January 12, 2023
MILWAUKEE, WI — In response to Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Commissioner Robert Spindell’s comments celebrating the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters during the 2022 midterm election, All Voting is Local Wisconsin State Director Samuel Liebert issued the following statement:
“The comments Commissioner Spindell made are not only egregious, they are the antithesis to what a true democracy is all about. Nobody should be celebrating the disenfranchisement of Wisconsin voters, least of all an election official serving on the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The targeting of Black and Brown voters and the rejoicing over tens of thousands of us casting fewer ballots than in previous elections is alarming and leaves little doubt that barriers to the ballot and the spreading of disinformation regarding voting and elections have specifically been implemented and utilized to prevent us from voting.
No matter our color, background, or zip code, most Wisconsinites believe that voters pick our leaders, our leaders do not pick their voters. Elections officials, such as those serving on the WEC, should deliver the promise of American democracy to all, regardless of party affiliation.”
Background:
In an email to local party officials in the Milwaukee area, Spindell celebrated voters casting fewer ballots, especially in Black and Brown communities, due to a “well thought out multi-faceted plan.” Spindell was further quoted as saying that the party could “be especially proud of the City of Milwaukee (80.2% Dem Vote) casting 37,000 less votes than cast in the 2018 election with the major reduction happening in the overwhelming Black and Hispanic areas.”