Ann Jacobs

The Special Teleconference Meeting commenced with a call to order. The Administrator confirmed that the meeting notice was appropriate according to Wisconsin's open meetings laws. An agenda item concerning litigation, Ayodabo, et al. v. City of Madison, was listed but not addressed during the open session. The Commission subsequently moved into a closed session to discuss a litigation update and consideration of potential litigation, after which the meeting adjourned.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission convened to discuss the nomination paper circulation period for the 2020 General Election, addressing concerns related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The commission reaffirmed its lack of statutory authority to modify current procedures for circulating nomination papers. It also reaffirmed the use of 'single signed and circulated' nomination papers to minimize in-person contact and encouraged candidates to use U.S. Mail for obtaining signatures on nomination papers.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission authorized an investigation to determine whether City of Madison Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl failed to comply with the law or abused her discretion regarding uncounted absentee ballots from the November 2024 General Election. The commission reviewed documents, written responses, and depositions of city and county election officials. The investigation found failures in training election inspectors, supervision of absentee ballot handling, and maintaining sufficient records. The commission concludes that the City Clerk's actions were contrary to law and an abuse of discretion.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Madison Clerk failed to comply with the law or abused her discretion regarding uncounted absentee ballots from the November 2024 election. The commission reviewed documents and conducted depositions of city and county staff. The investigation identified failures in training, supervision, and handling of absentee ballots, as well as issues with the early printing of poll books. The City Clerk failed to take action regarding the found ballots. The commission found that Madison failed to track absentee ballot envelopes and bags, and the two absentee ballot bags were likely never delivered to the poll sites.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission held a special teleconference meeting to discuss and take possible action on the authorization of an investigation regarding uncounted absentee ballots for the General Election. The commission also discussed and approved a discretionary rebuttal filing for ballot access challenges, and the overall challenge deadlines, for the Spring Election Candidates.