Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution establishes potential in-person absentee voting locations for the 2021 Spring Primary and Election. The 2021 Adopted Budget includes $915,550 in funding for the Clerkâs Office for these elections.
Title
Establishing potential in-person absentee voting locations for the 2021 Spring Primary and Spring Election.
Body
WHEREAS, voting is both a right and the vital core of a healthy democracy; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated an increased interest in absentee voting, with 62.40% of ballots cast in the City of Madison General Election being absentee ballots; and
WHEREAS, voting by mail is not necessarily the best option for every voter; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to facilitating the right to vote while minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the Madison City Clerk's Office is that each eligible voter will be able to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted; and
WHEREAS, it is inequitable to limit in-person absentee voting to Madison residents who are able to obtain transportation and pay for parking downtown; and
WHEREAS, offering in-person absentee voting at multiple sites throughout the City may further racial equity for residents who have not historically been involved in the voting process;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Madison chooses to make in-person absentee voting more accessible and equitable by establishing multiple locations for in-person absentee voting, dependent on public safety considerations and the guidance of Public Health Madison & Dane County.
If facilities are open to the public and Public Health Madison & Dane County approves the safety precautions in place, the following in-person absentee voting locations may be used for the 2021 Spring Primary and Spring Election:
1. City Clerk's Office, 210 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
2. Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N High Point Road
3. Goodman South Madison Library, 2222 S Park Street
4. ...
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