Wisconsin Officials Recommend Charges in Failed Vos Recall Effort

The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission found probable cause that 13 people violated election laws during the recall campaign.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Wisconsin's top election officials are recommending criminal charges against more than a dozen people who helped carry out a failed recall campaign against Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. The Wisconsin Elections Commission found probable cause that 2 recall volunteers listed false addresses on paperwork and 11 submitted fraudulent voter signatures in 2024 in an effort to force a recall election against Vos over his criticism of former President Trump and unwillingness to overturn the 2020 Wisconsin presidential election.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about election integrity and the lengths some groups will go to try to influence election outcomes, even through unethical or illegal means. The recommended charges underscore the importance of robust election oversight and the need to hold those who violate election laws accountable.

The details

The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission notified 13 people that they found probable cause the individuals violated election fraud laws while attempting to gather enough signatures to force a recall election against Vos. The commission said 2 recall volunteers likely listed false addresses on required paperwork, and 11 others submitted fraudulent voter signatures. Vos had filed a complaint against the recall campaign organizers, providing affidavits from individuals claiming their signatures were forged on the recall petitions.

  • On May 27, 2026, the Wisconsin Elections Commission notified the 13 individuals of the recommended charges.
  • In 2024, the recall campaign organizers attempted to trigger a recall election against Vos, but were ultimately unsuccessful.

The players

Robin Vos

The Republican Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly who was the target of the failed recall effort.

Wisconsin Elections Commission

The bipartisan state agency that oversees and regulates elections in Wisconsin, and recommended criminal charges against 13 individuals involved in the Vos recall campaign.

Racine County District Attorney

The local prosecutor's office that will receive the recommended charges from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who violate election laws accountable to protect the integrity of our democratic process.”

— Wisconsin Elections Commission Member (Wisconsin Elections Commission)

What’s next

The Racine County District Attorney will review the recommended charges from the Wisconsin Elections Commission and determine whether to pursue criminal prosecution of the 13 individuals involved in the failed Vos recall effort.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring election integrity, as groups continue to seek ways to influence election outcomes through potentially unethical or illegal means. It highlights the importance of robust election oversight and the need to hold those who violate election laws accountable, in order to protect the democratic process.