Dane County Breaks Ground on New Elections Center

August 25, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, County Clerk

Dedicated facility will strengthen secure and efficient election administration

DANE COUNTY— Dane County leaders and project partners broke ground Tuesday on the new Dane County Elections Center in Madison. The project will create a dedicated, modern facility for the Dane County Clerk’s Office and countywide election operations.

The center will support secure storage, voting equipment testing, ballot-related operations, recounts and the year-round work required to administer elections. The project renovates the former Ale Asylum property for long-term public use and brings key election functions together in one location.

“Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy, and protecting that foundation requires skilled public servants and dependable infrastructure,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “This center is an investment in secure, transparent and efficient elections. I am grateful to Scott McDonell for his tireless work in helping bring this important project to life.”

“With this Elections Center, the County has decided to invest in our democracy and protect the rule of law. This building will provide a safe place for election officials to work, said Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell. “A secure environment for training, storage, and recounts - a modern facility to protect the integrity of our elections. We will continue to keep our elections here in Dane County safe and secure.”

About the Dane County Elections Center

The Dane County Elections Center will provide dedicated space for the Dane County Clerk’s Office and election administration, including secure storage, equipment testing, ballot-related operations and recounts. The facility is located at 2002 Pankratz Street in Madison.