LA CROSSE (WKBT) — After filing an objection Monday morning, Fritz Leinfelder says he will not follow through with a lawsuit as originally intended and has conceded the race to John Siegel.
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A candidate for La Crosse County Sheriff has filed an objection to the results of last week’s recount.
Republican Fritz Leinfelder — who lost to Democrat John Siegel by just 175 votes — filed the objection Monday morning, saying in part that more than 1000 voters’ addresses did not meet legal requirements for La Crosse County residency. Leinfelder’s objection argues that the nature of students’ residency on college campuses are “transitory”, and they do not meet the requirements to vote in the November 8 election.
RELATED: La Crosse County Sheriff’s recount: John Siegel remains winner
La Crosse County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer released the following statement in regard to Leinfelder’s objection:
“The time to object to a voter’s eligibility based on their residency is on Election Day at the polling place, not at a recount.
State law acknowledges that college students may move frequently, and provides special exceptions for them. In general:
Students have the right to vote in Wisconsin if they have resided in a ward for at least 28 days, are a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years on or before Election Day, and are not otherwise disqualified.
Student status shall not be a consideration in determining residence for the purpose of establishing voter eligibility.
It is not necessary that there be intention to remain permanently at the voting residency. It is sufficient that the place is for the time being home of the voter to the exclusion of other places.
With that, the Board of Canvassers have reviewed your objection to the recount (attached) held on November 18, 2022 of the La Crosse County Sheriff’s contest for an election on November 8, 2022, and have denied it.”
Dankmeyer cannot certify the results of the election with an outstanding objection. Leinfelder has until Monday, November 28 to file his objection with La Crosse County Circuit Court.
John Siegel declined to comment.
This is a developing story. News 8 Now will provide more updates as more detail becomes available.
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