Madison: Announcement Regarding Clerk’s Office
Wisconsin Eagle/10298609

~ Madison Clerk Placed on Leave Amid Investigation into Uncounted Absentee Ballots

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced today that City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into uncounted absentee ballots during the November election and other aspects of her performance. The Mayor's Office will provide updates on the progress of the investigation as they become available.

City Attorney Michael Haas will serve as Acting City Clerk on an interim basis during Witzel-Behl's absence. Haas, who previously served as administrator and legal counsel to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, brings extensive experience in elections and administrative law to the role. He will continue to serve as City Attorney during this period.

To ensure that operations in the Clerk's office continue to run smoothly, the City will be allocating additional resources during this period. This includes making adjustments in assignments for both the Clerk's Office and City Attorney's Office as needed.

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Mayor Rhodes-Conway emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the operations of the Clerk's office. "Given the nature of the issues being investigated, we felt this was a necessary step," she stated. "The City of Madison places a high value on conducting elections to the highest standards and will spare no resource to ensure that each vote is counted for the upcoming election."

Acting City Clerk Haas expressed confidence in his ability to oversee office operations during this time. "I am completely confident in the ability of our highly trained and competent professional staff at the Clerk's Office," he said. "We are committed to ensuring a secure, transparent, and safe election for our community."

The investigation into uncounted absentee ballots and other aspects of Witzel-Behl's performance is ongoing, and further details cannot be provided at this time due to it being an internal personnel matter. However, with Haas at the helm and additional resources allocated, the City is determined to continue preparations for the upcoming April 1 election and maintain the highest standards in all aspects of the Clerk's office.

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