Frequently Asked Questions About
Annual Recertification Elections
Who is conducting these elections?
The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) has the legal responsibility to conduct the elections. To view a flowchart of the annual certification process, [click here].
Who is the WERC?
The WERC is the neutral State agency responsible for administering Wisconsin’s collective bargaining laws.
Does the WERC have experience conducting elections?
WERC has been conducting elections since the late 1930s.
Why is the WERC using Voatz as part of the election process?
Voatz is an organization with many years of experience conducting elections for municipalities with a mission to make voting not only more accessible and secure, but also more transparent, auditable and accountable. The WERC will be conducting hundreds of elections with thousands of voters all within the same time frame. Because WERC is a small agency with many other responsibilities aside from conducting elections, it needed the help of another neutral organization.
Why am I voting by telephone or online?
Telephone and online voting is easy, secure and cost effective.
How do I cast my ballot by telephone or online?
Call 1-888-572-2350 (toll free), or log on to https://werc.elections.vote, anytime during the election period.
You will need to provide the first four letters of your last name and the last four digits of your social security number to verify that you are an eligible voter. You will be asked if you want to continue to be represented by (the name of your current union) for the purpose of collective bargaining.
You will then be instructed on how to vote “yes” or “no” and asked to confirm your choice. After you confirm your choice, your vote will be electronically cast. You must confirm your choice for your vote to be cast.
To view a graphical outline and script of the telephone voting process [click here].
To view a graphical outline of the online voting process [click here].
Will anyone know how I voted?
No. Your vote will be electronically recorded and no one (including Voatz and WERC) will know how you voted.
If I don’t vote, is that the same as voting “no”?
Yes.
How long do I have to vote?
20 calendar days from the start of the voting period.
Can I change my vote after it is cast?
No.
What if my last name is less than 4 letters?
Enter your last name, as is, and the system will accept the entry.
What if my last name has a space or a hyphen?
Enter your last name without the space and hyphen and only enter the first 4 letters in your last name. Example: Fox Wheeler or Fox-Wheeler enter FOXW
What if I have trouble using the voting system?
Call the Help Desk at 1-888-884-9403 during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday during the election period.
When will the election results be known?
Within a day or two of the end of the 20 day balloting period.
Other Questions?
Contact us at WERCDLRecertifications@wisconsin.gov
.