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Trump issues order reshaping elections. Here’s what Wisconsin officials say it means for the state

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Trump issues order reshaping elections. Here’s what Wisconsin officials say it means for the state


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  • President Donald Trump signed an order aimed at reshaping how states carry out elections, but Wisconsin officials don’t believe the measures will impact the state’s pivotal April 1 vote.
  • The Trump order mandates “documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship” on voter registration forms.
  • Wisconsin is barred by a state court order from using the registration form described in Trump’s order.

MADISON – President Donald Trump signed an order Tuesday aimed at reshaping how states carry out elections, but Wisconsin officials don’t believe the measures are likely to impact the state’s pivotal April 1 spring contest.

In an executive order, Trump requires the federal Election Assistance Commission to mandate “documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship” on voter registration forms and bans clerks from counting absentee ballots received after Election Day, among other measures.

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If state officials do not use the voter registration form called for under the order, they could lose federal funding. However, Wisconsin is banned by a Waukesha County judge from using the form at issue because it does not comport with state law.

Leaders of the state elections agency said the state is unlikely to face repercussions because the state is exempt from using the form.

“Anything that would possibly have an effect on Wisconsin elections doesn’t apply to our April election, and people should rest secure that they’re going to be able to vote in April,” said Wisconsin Elections Commission chairwoman Ann Jacobs, a Democrat.

“The Commission is obligated to follow what the Wisconsin courts have ordered us, and sometimes the federal courts, and so we’ll do what they what they direct,” said Don Millis, the Republican vice-chairman of the commission. “The courts have said that’s not a form that we’re allowed to use.”

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A spokesman for the Wisconsin Elections Commission agency declined to comment on the order’s impact to state election practices.

Some national election experts predicted the order would be challenged in court immediately over Trump’s move to override Congress on what the federal voter registration form includes. Under the order, U.S. passports and REAL IDs would be accepted as proof of citizenship but not birth certificates.

“This executive order would block tens of millions of American citizens from voting,” The Brennan Center for Justice posted on X, referring to the requirement to provide documentation to prove citizenship. “Presidents have no authority to do this.”

In a statement, Trump said the order is going to “fix our elections so that our elections are going to be honorable and honest and people leave and they know their vote is counted.”

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Trump also said, “Ideally, we go to paper ballots, same-day voting,” but did not set new requirements for either policy change he has championed since the 2020 election when he falsely claimed to have defeated former President Joe Biden.

Jacobs said she suspects the timing of the order is related to the April 1 spring election in Wisconsin when partisan control of the state Supreme Court is up for grabs.

The court in 2020 ruled against Trump in a lawsuit he brought seeking to throw out thousands of ballots in an effort to overturn his election loss here.

Trump has endorsed conservative candidate Brad Schimel in the race, and days later former President Barack Obama backed liberal candidate Susan Crawford in the highly nationalized race.

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“It feels like this is sort of being rushed out in advance of our April election. And I’m assuming that there’s a political reason for that,” Jacobs said. But Millis dismissed the idea, saying, “It would seem highly unlikely that the timing of this has any relationship to Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election next week.”

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.



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Wisconsin

Wisconsin Weekend: Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Film Festival, Wee Whiskey Fest and more

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Wisconsin Weekend: Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Film Festival, Wee Whiskey Fest and more


There are several events happening across the area this weekend, including festivals, sports, and art exhibits.

Art in Bloom transforms the Milwaukee Art Museum with floral installations inspired by artwork in the museum. The annual event runs through Sunday, and timed tickets are needed.

It is the opening weekend of the 18th annual Milwaukee Film Festival. Screenings are taking place at the Downer and Oriental theaters. Several local films are being screened along with national and international films.

WATCH: Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Film Festival and more. What are you doing this weekend?

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Wisconsin Weekend in a Minute

Wee Whiskey Fest returns to Lake Geneva with a full weekend of tastings, entertainment, and events. Saturday’s Grand Tasting features more than 150 premium bourbons and whiskies, with more festivities happening all weekend long.

At the Milwaukee Admirals game tonight, it is Fair Deal Friday. Fans who grab an Admirals ticket will get a free Fair ticket. It is also Fan Appreciation Night with plenty of giveaways, and the first 2,500 fans will get a one-of-a-kind Admirals and Brewers t-shirt.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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Flooding closes state highways around Northeast Wisconsin

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Flooding closes state highways around Northeast Wisconsin


(WLUK) — Many roads remain closed as Northeast Wisconsin continues to deal with the effects of heavy rain and flooding.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation released this list of road closures Thursday for state highways in the area:

Highway 147 is closed at Church Street in Mishicot due to flooding.

  • A detour route is posted using County V, WIS 42 and County VV.

Highway 54 is closed in both directions from near N. Maple Street/Highway 47 in Black Creek to Hooyman Road/County M west of Shiocton due to flooding on roadway.

  • Alternate route for southbound: Take Highway 47 to County S to County M.
  • Reverse for northbound.

Highway 76 is closed in both directions from East Avenue in Shiocton to Oak Crest Drive in Stephensville due to flooding on roadway.

  • No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.

Highway 76 is closed in both directions from County D in Bear Creek to Highway 54 in Shiocton because of flooding on roadway.

  • No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.

Highway 54 is closed in both directions from Gorges Road in Northport to Jeanne Street in New London due to flooding on roadway. NOTE: Highway 45 north and south of New London is closed for an ongoing construction project.

  • Alternate Route for eastbound traffic: Traffic will exit Highway 54 at Highway 110/22, north on Highway 110/22 to County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B to Highway 22, east on Highway 22 to US 45, north on US 45 to Highway 22, North on Highway 22 to Highway 156, East on Highway 156 to Highway 47, south on Highway 47 back to Highway 54.
  • Reverse for westbound.

Highway 187 from Highway 156 in Shawano County to Highway 54 in Outagamie County is closed in both directions due to flooding.

  • Alternate route for southbound: Highway 156 to Highway 47 to Highway 54.
  • Reverse for northbound.

Highway 110 is closed in both directions south of Manawa from County B in Manawa to County BB due to flooding on roadway.

  • Alternate route for northbound: Northbound traffic will exit WIS 110 at County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B back to Highway 110.
  • Reverse for southbound.

If you can safely take a photo or video of conditions where you are, share it with us here:

The DOT also gave these tips for safe driving during flood conditions:

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  • Please make sure you have the flooding tab clicked on the 511 map to view all locations of flooding.
  • Never attempt to cross a water-covered road. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
  • Do not ignore barricades or road closure signs.

Flash flooding can occur suddenly anywhere in the area.

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  • Always check current road conditions before traveling:
  • Visit the 511 Wisconsin website for the latest weather and road alerts.
  • Motorists should plan extra time for travel, use designated alternate routes, and exercise extreme caution in low-lying areas. Conditions may change rapidly.
  • For the latest updates, monitor the 511 Wisconsin website. Stay safe and drive smart when in doubt, turn around and find another way.
  • For real-time information, please check the 511 Wisconsin website or call 511.



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Next Weathermaker to bring more thunderstorms to already flooded Northeast Wisconsin

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Next Weathermaker to bring more thunderstorms to already flooded Northeast Wisconsin


(WLUK) — More rain is on the way for Northeast Wisconsin.

Flood warnings are currently in effect for many area rivers and streams as recent rainfall has pushed some to reach flood level.

This morning, there’s a dense fog advisory in place.

Visibility could drop to a quarter mile in some places.

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Today there’s a chance for showers and a few thunderstorms.

It will then become mostly sunny with a high near 66.

Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with a high of 70 before our Next Weathermaker brings showers and thunderstorms late in the day and into the evening.

Some of those storms could become severe with damaging wind, large hail and a few tornadoes.

Our area is in a level 2 and 3 out of 5 for severe weather risk.

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If you see severe weather in your area and can safely take a photo or video, Chime In here:

After the rain tomorrow night, we should have a string of dry days, which will help with dropping high river levels.

Saturday we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds.

It will be windy with a high near 48.

Winds could gust to 35 mph out of the northwest.

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Click here for Director of Meteorology Pete Petoniak’s full forecast.



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