eUpdate - Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski Celebrates Year One Accomplishments

Celebrating One Year of Progress and Perseverance

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.

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. 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, 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.

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 to my office. I have called for the resignation of Election Commissioner Bob Spindell 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. 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 The Boys and Girls Club

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. 

Forward,

Sarah Godlewski

News Coverage:

Spectrum News 1: 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: Sarah Godlewski’s underground struggle for democracy

Cap City Sunday: 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: 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: Sarah Godlewski leads charge for ‘digitization,’ recruiting next generation of clerks

Milwaukee Courier: Sarah Godlewski Marks One Year as Wisconsin Secretary of State Amidst Challenges and Progress

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

Stay Connected:

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• Email my office at statesec@wisconsin.gov or give us a call at (608) 266-8888