Another DPMC update
I’ve already written two articles about the rushed special election the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County is doing. Here’s a short one on how to participate, and a longer one on why.
We got another email from them describing how Thursday’s election process will work in greater detail, both for voters and candidates. I’m simply reprinting it entirely.
If you are eligible to vote in this election (see qualifications below) and you are sick of getting completely screwed by establishment elites, please come out and vote! If you’re hesitant about that, please read my reasoning on why it is worth while.
The process described by DPMC below is much more robust than previous elections, the remnants of the executive board have been much more accepting of dissenting voices, and I believe we will have a better chance at succeeding, but we still simply need more of our people to come out on short notice than the establishment can mobilize.
In addition to these instructions, DPMC has published a list of announced candidates on their website, which they will update as more candidates make themselves known. Currently the list includes:
Chair
Kejuane Jennings (Interim Chair)
Alexander Lux
Treasurer
Amy Donahue
Joe Magestro (Interim Treasurer)
Recording Secretary
Amillia (Mia) Heredia
Colin Roberts (Interim Recording Secretary)
Corresponding Secretary
LaKeshia Myers (Interim Corresponding Secretary)
Diana Olivera
Vice Chair (if needed)
Robert Hansen
Stacy Smiter
DPMC’s email
Dear Members,
I’m Eddie Phanichkul, Membership Secretary for the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County (DPMC) and the new Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC).
With several recent vacancies on our Executive Board, the NEC has been tasked with administering the upcoming special elections. We are working from the DPMC Constitution, our previously adopted election procedures, Robert’s Rules, and guidance from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (DPW) where necessary.
My goal is to make sure these elections are clear, fair, transparent, and easy for everyone to follow.
This email serves as notice of the election procedures so every member and candidate knows what to expect.
What You Need to Know
When & Where: Thursday, August 20, 2026 6:00 PM, but please show up early to register (details below) Greenfield City Hall 7325 W Forest Home Ave, Greenfield, WI 53220
Members were initially notified of the special election at our previous membership meeting, with additional notice sent by email on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Offices to be filled:
County Chair
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Treasurer
Vice Chair, if that office becomes vacant as a result of the Chair election
These are elections to fill vacancies, not begin new two-year terms. Those elected will complete the existing terms, which end December 31, 2027.
Membership & Voting Eligibility
To vote or run for office, you must be an eligible DPMC member and have paid your membership dues by 11:59pm August 15, 2026.
You can pay your dues here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mke-membership?refcode=nec&amount=25&recurring=1
If you recently joined or renewed through ActBlue, we encourage you to bring your receipt or payment confirmation. A screenshot or electronic copy is fine.
Nominations
If you would like your name printed on the official ballot, your candidacy must be submitted toinfo@mkedems.org by:
12:00 PM (Noon), Monday, August 17, 2026.
All candidates, on the ballot or write-in, must be nominated from the floor as follows:
An eligible member must nominate another eligible member—that member is allotted up to two minutes to speak.
The nominee must be present and accept the nomination.
The nomination must receive a second.
The candidate will then be eligible for election.
IF a party member is nominated from the floor, AND did not notify us of their candidacy by the above deadline of 12:00 PM (Noon), Monday, August 17, 2026. They will be considered a write-in candidate, and voters will need to write in those candidates' names, in the ‘Write-In” section on their ballot.
Nominator and Candidate Remarks
The nominator is given two minutes to address the membership. Candidates may give remarks after nomination. Every candidate will receive up to two minutes to address the membership before voting.
The same amount of time will apply to every candidate for the same office.
Questions from the membership to candidates will not be taken during the special election.
Voting:
Contested elections will be conducted by secret ballot.
Each eligible member receives one vote for each office.
A candidate must receive a majority, meaning more than half, or 50% plus 1, of votes cast to be elected.
If nobody receives a majority, the candidate receiving the fewest votes will be removed and another ballot will be conducted.
This process continues, removing the lowest vote-getter after each unsuccessful ballot, until one candidate receives a majority.
In the event of a tie, balloting will continue until the tie is resolved and a candidate receives a majority.
Proxy and absentee voting are not permitted.
Registration
Registration opens at 5:30 PM.
You must be registered or in line to register by 6:15 PM to vote.
Registration closes at 6:15 PM. Anyone already in line at that time will be allowed to complete registration and vote, provided they are otherwise eligible.
Anyone arriving after 6:15 PM will not be eligible to vote.
Contingency Vice Chair Election
The Chair election must occur first.
If the election of the current Vice Chair as County Chair creates a vacancy in the Vice Chair position, nominations and an election for Vice Chair will be conducted during the same meeting.
Nominations & Elections Committee
The NEC will oversee the election process, including nominations, eligibility, ballots, voting, counting, verification, and announcement of results.
The committee will administer the election neutrally and apply the same rules to every candidate.
The committee is comprised of the following individuals:
Eddie Phanichkul (Chair)
Liz Blackbourn
Joe Czarnecki
Greg Chojnazki
Signal Chat
We have created a Signal chat for members interested in running for office and anyone who has questions about the process:
https://signal.group/#CjQKIFM0nxPCrvLQg7le0CsN3uzeSoZ-GxTNPi6nnKJSq15oEhD2D1-gyGDdIXvxaCCUlkiK
Our goal is simple: NO SURPRISES ON ELECTION NIGHT.
Members should understand the process before voting begins, and every candidate should know they will be treated consistently and fairly.
The complete election rules are linked on a special webpage posted on the DPMC website.
Website and Complete Rules:
https://www.milwaukeedems.org/special-election-2026
Thank you,
Eddie Phanichkul Chair, Nominations and Elections Committee Membership Secretary Democratic Party of Milwaukee County
