Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution supports election officials’ safety and nonpartisan election administration by directing staff to implement any additional necessary security measures for the City Clerk’s Office and staff to ensure the safe conduct of elections and other City business. A companion ordinance (Legistar file 72618), Amending Section 24.02 and 1.08(3)(a) to prohibit disorderly conduct directed at an election official, is also being considered.
There are no plans at this time to implement additional security measures in 2022. If additional security measures are implemented, an appropriation may be needed at that time.
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Supporting Election Officials’ Safety and Nonpartisan Election Administration.
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Supporting Election Officials’ Safety and Nonpartisan Election Administration.
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WHEREAS, the survival of our democracy depends on free and fair elections, where all eligible voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has been well-served by the current system of non-partisan elections governed by the highly ethical and professional staff a the Wisconsin Election Commission, managed in the same fashion by City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl and her staff, and conducted by thousands of dedicated election inspectors; and,
WHEREAS, these same election officials played a critical role in making the 2020 elections safe, secure, and accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, the 2020 General Election in Madison and Wisconsin has been conclusively proven to be accurate and legally conducted based on the official canvass, recounts, court decisions and various investigations; and
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of allegations that the 2020 Presidential Election was “rigged,” many election officials at both the state and local levels have faced harassment, violent threats and intimidation tactics, resulting in many feeling unsafe at work and even leaving the profession entirely; and,
WHEREAS, looking ahead to the upcoming 2022 midterm election and beyond, the City of Madison reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of its election officials, including but not limited to the City Clerk, staff of the Clerk’s office, and election inspectors who work at the polls, and that they are best equipped to preside over free and fair elections without the fear of harassment and threats of violence; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Common Council strongly opposes any future attempts to intimidate election officials and is enacting an ordinance prohibiting disorderly conduct directed at individuals due to their position as an election officials; and,
WHEREAS, as long as non-partisan election officials continue to administer our elections with accessibility, fairness, equality, safety, and security in mind, the Mayor, Common Council and Madison voters are fully committed to standing behind them in the face of unprovoked attacks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Madison express full confidence in the City of Madison’s election officials and Wisconsin’s system of non-partisan election administration led by the Wisconsin Election Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council directs staff to implement any additional necessary security measures for the City Clerk’s Office and staff to ensure the safe conduct of elections and other City business; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Common Council calls on all elected officials, candidates and political parties, as well as other organizations and individuals to cease all attempts to undermine confidence in election officials and election results and attempts to harass, intimidate or threaten election officials, including but not limited to the City Clerk, staff of the Clerk’s Office, and elections inspectors who work at the polls.