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Yes.
Robert Spindell, the Vice Chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, wrote in an email,
“We can be especially proud of the City of Milwaukee (80.2% Dem Vote) casting 37,000 less votes than cast in the 2018 election with the major reduction happening in the overwhelming Black and Hispanic areas.”
Spinell attributed this reduction to a “well thought out multi-facetted plan” that included:
- “Biting Black radio negative commercials run last few weeks of the election cycle straight at Dem Candidates.”
- “A substantial & very effective Republican coordinated election integrity program.”
- “Significant reduction of unfavorable rulings/guidance from the Wisconsin Election Commission.”
Spindell stood by his remarks, claiming he was not bragging about voter suppression, but rather detailing Republican actions that successfully countered the Democratic message in Milwaukee and deterred voters from showing up to the polls.
This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Wisconsin Elections CommissionMembers and Administrator
PBS WisconsinWisconsin Elections Commission member Robert Spindell blasted for voting comments
Urban MilwaukeeSpindell Defends Himself, Spins His Comments
AP NewsWisconsin Elections Commissioner stands by voting comments
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