Kou Lee to Stand Trial for Election Fraud in January
The former Green Bay school board member faces charges related to his residency status during his 2024 campaign.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should school board members face criminal charges for residency requirements if they move during their term?
A court has scheduled a two-day trial for Kou Lee beginning January 26, 2027, following election fraud and false swearing charges. Lee is accused of misrepresenting his residency status during his successful 2024 school board campaign.
Why it matters
The case centers on whether Lee met state requirements for candidacy after allegedly maintaining a residence in Hobart while claiming to live in Green Bay. The trial will determine if his actions violated election integrity laws.
Wisconsin law mandates that candidates reside in their district for at least 28 consecutive days before filing for candidacy. The trial will span two days to address the specific charges of nomination certification fraud and false swearing.
The players
Kou Lee
He is a former school board member who is currently facing criminal charges related to his residency and election certification.
The details
Prosecutors cite a property tax bill for a Hobart home and the enrollment of Lee's four children in the Pulaski school district as evidence that he did not reside in the Green Bay district. Lee, who won his board seat in spring 2024, resigned from his position in May 2025.
Timeline
Lee claimed he began living in Green Bay in 2022.
Kou Lee won his school board seat in the spring of 2024.
Lee resigned from the school board in May 2025.
A status conference is scheduled for December 18, 2026.
The trial is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2027.
Political Context
The prosecution of Lee highlights the ongoing legislative focus on maintaining strict residency thresholds for local candidates in Wisconsin. Opponents of such criminal charges often argue that residency disputes should be handled through civil challenges rather than through the criminal justice system.
This case serves as a reminder of the strict documentation requirements that local candidates must meet to verify their eligibility. Residents should be aware that failing to meet these criteria can lead to criminal charges and the loss of elected seats.
The takeaway
Maintaining accurate residency records is a critical obligation for any individual seeking public office. Voters can look to this case as an example of how state law holds officials accountable for the accuracy of their campaign filings.
What happens next
A status conference for the case is set for December 18, 2026, followed by the start of the two-day trial on January 26, 2027.
Further reading
For more on local governance, visit the Green Bay elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLUK.
Live Poll
Should school board members face criminal charges for residency requirements if they move during their term?
