Lawsuit over La Crosse sheriff recount could still go to trial

The recount of last year’s election for sheriff in La Crosse County could be debated at a civil trial within a few months.

A court hearing is planned this July, on a lawsuit that challenges how the November recount was conducted after John Siegel was elected sheriff. 

Siegel defeated Fritz Leinfelder for the open position by 176 votes.

The suit was filed against the La Crosse County clerk’s office by voter Mary Jo Werner, who observed the recount for sheriff.

Werner was concerned about election rules that allow college students to vote on local races in the towns where they go to school part-time, possibly diminishing the votes of full-time residents. 

Judge Elliott Levine ruled last fall that candidates can challenge election results under Wisconsin law, but individual voters cannot.