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Consideration of designation of the City Hall Lower Civic Center as an alternate location for requesting and voting an absentee ballot for the April, August, and November 2026 elections
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Submitted by:
Deyanira Nevarez, City Clerk
Department:
Municipal Services - City Clerk’s Office
A. Issue
The City Clerk’s Office requests Common Council approval to designate the Lower Civic Center as an alternate in-person absentee voting location for the April, August, and November 2026 elections.
B. Background/Options
In-person absentee voting has become a primary voting method for a substantial portion of Wauwatosa voters. During the 2024 election cycle, approximately 28 percent of all ballots were cast through in-person absentee voting.
This volume exceeds the functional capacity of the City Clerk’s Office footprint and requires a facility that can safely and efficiently accommodate high voter throughput, effective line management, and accessibility needs.
The Lower Civic Center was utilized for in-person absentee voting during the August and November 2024 elections. Staff received positive feedback from both voters and election workers regarding improved voter flow, increased accessibility, and improved working conditions for election staff. Based on these outcomes, the Lower Civic Center has emerged as the City’s preferred location for administering in-person absentee voting.
Wisconsin Statute §6.855 requires the governing body to designate any site “other than the office of the municipal clerk” as an alternate location for absentee voting.
The City Attorney has determined that the Lower Civic Center qualifies as an alternate location under statute and therefore requires Common Council approval.
C. Fiscal Impact
None.
D. Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Common Council designate the City Hall Lower Civic Center as an alternate absentee voting location for the April, August, and November 2026 elections.