Offfice of Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski ? Contact:[email protected]? ?
Celebrating One Year of Progress and Perseverance
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Dear Wisconsinites,

It has been an honor serving as your Secretary of State. As I reflect on my first year in office, the circumstances surrounding my appointment were as unexpected as they were challenging. Stepping into the role, I encountered a scene of significant disarray: a backlog of unresolved cases, thousands of records in need of digitization, and unanswered document requests. The office was scant on basic supplies and still reliant on a historic 1881 state seal for daily operations. It was a scene I never thought I would see in state government, and these conditions highlighted the severe legislative extremism that has threatened the constitutional duties of this office, critical to the governance of Wisconsin.

SoS and the Great Seal

Secretary Godlewski and the 1881 Great Seal. Photo by: Wisconsin Examiner

Despite these obstacles, I am proud of the remarkable strides we?ve made. In just one year, my office has:?


* Cleared the backlog?
* Reduced processing times from over a month to less than a week
* Managed a record of over 14,000 authentication cases crucial for Wisconsinites dealing with international matters
* Created a user-friendly website and started the process of offering e-services
* Digitized thousands of records to enhance transparency and accountability

These efforts are pivotal as they represent our commitment to best serving you with the efficiency and integrity you deserve.

As I?ve traveled the state to meet with local government leaders and clerks, it?s clear clerks are the cornerstones of our communities yet face significant challenges. They are harassed, overworked, and under resourced. As a result, they are exiting the profession and that is worrisome. We are actively working to support local clerks through technology and modernization support. For example, my office collects and, upon request, certifies clerks' signatures and seals [ [link removed] ]. The system for deploying this responsibility is antiquated. My office is developing a process that will meet the security and digital needs of the 21st century. We are also working to bridge the gap between local clerks and the younger generation. Through this work [ [link removed] ], we are not just providing much-needed support through civic engagement opportunities but inspiring the next generation to become clerks which will help ensure the longevity and vibrancy of our democratic institutions.

District Clerks meeting

Secretary Godlewski Speaking to the District IV Municipal Clerks

A year into my tenure as Wisconsin?s Secretary of State, my commitment to democracy remains unwavering. I have denounced the actions of Wisconsin?s fake electors who sought to undermine the 2020 election by turning falsified election documents [ [link removed] ] to my office. I have called for the resignation of Election Commissioner Bob Spindell [ [link removed] ]?due to his actions that put personal bias over the democratic process, contributing to the threats faced by clerks and public servants statewide. We've been working to combat misinformation with the Secretary of State?s office through a statewide tour and a new website [ [link removed] ]. Further, we?ve championed civic engagement and education, key to a successful democracy, through customized outreach programs from elementary to higher education.

Civics Trivia at BGCDC

Civics Trivia at The Boys and Girls Club

SOS AP GOV ECASD

Talking to AP Gov Students at Memorial HS in Eau Claire

As we mark this one-year milestone, I want to thank you for your patience, support, and insight along the way. We?ve learned a lot this past year, and my office remains committed to uphold and advance the functions of this Constitutional office.? Included below are highlights from our 1-year anniversary around the state.?

Year One Accomplishments

Forward,

Signature

Sarah Godlewski

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_*News Coverage:*_

Spectrum News 1 [ [link removed] ]: *Godlewski reflects on one year as Secretary of State, *"?If we didn?t authenticate those international documents for families who were adopting a child overseas or for the businesses, like Trek or GE Healthcare or even a local cheese shop that we did, so they can sell their products overseas, they can?t go to Minnesota, they can?t go to Illinois for that work to be done because we are the keeper of the seal.?"?

Wisconsin Examiner [ [link removed] ]: *Sarah Godlewski?s underground struggle for democracy*

Cap City Sunday [ [link removed] ]: *Sarah Godlewski reflects on one year in office, **"?"*"we?ve been able to do a lot of good things for the people of Wisconsin - we?ve been able to modernize the office.?"

Channel 3000 [ [link removed] ]: *Sarah Godlewski on her role as Secretary of State,* "?We?re working to get things ? in a time when you see talk a lot of talk and no actions - now, more than ever, we need to show Wisconsinites ?. put our heads down and do the important work.?"

Daily Cardinal [ [link removed] ]*: Sarah Godlewski leads charge for ?digitization,? recruiting next generation of clerks*

Milwaukee Courier: [ [link removed] ] *Sarah Godlewski Marks One Year as Wisconsin Secretary of State Amidst Challenges and Progress*

*Capital Times OpEd:* [ [link removed] ] "?We?ve made a lot of progress since I was asked to serve a year ago following the ""unexpected resignation" [ [link removed] ]" of Secretary La Follette. I?m proud of the work we?ve done so far and excited for what?s next.??"

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_*Stay Connected:*_

If you would like to keep in touch with my office, please:


* Like us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] and follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]
* Visit our website [ [link removed] ]
* Subscribe to our press releases [ [link removed] ]
* Email my office at [email protected] or give us a call at (608) 266-8888
? An online version of this Newsletter?is available here [ [link removed] ]. ###

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Gold Horizontal Line Office of the Secretary of State ? State Capitol B41 West, Madison, WI 53702 Press Office Email: [email protected] Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]
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