By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
With a potential record-setting turnout on the horizon this fall, Whitewater officials have tweaked the city’s polling locations for the upcoming November election.
The Common Council on Sept. 15 approved City Clerk Michele Smith’s request to change the location of one of the city’s two polling locations. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s UC Hamilton Room and Ballroom will be swapped out with the Kachel Field House, 907 W. Schwager Drive.
The change in UW-Whitewater venue impacts voters in Wards 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13. All other wards will continue to vote at the Whitewater Armory, 146 W. North St.
In a memo, Smith said the recommended change in venue was made with consultation with UW-Whitewater officials.
“Due to COVID-19 regulations, the space at the university location will not be adequate to allow for the large numbers expected for the presidential election,” Smith wrote. “To increase social distancing opportunities and to provide a less congested environment for voting at the campus location, representatives from the university have offered the city use of the Kachel Field House.”
During discussion at the recent council meeting, Smith said the intent is for the change in venue to be a one-time occurrence.
“It’s really for the safety of everyone,” Smith said.
Other business
In other business, the Common Council heard a report from City Manager Cameron Clapper on a new online form that has been created for residents interested in serving on one of Whitewater’s committees, commissions or boards. It will be available on the city’s website.
The effort, Clapper said, will be important as the city begins seeking candidates for the Equal Opportunities Commission that will be tasked with providing recommendations on policy for residents of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Additionally, the council also heard a report on tourism activities within the city in the past year. As is the case with most communities across the state, Whitewater is poised to receive less tourism income this year because of a hit in room tax dollars.
Current estimates point to a 70-percent reduction in room tax income since the onset of the coronavirus.
