Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Candidate Accused of Election Fraud

A candidate for the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, Andrew Matias of Oak Creek, faces accusations of falsely certifying signatures in his bid to appear on the April 2 ballot. The 37-year-old has been charged with election fraud, a felony, following an investigation initiated in January. Matias did not feature on the primary ballot.

According to a criminal complaint, Matias submitted nomination papers to contest on the spring election ballot for Milwaukee County Board Supervisor District 17. Investigative scrutiny focused on 27 distinct nomination papers, seven of which Matias personally certified as the circulator.

On at least two pages, the complaint alleges that Matias falsely affirmed he personally acquired each signature when, in reality, he did not. Prosecutors cited Facebook Messenger records indicating Matias was aware that circulators were obligated to certify the signatures they collected. Testimonies from individuals associated with the circulation of Matias’ nomination papers further corroborated the allegations.

The complaint asserts, These false statements pertained to his candidacy and were intended to gain his admission to the ballot, which thus intended to affect voting at an election.

Signature Requirements and Legal Proceedings

Milwaukee County supervisor candidates are mandated to furnish a minimum of 200 signatures but no more than 400, as per court filings. These signatures must be procured between December 1 and the first Tuesday of January preceding the election.

Matias is slated to appear in court for an initial hearing on June 10. Meanwhile, Steve Taylor presently represents Milwaukee County’s 17th District. Court records indicate that Taylor ran uncontested in April and secured reelection with an overwhelming 96.92% of the vote.

Conclusion: Upholding Integrity in Elections

The allegations against Andrew Matias underscore the critical importance of upholding integrity in the electoral process. As legal proceedings unfold, it serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to safeguard the democratic principles underpinning our electoral system.

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