A lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee alleges that the city of Racine, Wisconsin, failed to meet state requirements for election inspector parity, claiming a disproportionate number of Democrats were hired for the role. The RNC’s attorneys argue that the city’s clerk, Tara McMenamin, bypassed GOP-approved inspectors in favor of unaffiliated poll workers, resulting in only nine of the 56 approved Republican inspectors being hired for the August 13 primary.
According to the RNC, despite having fewer approved Democrats, the city hired more Democrats than Republicans, prompting the lawsuit to ensure parity is met for the upcoming general election. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley stated, “Racine deliberately excluded Republicans and violated the law. We are suing to hire the number of Republicans required by Wisconsin law, stop Democrat interference, and protect election integrity for our country’s most important election.”
McMenamin has dismissed the lawsuit as “meritless,” asserting that the city is committed to hiring election officials who meet all statutory requirements, regardless of party affiliation. She emphasized that the city will maintain consistent standards and adhere to all state and federal laws, providing comprehensive training to ensure that all election officials are fully qualified and prepared to serve the city’s residents on Election Day.
