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Discussion and consideration of establishing polling place sites for the City of Wauwatosa
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Submitted by:
Zach Kessler, Interim City Clerk
Department:
City Clerk
A. Issue
The City Clerk’s Office is seeking Committee feedback on two proposed approaches for establishing polling sites for the 2026-2027 election cycle. The goal is to ensure accessible, efficient, and balanced polling sites following the City’s transition from 8 to 12 aldermanic districts and the loss of two existing polling sites.
B. Background/Options
Key Issues for Consideration
• Two existing polling sites (Trinity Episcopal Church and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church) have declined to continue hosting elections.
• The Muellner Building has reopened following renovations, though space and accessibility constraints limit its usefulness.
• Wauwatosa will transition from 8 to 12 aldermanic districts in 2026. Previously, our 8-9 polling sites were largely oriented around 8 aldermanic districts.
• Current polling places are generally willing to continue, though some experience crowding while others are underutilized.
• Public feedback in past elections has noted concern with sites outside city limits and use of church facilities.
• Election Day turnout varies across wards, with wards 19, 20, and 21 having high Election Day turnout levels, and wards 5, 6A, and 6B having low Election Day turnout levels.
Potential New Polling Sites
|
Potential New Sites |
Notes |
|
Hoyt Park Great Hall |
Spacious, large parking lot, separate entry/exit |
|
Muellner Building - Garden Room |
Large parking lot and newly renovated, but the Garden Room is too small and scheduling is a challenge due to Curling and Senior Club events/programming |
|
Wil-O-Way Underwood |
Potentially viable; needs assessment |
|
Currie Park Clubhouse |
Large parking lot, good size, but shared entry/exit |
Options for 2026-2027
Option A - Minimal Change
• Replaces polling sites only where necessary (six wards).
• Maintains general continuity for voters.
• Serves as a transition year to evaluate ward balance under the new districts.
Option B - Site Optimization
• Reassigns select wards to balance voter volume and improve facility use.
• Reduces crowding at Library and Currie Park while eliminating underuse elsewhere.
• Example Adjustments:
• Ward 15 moves to Mount Mary (reducing volume at the Library).
• Wards 17 and 18 move to Hoyt Park.
• Ward 22 moves to Mount Mary to reduce volume at Currie Park.
|
Option A - Minimal Change |
Option B - Site Optimization |
|
Pros |
Cons |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Minimal disruption to voters |
Continues uneven voter distribution and potential crowding at Library and Currie Park |
More balanced voter distribution |
Involves more voter changes |
|
Simplifies administration and communication |
Underutilizes some existing spaces |
Addresses long-term site efficiency |
Requires heavier communication and preparation effort |
|
Polling Site |
Total Voters - Option A (as of October 10, 2025) |
Total Voters - Option B (as of October 10, 2025) |
|
City Hall Lower Civic Center |
4,188 |
4,188 |
|
St. Matthew’s Church |
2,203 |
3,668 |
|
Hoyt Park Great Hall |
2,102 |
3,642 |
|
St. Camillus O’Donnell Room |
4,376 |
4,376 |
|
Honey Creek Church |
4,271 |
4,271 |
|
Library Firefly Room |
4,091 |
2,772 |
|
Mt. Mary University |
4,588 |
4,330 |
|
Mt. Zion Church |
3,850 |
3,850 |
|
Currie Park Clubhouse |
4,150 |
2,722 |
Timeline
• October 2025: Committee review and feedback.
• November-December 2025: Finalize site selections and prepare resolution for Council approval.
• January 18, 2026: Statutory deadline for polling place establishment before the February 2026 Spring Primary.
• Early 2026: Voter notification postcards mailed to affected households.
Next Steps
• Staff will refine polling site assignments based on Committee feedback and bring a final recommendation to the Committee for consideration and final Common Council approval in November.
• Once approved, the Clerk’s Office will begin preparations for 2026-2027 elections, including notification of affected voters.
• In 2026, the Clerk’s Office will place signs at previous polling locations on Election Days, redirecting voters to the new sites. The Clerk’s Office will also record feedback about any polling site changes.
Other Information:
• Included in the 2026 Common Council executive budget are funds for a Citywide mailing with information about the change from 8 to 12 aldermanic districts. This mailing is separate from any polling site relocation notices, but will complement the City’s broader voter communication strategy. More information can be found in the 2026 Common Council budget narrative.
C. Fiscal Impact
The number of affected households will vary based on the total number of wards reassigned to new polling places. The Clerk’s Office is currently obtaining quotes from several companies for the printing and mailing of the relocation postcards. Funds have been included in the 2026 budget.
D. Recommendation
The Clerk’s Office requests Committee discussion and direction on whether to pursue a Minimal Change approach or a Site Optimization approach in developing the 2026-2027 polling place plan.
E. Attachments
• 2026-2027 Polling Site Map - Option A
• 2026-2027 Polling Site Map - Option B