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Council approves permanent relocation of two polling districts to Moraine Technical College
Summary
The council approved Ordinance No. 15 to consolidate three districts into one Moraine Technical College polling location for Districts 5 and 6, citing loss of an existing polling facility, recruitment and equipment needs, and accommodations for voters.
The City of West Bend Common Council voted Oct. 6, 2025, to approve Ordinance No. 15, permanently relocating polling places for Districts 5 and 6 to a consolidated site at Moraine Technical College.
Clerk’s explanation and staff reasoning: The city clerk told the council that Washington County notified the city that one of the existing polling facilities would be unavailable because of remodeling and that the PAC center may not be available in the future. The clerk said the Moraine Technical College space can hold three districts, has suitable electrical capacity for election equipment and accessible entrances, and would simplify staffing and logistics. The clerk added, “it just made sense to us to try to consolidate election inspectors as it's getting more and more difficult to try to recruit election inspectors to work.”
Why it matters: Consolidating polling locations affects where residents go to vote in person; staff and council said the change would reduce the number of voting stations the city must staff and supply and could therefore reduce costs, but it may increase travel distance for some voters. The clerk noted that in the presidential election about 53–54% of voters used absentee voting (by mail or in‑person absentee), and that the county distributes election‑related advertising; the city will also publish notices and signage for the change.
Discussion and accommodations: Council members raised concerns about walking distance, parking and accessibility. Staff said the college has ADA entrances and that curbside voting is available: “If anyone wants to curb side vote, we have signage where they call, and then two of our election inspectors go out to the car.” The clerk and staff also evaluated alternative sites (including airport hangars) but identified operational obstacles such as snow removal and electrical capacity.
Vote: The motion to approve Ordinance No. 15 was moved by Alderman Sternig and seconded by Alderman Buscleyuk and carried. The council directed the clerk’s office to do public outreach and post signage; staff will also rely on county‑wide flyers and the city’s website to inform voters.
Next steps: The city will notify residents of the new polling location, publish absentee‑voting options and follow up with specific signage and outreach before upcoming elections.
