Senate Democrats Call for Removal of Spindell from WEC

MADISON — Senate Democrats are united in calling for the resignation of Wisconsin Elections Commissioner Bob Spindell, who recently wrote a letter to GOP activists touting lower voting rates among Black and Hispanic people as a political victory.

Wisconsin has a history of widespread political participation: voter turnout is and should be a point of pride. In Wisconsin, election officials should be working to ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot – not bragging about suppressing voter turnout in historically disenfranchised communities.

Earlier this week, we celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remembered his tireless advocacy for human rights and racial equity, including and especially access to the ballot box. We aim to continue the vital work Dr. King pursued and embodied, by tirelessly working to build social, racial, and economic justice. 

It is the job of the Wisconsin Elections Commission to ensure that our elections are fairly administered, and that everyone has an equal opportunity to cast their ballot. Celebrating voter suppression — especially among historically disenfranchised groups — is antithetical to that mission. 

Spindell’s remarks disqualify him from overseeing Wisconsin’s elections. We call on him to resign from the Wisconsin Elections Commission, and if he refuses, for Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu to remove him.

Sen. Kelda Roys, 26th Senate Dist.

Sen. Melissa Agard, 16th Senate Dist.

Sen. Tim Carpenter, 3rd Senate Dist.

Sen. Dianne Hesselbein, 27th Senate Dist.

Sen. LaTonya Johnson, 6th Senate Dist.

Sen. Chris Larson, 7th Senate Dist.

Sen. Brad Pfaff, 32nd Senate Dist.

Sen. Jeff Smith, 31st Senate Dist.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer, 15th Senate Dist.

Sen. Lena Taylor, 4th Senate Dist.

Sen. Bob Wirch, 22nd Senate Dist.