Mixed verdict in Milwaukee election fraud trial

A Racine County jury delivered a split verdict on March 24 in the election fraud trial of Harry Wait, a 71-year-old Union Grove man, convicting him of two misdemeanor election fraud counts and one felony identity theft charge.[1][2][7] Wait was acquitted on a second felony identity theft count related to Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, but found guilty on charges tied to requesting absentee ballots for Vos and Democratic Racine Mayor Cory Mason without their consent.[4][7] The case stemmed from Wait's 2022 actions using the state's MyVote.wi.gov portal to order the ballots sent to his home.[2][8]

Wait, president emeritus of the group HOT Government, admitted he requested the ballots to expose vulnerabilities in Wisconsin's voter registration system, echoing unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election—lost by Donald Trump by about 21,000 votes—was fraudulent.[2][5] Prosecutors argued his methods broke the law, despite his intentions, in a two-day trial that drew supporters wearing "Free Harry" gear.[6] This follows a 2024 conviction of former Milwaukee election official Kimberly Zapata for similar absentee ballot misconduct aimed at highlighting system flaws.[2]

The verdict heightens scrutiny on election integrity in southeast Wisconsin, where Racine and Milwaukee have been flashpoints for fraud allegations amid national debates.[7] For Milwaukee-area residents, it reinforces safeguards like ballot tracking, which officials say catch rare abuses, but also fuels distrust among those questioning absentee voting security.[6]

Sentencing is pending, with Wait facing up to six years on the felony and a year per misdemeanor; his attorney plans an appeal.[2][9]