Milwaukee Mayor Barrett wants April election changed to vote by mail

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --  Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett wants the state to change the upcoming April election.

Barrett sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, urging them to switch in-person voting to a vote by mail system.

Speaking on a conference call, Barrett said he changed his mind Monday after learning the city's election commission was forced to close its three in-person early voting locations because of staff shortages.

Barrett said election workers and supervisors had started calling out in the dozens after Monday's news that a stay at home order was going to be issued, as well as the growing spread of coronavirus.

"I would not advise someone I love to go sit in a polling place for 10 to 12 hours and come into contact with dozens if not hundreds of people," said Barrett.

City Election Commissioner Neil Albrecht said the city had enough materials to mail out ballots if the election were switched. Albrecht said he wanted the state to delay the election by 30 to 60 days.

Governor Tony Evers said Tuesday the state is evaluating its options for the election.