A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Madison, Wisconsin's election integrity as longtime City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl exits her position under scrutiny.
According to the Washington Examiner, Witzel-Behl submitted her resignation following her placement on paid administrative leave during an ongoing investigation into approximately 200 uncounted absentee ballots from the 2024 general election.
The veteran clerk's departure marks the end of a nearly two-decade tenure that began with her appointment in 2006. Throughout her career, Witzel-Behl administered 60 elections and established a reputation for public service in Wisconsin's capital city.
The investigation into the uncounted ballots was initiated by the Wisconsin Election Commission in early 2025, leading to her administrative leave in March.
The discovery of uncounted ballots has triggered a comprehensive review of the clerk's office operations. The Wisconsin Election Commission launched their investigation in January 2025, two months before Witzel-Behl was placed on leave. At the time of her resignation, investigators had not reached any conclusions regarding potential illegal or improper conduct in her execution of duties.
Madison City Attorney Michael Haas has assumed the role of acting city clerk following Witzel-Behl's departure. The temporary appointment will continue until city officials identify and install a permanent replacement. The transition occurs at a crucial time as the office works to restore public confidence in local election administration.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway expressed appreciation for the departing clerk's service to the community. The mayor's statement emphasized Witzel-Behl's commitment to public service and acknowledged her contributions to the city.
During her tenure, Witzel-Behl became known for her department's motto: "We exist to assist." Her leadership spanning nearly twenty years included oversight of numerous local, state, and federal elections in one of Wisconsin's largest cities. The clerk's office handled everything from voter registration to election day operations under her guidance.
The resignation comes without any public statement from Witzel-Behl herself, leaving questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the uncounted ballots. The silence has fueled speculation about potential systemic issues within the clerk's office that may have contributed to the oversight.
The investigation's findings could have significant implications for future election administration in Madison. While the exact nature of how the ballots went uncounted remains under investigation, the incident has already prompted discussions about improving election procedures and oversight.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway acknowledged Witzel-Behl's years of service, stating:
On behalf of the City of Madison residents, I want to extend my gratitude to Maribeth for her commitment and dedication to public service. Maribeth embodies the motto she brought to the Clerk's Office: 'We exist to assist.' I wish her the very best in future endeavors.
City officials are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding public trust while searching for new leadership. The transition comes at a critical time as the city prepares for future elections and works to prevent similar oversights.
Madison's longtime City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl resigned following an investigation into approximately 200 uncounted absentee ballots from the 2024 general election. The Wisconsin Election Commission launched their investigation in January 2025, leading to Witzel-Behl's placement on administrative leave in March and eventual resignation in April. As City Attorney Michael Haas continues serving as acting clerk, Madison officials must now search for a permanent replacement while addressing concerns about election integrity and working to prevent future ballot-counting discrepancies.
