Madison’s top elections official for nearly two decades is out the door about a month after she was placed on paid administrative leave amid a state investigation over uncounted ballots.
Maribeth Witzel-Behl resigned as city clerk, the city said Monday in a statement.
Witzel-Behl was appointed in 2006 and oversaw more than 60 elections up to the city’s primary elections in February. Prior to the city’s most recent elections this month, she was placed on leave by Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, who cited concerns about public confidence in elections and “other aspects” of Witzel-Behl’s performance.
A city investigation followed another announced by the Wisconsin Elections Commission over the November election, when nearly 200 absentee ballots were left uncounted by Madison election officials. Last month, the state commission voted to continue its investigation and gather more testimony from election administrators.
Also in March, a prominent law firm announced plans to bring a class action lawsuit against the city on behalf of voters for failing to count their ballots. The firm said it would seek $175,000 per voter, equating to millions of dollars if all voters join the case.
Aside from overseeing elections as city clerk, Witzel-Behl also ran city programs to track legislation and issue licenses and permits. In its announcement Monday, the city said Witzel-Behl had helped develop “a strong culture of customer service and civic pride in her office.”
Witzel-Behl has not responded to requests from the Cap Times in recent weeks for comment on the investigations by city and state officials. In a statement Monday, Rhodes-Conway thanked Witzel-Behl for her 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,” Rhodes-Conway said.
When Rhodes-Conway placed Witzel-Behl on leave last month, she appointed City Attorney Michael Haas to the role of acting city clerk. Following Monday’s announcement, Haas will continue in that role until a new clerk is appointed, the city said.
