MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Gov. Tony Evers has now pardoned more people than any other governor in Wisconsin history.
Evers announced 96 new pardons Friday. He has now issued 1,029 pardons, surpassing the previous record of 943 issued by Gov. Julius Heil between 1939 and 1943.
“Since re-establishing the pardon process during my first term in office, it’s been a privilege to hear about the lives, hard work, and contributions of so many to overcome their past mistakes, seek redemption and forgiveness, and give back to their communities,” Evers said in a news release. “Hearing about these individuals’ stories and their efforts to make amends has been extraordinary. I’m grateful for the work of the Pardon Advisory Board and my administration to give these 1,029 individuals a second chance, and I look forward to continuing this critical work in the years ahead.”
Evers, a Democrat, considers pardon requests from applicants who have completed their sentence at least five years earlier and have no pending criminal charges. Evers does not consider pardon requests from people currently required to register as sex offenders.
A pardon restores a convicted felon’s rights to serve on a jury, hold public office and hold certain professional licenses. A pardon does not expunge court records.
