufacturing executive and member of Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy. “When elections are no longer competitive, we get leadership and a system that no longer responds to the people it's meant to serve.”
The group’s involvement builds on its broader mission to safeguard democratic institutions as the foundation of economic stability and civic trust. Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy has consistently spoken out in support of nonpartisan election administration, fair redistricting, and judicial integrity. From defending the Wisconsin Elections Commission to promoting civic engagement among employers and employees, the group has emphasized that a thriving business climate depends on a democracy that is transparent, accountable, and responsive. Joining this legal challenge is a natural extension of that commitment.
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Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy
WBLD is a non-partisan, dynamic coalition of business leaders in Wisconsin committed to ensuring equitable access to voting, transparent election policies, and unbiased representation. Rooted in bipartisan values, WBLD supports core principles such as defending the rule of law, enhancing political competitiveness, encouraging civic participation, and fostering long-term growth and prosperity. https://www.wibusinessfordemocracy.org/
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Stephanie Wilson Miller
920.470.4618 cell
stephaniewilso@gmail.com
How Can I Get Involved?
Show your support by adding your name to our letter to the Wisconsin Election Administrators. If you have any questions please email us at: info@wibusinessfordemocracy.org