Marcey Patterson, a former Community Relations Engagement and Recruitment Director for the Milwaukee Police Department, is facing felony charges following allegations of significant election fraud. Investigators uncovered that Patterson cast illegal votes in at least 12 different elections, despite residing outside Milwaukee. Court documents reveal that she had not lived in the city since 2018 but continued to vote in its elections, claiming residency at her mother’s address.
Patterson’s fraudulent actions went beyond voting. She received taxpayer-funded residency pay incentives from the police department, totaling over $8,200, based on an address she did not actually inhabit. Hired in 2022, she qualified for a 3% residency pay boost that required actual residency in Milwaukee. However, Patterson was living in Glendale and later in Brown Deer. Despite this, she maintained her registration at a Milwaukee address and continued to vote in the city’s elections.
The investigation documented her voting history, confirming her appearance at the Samuel Clemens School polling station for both the November 2024 and April 2025 elections. Records show Patterson signed in at these elections, despite lacking the necessary residency qualifications. According to the complaint, Patterson admitted to using her mother’s address for voter registration. She also confessed that her real home, where she raised her son, was outside of Milwaukee.
Wisconsin law is clear when it comes to election participation without proper residency: it constitutes a felony. Those found guilty face up to 3.5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. In addition to voting without the requisite residency qualifications, Patterson faces charges for falsely registering to vote and making deceptive statements to election officials.
This situation raises serious concerns about election integrity and the accountability of public officials. As many states grapple with maintaining fair election processes, Patterson’s case underscores a troubling example of how individuals can exploit the system. Such infractions not only undermine public trust but also trivialize the sacrifices that accompany the right to vote.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the critical need for vigilance and transparency in our electoral systems. Those charged with safeguarding the integrity of our elections must remain watchful for any signs of fraud or misconduct, ensuring a fair democratic process. The implications of Patterson’s actions stretch beyond her personal circumstances; they touch on the larger principles that uphold our electoral integrity.
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