City of Madison - File #: 72619

• File #: 72619
• Version: 1
• Name: Election Official Safety Resolution
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 7/12/2022
• In control: Attorney's Office
• On agenda: 8/2/2022
• Final action: 8/2/2022
• Enactment date: 8/8/2022
• Enactment #: RES-22-00525
• Title: Supporting Election Officials’ Safety and Nonpartisan Election Administration.
• Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, Patrick W. Heck, Keith Furman, Jael Currie, Michael E. Verveer, Yannette Figueroa Cole, Regina M. Vidaver, Sheri Carter, Nasra Wehelie

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
8/2/2022	1	COMMON COUNCIL	Adopt	Pass
7/19/2022	1	COMMON COUNCIL	Refer to a future Meeting to Adopt	Pass
7/12/2022	1	Attorney's Office	Referred for Introduction

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.
Title
Supporting Election Officials’ Safety and Nonpartisan Election Administration.
Body
Title
Supporting Election Officials’ Safety and Nonpartisan Election Administration.

Body
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 non­partisan 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,
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