Number
200749
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. JOHNSON
Title
Resolution directing department heads to recruit staff who are willing and able to be assigned to work for the Election Commission during the November 2020 election.
Analysis
This resolution directs the heads of every department to recruit staff who want to and are able to be assigned to work for the Election Commission during the November 2020 election.
Body
Whereas, Voting is a fundamental aspect of civic participation in government and the political process; and
Whereas, Access to voting locations, counting ballots, and other duties performed by the Election Commission are essential to the administration of free and open elections; and
Whereas, Polls require an adequate number of workers for proper administration of elections; and
Whereas, COVID-19 has negatively impacted the Election Commission’s ability to provide enough safe polling locations due to the increased risk presented to regularly participating election volunteers; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee is committed to ensuring full participation from all eligible voters during all elections; and
Whereas, The November 2020 election is indicated to have increased interest in participation; and
Whereas, Increased voter participation paired with increased challenges of a pandemic requires recruitment of numerous additional poll workers; and
Whereas, City employees are particularly well-suited to duties of working at polling sites, central count, or other duties as determined by the Election Commission; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the heads and managers of all departments are directed to recruit individuals from within their departments who want to and are able to be assigned to work for the Election Commission during the November 2020 election; and, be it
Further Resolved, That if there are not enough employees who agree to work at the polls, departments are directed to consider assigning supervisors and managers to staff election functions provided that those employees have no other conflict (including, but not limited to, child care responsibilities, home schooling responsibilities, are considered high risk, have documented need for an accommodation, etc.); and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Employee Relations is directed to work with departments on developing guidelines for reasonable exceptions.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 176322-1
Tea B. Norfolk
9/21/2020