Trial Begins for Former Milwaukee Election Official Charged with Ordering Fake Military Ballots

Kimberly Zapata, accused of fraudulently requesting military absentee ballots, stands trial amid debates over election integrity.

Kimberly Zapata, former deputy director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, is on trial for allegedly ordering three military absentee ballots under fake names to highlight election system flaws.
Zapata's defense argues she acted as a whistleblower, not a criminal, aiming to expose vulnerabilities in the election process.
The case has garnered attention as it unfolds weeks before Wisconsin's presidential primary, emphasizing the state's role in national elections.
Prosecutors argue Zapata violated her duty to safeguard elections, while her actions have sparked discussions on election integrity.
Zapata was fired following the revelation of her actions, which have also implicated Republican lawmaker Janel Brandtjen in separate legal issues.