Council President Pérez eyes April 2023 special election for vacant 9th District seat

Common Council President José G. Pérez said today he intends to call a special election for the vacant 9^th Aldermanic District seat to coincide with the 2023 Spring General Election on April 4, 2023.

President Pérez said his hands are tied by state law as to how early he can call for a special election, but noted holding it in April 2023 will “save taxpayer money and mimic past practice with other Common Council vacancies.”

The primary for the 2023 Spring General Election will be held on February 21, 2023. Candidates for the seat can begin circulating nomination papers on December 1 and must turn them in by January 3, 2023.

President Pérez outlined key advantages to holding the 9^th District special election next April:

• Saves taxpayer money by “folding” the special election in with the wider Spring General Election
• Avoids voter confusion as they will be notified of the special election happening on April 4, 2023
• Will draw better voter turnout than a standalone special election
• Is in keeping with past practice of special elections held when other Council seats have been vacant

“The vacancy in the 9^th District is unfortunate but was avoidable,” President Pérez said. “But no one is above the law. The City Clerk’s Office is well-equipped to respond to constituent concerns.”

The business of the 9^th District is now being handled with care by City Clerk’s Office staff, President Pérez noted, as is the business of the other two vacant aldermanic districts (2^nd and 3^rd Districts). Residents can contact the 9^th District by calling 414-286-2868 or via email at aide09@milwaukee.gov.

President Pérez said the Council is moving forward and handling all normal business as usual, despite what has transpired during the past 30 hours.

The primary phone number for the Common Council is 414-286-2221, and President Perez’s email address is jperez@milwaukee.gov.

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.