An Historic Response to an Historic Election

The City of Milwaukee put forth an historic infrastructure this election to ensure that all residents could vote safely and securely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Election Commission’s staff, led by Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg, put together a Central Count operation that worked efficiently – over multiple shifts – to count ballots completely and accurately. I worked a shift at Central Count and was proud to see firsthand how the operation worked smoothly to ensure all votes were counted in a timely fashion.

I applaud Ms. Woodall-Vogg, Election Commission staff, and all of the poll workers and volunteers who worked into the night to sustain our democratic process of free and fair elections. As a city we are very proud and grateful for your service.

Unlike many other states, Wisconsin municipalities are barred from tabulating votes prior to Election Day. I continue to push state legislators to change this law so that we can improve our ability to provide timely election results. This will become increasingly unsustainable as more residents cast absentee ballots, and it limits our ability to get results out by Election Day.

I thank the thousands of Milwaukee residents who made their voices heard this election, including the 169,519 voters who exercised their right to vote via absentee ballot, early in person, or by utilizing the United States Postal Service or drop off box. We know that this historic election is not yet over, and I wait with you patiently for each and every vote cast by Election Day to be counted.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.