This week President Trump pardoned a group of Wisconsin Republicans who worked to overturn the results of the 2020 election by casting fake Electoral College votes. The pardons were symbolic, but the issue of the public’s faith in election results remains. Today host Ali Muldrow is joined by Madison’s new City Clerk, Lydia McComas, to talk about her role in making sure our local elections are accurate and secure.
McComas says that she’s excited to be in Madison because we have high voter registration and voter turnout here. She steps into this role after a 2024 controversy in which her predecessor mishandled ballots. That incident put a dent in voters’ confidence, but McComas says her office has put in place some new processes that will come into play in February’s primary elections and is working to rebuild trust. Because of the larger issue of so-called voter fraud in the country, McComas says that election administrators have to be transparent with the public and not make mistakes. 
Madison voters will have two opportunities to cast their votes next Spring: the primary on February 17 and the general election on April 7. They also talk about the challenges of implementing electronic poll books, voter suppression in Wisconsin through voter ID requirements, how to serve all residents including incarcerated folks, and the other responsibilities of the city clerk’s office.

Lydia McComas graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in political science. She holds a graduate certificate in election administration from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her previous role was as Voter Engagement Division Manager with Hennepin County in Minnesota.
Featured image of Lydia McComas.
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