Wisconsin Elections Commission strikes District 2 Court of Appeals candidate

By Margo Kirchner

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has denied ballot access to District 2 Court of Appeals candidate Christine Hansen because her declaration of candidacy form was notarized by her husband.
 
The WEC this afternoon voted 5-1, with Commissioner Mark Thomsen casting the sole “no” vote. The vote invalidated Hansen’s declaration, which is required for being placed on the ballot. The deadline for filing a new one expired on Jan. 6, 2026.
 
Hansen was one of just two candidates running for the open seat created by Judge Lisa Neubauer's retirement. The WEC’s decision leaves Anthony LoCoco unopposed.
 
A Wisconsin statute provides that notarization of a record is “voidable” if made by a spouse or a notary who has a “direct beneficial interest” in the record.
 
Hansen’s attorney, Chris Meuler, argued that the statute says “voidable,” not “automatically void,” and that the WEC could decide not to void the document. He argued that the WEC should look at the totality of the circumstances, including that all of the information required was on the form and that Hansen’s husband, better than anyone, knew the veracity of statements to which Hansen attested.
 
Meuler also argued that until found void, Hansen’s declaration was still in effect and she should be allowed to correct it.
 
The WEC’s vote essentially voided the notarization and did not allow for correction. The WEC excluded Christine Hansen from the ballot for failure to timely file a properly sworn declaration of candidacy as required by law.
 
In explaining his position, Thomsen said that more than 1,400 voters want Hansen to be on the ballot, the challenge to the document was “hypertechnical,” and Hansen’s husband’s notarization of the document did not provide any monetary benefit to either spouse because she still would have to win the election.

Commissioner Carrie Riepl noted that nonattorney notaries must take a test, which covers notary requirements. Attorneys can be notaries but do not have to take such a test, commissioners noted. They indicated that Hansen's husband is an attorney.
 
Hansen’s declaration was challenged by Kyle Schroeder, a voter residing in Waukesha County. 

The WEC approved for the ballot all other candidates who timely filed their declarations of candidacy and nomination signatures.