Spring Primary Information and Spring Harbor Polling Location Update

I wanted to let everyone know that In-Person Absentee Voting for the 2/19 Spring Primary will begin today at locations around the city. You can see the locations on the Clerk's site and see what's on your ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov/.

I received several letters of concern from residents after November's elections about the polling location at Spring Harbor Middle School (SHMS). Previously the school hosted the polling location in an art room at the front of the building. Due to some changes at the school, the polling location is now in the library, which is at the back of the school. Voters with mobility challenges were understandably upset with the move.

I had an opportunity to speak with Principal Waite at SHMS and the Clerk’s office to see what different options were available going forward.

Principal Waite and I discussed the possibility of a different location at the school, but unfortunately the former art room is now a music room and it’s not feasible to clear it out for elections. I was hoping the gym would be a good alternative, but the school is in-session on election days and uses the room for both lunch and physical education. Unfortunately, the library is the only option available at SHMS. The location is available via a ramp and does have elevator access but is a longer journey from the front door or the parking lot than the art room.

I spoke to the Clerk’s office about finding a different building location and so far I haven’t had any luck. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send me a note. It must meet a detailed list of requirements. You can review a draft of a guide the process for establishing a new polling location (PDF). 

For upcoming elections, the Clerk’s office has committed to the following:

• Better Signage at the building entrances that will detail different voting options
• Promotion and assistance of curb-side voting on election day. Someone will be stationed at the building’s main (and handicap accessible) entrance that can and will help.

The Clerk’s office also suggested people consider either early In-Person Absentee voting or other absentee voting options which are detailed on the Clerk’s site.

If you have issues on election day, please contact voting@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-4601.

As always, if there is anything I can do to help, feel free to reach out: district19@cityofmadison.com

-Keith F