Trump campaign pays $3 million overnight to Wisconsin Elections Commission

MADISON (WKOW) -- President Donald Trump's campaign paid $3 million to the Wisconsin Elections Commission overnight as the deadline to file a recount looms, according to the commission.

The state election commission said the Trump campaign sent a wire transfer, but noted they did not send a formal petition to request a recount.

Dean Knudson, the State Elections Commissioner, also confirmed the campaign transferred $3 million as the deadline to file a recount petition is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

"When the candidate behind pays for a partial recount, the leading candidate can request and pay for the remaining wards to be recounted," wrote Knudson.

WEC said they do not have any further information at this time.

If Trump wants a statewide recount,his campaign would have to pay $7.9 million up-front. He can also request recounts only in certain counties, which would reduce the cost. 

If a recount is approved by the state, then it must be done within 13 days.

On Tuesday, canvassed vote results were submitted from all 72 counties in Wisconsin. They show that President-elect Joe Biden beat President Trump by 20,608 votes.

While speaking to the bipartisan National Task Force on Election Crises, UW-Madison Political Science Professor Barry Burden predicted a recount would result in little change.

"The shift in the margin between Clinton and Trump four years ago was only 131 votes after that full statewide recount," Burden said. "I would expect this year for there to also be a very small shift in the vote as the result of a recount."

Burden is referring to the 2016 presidential recount in Wisconsin, which was requested by then Green Party Candidate Jill Stein.

More at WKOW 27 News


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content