Statement from Mayor Cavalier Johnson

“The City of Milwaukee has removed the Deputy Director of our Election Commission following stunning information about allegations against her.

“I was told yesterday that she apparently sought fictious military ballots from a state election website and had those ballots directed to a state representative.

“I will not accept, I will not tolerate, and I certainly will not defend any misrepresentation by a city official involved in elections. It does not matter that this might have been an effort to expose a vulnerability that state law created. It does not matter that this alleged crime did not take place at work. It does not matter that City of Milwaukee ballots were not part of this. Nor does it matter that there was no attempt to vote illegally or tamper with election results.

“This has every appearance of being an egregious, blatant violation of trust, and this matter is now in the hands of law enforcement.

“Immediately upon learning of this situation, the employee in question had her access to the offices and access to computer systems deactivated, and her employment in the election commission office was terminated.

“She has been forthcoming about her actions, and we have no indication of any other violations of trust. Even so, we are looking into the possibility of other misdeeds.

“Let there be no doubt about this, election integrity is absolutely essential. Both our Election Commission Executive Director and I will make certain Milwaukee’s election administration is conducted with the very highest level of accuracy and honesty – without any hints of impropriety.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.