UPDATE 6.24.20—FITCHBURG ACTION! Input needed on polling place consolidation resolution
UPDATE 6.24.20: Resolution FAILED!
Great news! R-118-20 polling place consolidation resolution failed unanimously last night, with full support of the mayor and staff.
This means all 4 polling places will remain open for the August election.
There were 28 public comments in opposition of the resolution, and listening to the passionate defense of voting rights from so many residents was the BEST time I ever spent in council chambers. You were heard loud and clear. Many people bravely stepped up to be poll workers.
THE COMMUNITY MADE THIS HAPPEN. I look forward to seeing what else we will accomplish together going forward.
Resolution and Timeline
At the council meeting on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:30 pm, the Fitchburg Common Council will consider a resolution to consolidate all four polling places into just one for the August partisan primary election. We will have a discussion at the 6/23 meeting, and I will postpone the final vote until a special council meeting on Tuesday, June 30 so you have time to weigh in after hearing the discussion and finding out where your alders stand.
I have significant concerns about this resolution since it concerns citizens’ constitutional right to vote.
Please review the text of the resolution and provide feedback.
Options for submitting feedback
Attend the 6/23 council meeting at 7:30 pm and give a 3 minute testimony telling the council where you stand on the issue OR attend the 6/30 council meeting to provide testimony before the final vote.
If you can’t attend in person, submit written testimony to the mayor, which he will read at the 6/23 or 6/30 meeting. Email him at aaron.richardson@fitchburgwi.gov
Watch the council meetings live at the Fitchburg City website or watch the Youtube video posted the day following the meeting.
Send feedback to the entire council and mayor at Council&Mayor@fitchburgwi.gov
Contact your alders by phone or email. Find their contact information here. Don’t know which district you live in? Check here.
Apply to be a poll worker!
APPLY TO BE A POLL WORKER! Part of the concern is that Fitchburg won’t be able to staff polling places. Contact the Deputy Clerk and let her know you want to apply.
Additional actions
Read the Wisconsin State Journal Letter to the Editor by Alders Gerhardt and Maldonado.
Sign up for Alder Gerhardt’s e-newsletter to stay up to date.
Follow Alder Gerhardt and Alder Maldonado on Facebook to keep up the date.
Watch recent council discussions on elections
Watch election update INCLUDING ORIGINAL DISCUSSION OF POLLING PLACE CONSOLIDATION from Fitchburg Common Council Meeting on 5-26-2020
Watch election update from City Clerk from Fitchburg Common Council Meeting on 6-9-2020