MADISON — On Friday, Aug. 2, Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Administrator Meagan Wolfe was formally presented with an Unsung Heroes of Democracy Award by the American Bar Association (ABA) at a luncheon in Chicago. 

According to the ABA, the award “recognizes those individuals and organizations who work every day, often behind the scenes or without fanfare, to ensure that our elections are secure and that the democratic ideals set forth in the U.S. Constitution are upheld.”

The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

The award was open to everyday lawyers, state and local officials and other citizens who have stood up for democracy and free and fair elections in their communities. Nonprofit organizations that support election workers and lawyers under threat and exhibit a strong commitment to the Constitution, rule of law and democracy also were eligible.

Administrator Wolfe said she was grateful for the award. 

“I am honored to be recognized by the American Bar Association for my work to uphold free and fair elections,” Wolfe said. “By recognizing me, the ABA has recognized the dedication, hard work, and resilience of all election officials in Wisconsin and across the country.”

WEC Chairperson Ann Jacobs praised Wolfe’s contributions. 

“I am delighted that the ABA has recognized Meagan Wolfe’s outstanding contributions not only to Wisconsin elections, but to election administration nationwide,” Jacobs said. “Her devotion to fair and accurate elections is unmatched, as is her willingness to assist others in their election work.”

Wolfe has served as administrator of the WEC and the state’s nonpartisan chief election official since 2018. Advocating for election security and for the needs of Wisconsin’s clerks and voters are among her highest priorities.

Wolfe previously served as WEC’s Deputy Administrator and IT Director, managing the teams that develop and maintain the statewide voter registration system, election security, and all other IT applications of the Commission.

In her role, Wolfe helps to support more than 1,850 municipal and county election officials who make up the most decentralized election administration system in the country. 

ABA President Mary Smith presented the awards during the Democracy Summit luncheon at the ABA Annual Meeting Friday.

“Our democracy and our election process have been under attack in recent years,” Smith said in a July 9 statement. “With our Unsung Heroes of Democracy Award, the ABA wants to recognize those individuals and groups that have answered the call to stand up for our system of government. By simply doing their jobs, they help ensure our democratic system will endure. By honoring these people and organizations, we hope we can inspire more people to become involved and to protect democracy and the rule of law.”