Madison City Clerk Resigns, Months After 193 Ballots Went Uncounted in November

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl has resigned from her post. 

Witzel-Behl was first appointed in 2006. She’s been at the center of the investigation over ballots that went uncounted in the 2024 presidential election. Poll workers found 193 ballots in separate incidents, but according to the mayor’s office, nobody told them until about a month later. 

The city opened its own investigation, as did the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The Commission has the power to determine that the clerk acted improperly, or even illegally. The next part of their investigation will likely include asking people to sit for depositions, including Witzel-Behl. 

Last month, she was placed on paid administrative leave.

City leaders announced Monday that Witzel-Behl was resigning. 

In a statement posted to the city website, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said Witzel-Behl has focused on accessibility and inclusivity in elections and city government. 

“On behalf of City of Madison residents, I want to extend my gratitude to Maribeth for her commitment and dedication to public service,” the statement read. 

Madison City Attorney Michael Haas has been acting as interim city clerk.