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Secretary of State/Secretario del Estado

The Secretary of State manages many of the state’s official records. The secretary of state assumes the role of governor, if the governor leaves office during their term, and there is no lieutenant governor. Voters elect the secretary of state to serve a four-year term. There is no term limit.___El Secretario de Estado maneja muchos de los registros oficiales del estado. El secretario de estado asume el rol de gobernador si el gobernador deja el cargo durante su mandato y no hay un vicegobernador. Los votantes eligen al secretario de estado para servir por un término de cuatro años. No hay límite de términos.Nota: Las respuestas de los candidatos que aparecen en español se tradujeron de las respuestas originales de los candidatos en inglés.

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  • Candidate picture

    Brayden Myer
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Nate Pollnow
    (Rep)

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    Jay Schroeder
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Cindy Werner
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Please describe your priorities for your term in office and your specific qualifications to effectively address those issues.

The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) manages the state’s remaining trust lands and trust funds primarily for the benefit of public school libraries. As a member of the BCPL, how will you effectively manage the land and funds held in trust for Wisconsin’s citizens?

What changes, if any, do you support in the duties of the Secretary of State, particularly in regard to election responsibilities?

What is your vision, if any, for modernizing the department and increasing transparency of its duties?

What would you do as Secretary of State to improve the lives of Wisconsinites?

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Committee Cindy Werner for Secretary of State
Campaign Email cjwerner59@gmail.com
Campaign Phone 4148750536
Campaign Mailing Address 9600 Beloit Rd #4
Milwaukee, WI 53227
Education Attended Temple University
My priorities as Wisconsin Secretary of State would be centered on transparency, civic education, and public access to government information.

One of my top priorities would be expanding civic education. Throughout my years of community service and public engagement, I have seen how many citizens want to participate in government but often lack clear information about how government functions, how laws are made, and how they can become more engaged in their communities. An informed citizenry is essential to a healthy constitutional republic. I would work to promote civic educational initiatives that help Wisconsin residents better understand their government, our state's history, and the responsibilities that accompany citizenship.

Effective management requires a long-term perspective. I support prudent investment strategies, responsible risk management, and decision-making that preserve the trust's assets while generating sustainable returns. The Board's responsibility is not only to meet today's needs but to ensure future generations continue to benefit from these resources. I also recognize the importance of strong rural communities. While maintaining the Board's fiduciary responsibility, I would support investment and lending practices that help local governments finance critical infrastructure projects that improve educational access, economic opportunity, and community growth.

My qualifications are grounded in a lifetime of public service, i.e. Army veteran.
The Wisconsin Constitution and state law establish the duties of the Wisconsin Secretary of State. Any changes to those duties should be carefully considered based on whether they improve government efficiency, transparency, and service to the public.

Regarding election responsibilities, I believe election administration should remain guided by Wisconsin law, clearly defined statutory authority, and public confidence in the process's integrity. Any proposal to expand, reduce, or modify election-related duties should be evaluated based on its ability to improve clarity, consistency, and public understanding while avoiding unnecessary duplication of responsibilities among state agencies.
One priority would be continuing to improve digital access to public records, historical documents, and business filings. Technology should make government more user-friendly while ensuring the security and integrity of official records. Modern online tools can help reduce processing times, improve customer service, and provide greater convenience for Wisconsin residents. Also, I believe the office can play a valuable role in promoting civic education and awareness of Wisconsin's history and governmental institutions. By increasing public engagement and access to information, the office can help strengthen trust in government and encourage informed citizenship.
An informed citizenry is better equipped to participate in public life, access government services, understand their rights and responsibilities, and engage constructively in their communities.

I would support civic educational efforts that help residents better understand Wisconsin's history, constitutional government, public records, and the role of state institutions. Such initiatives can benefit students, educators, communities, and citizens of all ages by providing accurate, accessible information about how government works.