‘We will reject that’, Election Commissioner talks signature verification amid massive petition fraud

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen says your John Hancock is your property and it’s protected by law.

He says when signatures are submitted to his office for any reason, a team of no more than 25 people, manually verifies its authenticity.

“Our first step is to identify if that individual who signed that petition actually is a registered voter,” said Wiltgen.

Giving Channel 8 an example of a search, he enters his own first and last name, then his county of residence before the website confirms several of his voter registration details.

Once registration is confirmed, he says staff will compare the signature each person listed on the petition to the signatures in their system.

“We have multiple signatures for voters,” said Wiltgen. “Signatures that voters used when they registered to vote online or in person, but also we also scan early vote requests.”

He says the signatures are confidential and only they have access to it.

“There’s signature characteristics that we look for and if we’re not able to identify the voter, or the signatures don’t match, then we will reject that line,” said Wiltgen.

If fraud is suspected, it is immediately reported to law enforcement.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office saying this about the thousands of fraudulent petition signatures submitted to the county last month by the group, Good Government Lincoln Project.

“Investigators believe circulators have been involved in collecting fraudulent signatures, having those signatures notarized and submitting the petitions for ballot measures.“

Wiltgen showed Channel 8 one petition with dozens of signatures and at the very bottom of the page, the circulator’s signature and a notary’s seal- representing accuracy.

Governor Jim Pillen also released a statement on the matter about the repercussions to come for all involved in this level of fraud.

“Expect those responsible at every level to be held accountable to the fullest extent under the law,” he said.

The Good Government Lincoln Project released the following statement, that reads in part:

“We take citizen-led petition process very seriously. We look forward to getting answers about exactly what transpired and, in the meantime, remain committed to giving voters a voice on these issues for the November ballot.”

Wiltgen concluding his interview with Channel 8 with the following message to voters.

“We’re not releasing signatures, and so they shouldn’t be afraid to sign petitions, because I think it’s important. Petitions is another way for the public’s voice to be heard in government,” he said.

Wiltgren adds that when it comes to the signatures used for the ballot, it’s possible that their office may be able to contact voters about any discrepancies they find, however, when it comes to the petition you sign, they are not able to do so.