Explosive argument over Milwaukee's ballots erupts at Wisconsin Elections Commission meeting

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A shouting match broke out during a meeting with state election officials after a Republican member raised concerns about how Milwaukee administered the April election.

Ann Jacobs, the Democratic chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, threatened to remove Republican commissioner Bob Spindell after he tried to bring up a topic not on the agenda during a rare in-person meeting in Madison.

While discussing Madison's ongoing missing ballot investigation, Spindell said he has more concerns with Milwaukee temporarily running out of ballots at some polling locations.

"The even more serious problem is in the city of Milwaukee," Spindell said.

That triggered an explosive argument, with Jacobs slamming her gavel and shouting at Spindell for bringing up issues not on the commission's agenda.

"You must stop," Jacobs said. "You are out of order. I will eject you from this meeting if you disobey again."

Spindell responded, "Are you going to muzzle me?"

Jacobs fired back at Spindell, arguing he's "hijacking the agenda" to bring up Milwaukee.

Ultimately, Spindell was not ejected and the rest of the meeting carried on as normal.

Afterwards, CBS 58 caught up with Spindell who said he's calling for an investigation into the Milwaukee Elections Commission.

"It's a very serious problem when people have to wait hours and when people are not able to vote," Spindell said. "It's something that needs to be investigated by the Wisconsin Elections Commission."

On April 1, Milwaukee experienced ballot issues at 69 polling sites while nine ran out of ballots completely.

Paulina Gutierrez, director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, said the city did order additional ballots and printed more on Election Day, but couriers were unable to deliver them in time to avoid shortages.

Gutierrez further outlined what went wrong during a meeting Monday.

Jacobs said if there's grounds for an investigation, anyone can file a complaint, but suggested Spindell's calls are not legitimate.

"An investigation needs to have a purpose other than winning, complaining and conspiracy theories," Jacobs said.

Spindell also brought up concerns with Milwaukee Central Count for having "black curtains" and "frosted windows."

Officials at central count said certain areas were restricted for staff only, but those locations are not where absentee ballots were counted or stored.