Madison, Wisconsin, City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl resigned after being placed on paid administrative leave amid an investigation into uncounted absentee ballots from the 2024 general election.
Witzel-Behl led the department for nearly two decades after she was appointed to the role in 2006. She administered 60 elections as city clerk, according to the city.
Witzel-Behl did not provide a statement as a part of her resignation.
Witzel-Behl was placed on administrative leave in March after the Wisconsin Election Commission launched an investigation two months prior into uncounted ballots and other aspects of her performance.
Wisconsin election officials said nearly 200 absentee ballots went uncounted in last year’s election. At the time of her resignation, the commission had not determined whether Witzel-Behl acted illegally or improperly in her duties.
In a statement, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway thanked Witzel-Behl for her service and dedication.
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“On behalf of the City of Madison residents, I want to extend my gratitude to Maribeth for her commitment and dedication to public service,” Rhodes-Conway said. “Maribeth embodies the motto she brought to the Clerk’s Office: ‘We exist to assist.’ I wish her the very best in future endeavors.”
Madison City Attorney Michael Haas has been serving as acting city clerk since Witzel-Behl was placed on administrative leave and will continue to do so until a replacement is found.
