Increased Election Observers Expected in Wisconsin for November Elections
Wisconsin is preparing for an influx of election observers during the upcoming November elections, with major political parties and organizations increasing their presence at polling sites. In light of the skepticism following the 2020 elections, this initiative aims to enhance transparency and public confidence in the electoral process while adhering to state regulations regarding observer conduct.
This November, Wisconsin is anticipated to experience a significant presence of election observers at polling locations due to heightened national scrutiny on this battleground state. The Republican National Committee has initiated a campaign to enlist 100,000 poll watchers across the nation, with 5,000 of those observers stationed in Wisconsin. Simultaneously, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin is preparing to deploy a record number of election monitors throughout the state. Organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin will also have volunteers observing the electoral process. This increase in election observers is largely a response to the controversies surrounding the 2020 presidential election, wherein former President Donald Trump made unsubstantiated claims regarding the integrity of the electoral process. It is noteworthy that Trump lost Wisconsin to President Joe Biden by approximately 21,000 votes, a result confirmed by recounts and judicial rulings. Election observers serve to watch and oversee the voting process, with their roles delineated by state law, which also grants polling place chief inspectors the authority to remove any disruptive individuals. At a press conference on September 17, Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney emphasized his support for increased election observation, arguing that the mere presence of observers fosters compliance. “When you see a police car, you slow down on the highway because you don’t want to get a speeding ticket. That same concept applies to our elections,” Toney stated. In Milwaukee County alone, Toney estimates around 600 Republican election observers, while the Democratic Party of Wisconsin is also planning to have observers strategically positioned across the state. Democratic Party communications director Joe Oslund remarked, “We will have a record number of poll observers in key localities across the state ensuring every vote is counted.” Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley highlighted the necessity for lawyers and observers in every phase of the voting and counting process, in a statement made prior to the Republican National Convention in July. Training sessions for Republican poll watchers have been conducted in Wisconsin, further enhancing the election observation initiative. Meanwhile, officials like Elena Hilby, clerk for the city of Sun Prairie and president of the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association, expressed a welcoming stance towards election observers, stating, “I welcome election observers… because they serve a very important purpose, and that is to ensure that the election is being run in a secure, transparent, fair way, that we’re abiding by the laws and we have nothing to hide.” The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, managed by voter education manager Eileen Newcomer, has assembled approximately 250 volunteers to act as election observers, a number which is expected to rise closer to the election. Newcomer articulated, “We want to make sure that all eligible voters are able to successfully cast their ballots… and provide support to voters if they’re turned away.” Election observers are subject to specific regulations, including checking in with the chief inspector and presenting identification. They are directed to maintain a distance of no less than three feet and no more than eight feet from voter check-in areas to facilitate unobtrusive observation. There are defined protocols in place for managing the presence of observers, particularly in smaller polling locations where space may be limited. Hilby has expressed concerns over potential disturbances during the voting process due to the influx of observers, but has also indicated receptivity to their presence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order during voting. As emotions may run high on Election Day, local clerks are preparing in collaboration with law enforcement to ensure a smooth electoral process. Thus, anticipation surrounds the involvement of election observers in Wisconsin this fall, with multiple groups mobilizing to monitor the process and ensure transparency, aimed at bolstering public trust in the electoral system.
The upcoming election in Wisconsin is poised to attract significant attention due to the state’s status as a crucial battleground in national elections. Following the controversial outcomes and assertions surrounding the 2020 presidential election, there has been a surge in recruitment efforts for election observers from both major political parties and various organizations. This heightened observation is a direct response to public concern regarding electoral integrity, prompting both partisan and independent observers to ensure a transparent voting process. The legal framework governing the role and conduct of election observers in Wisconsin is designed to facilitate nonpartisan oversight, while also safeguarding against disruptions during elections.
In conclusion, Wisconsin’s forthcoming election is set to witness a notable increase in the number of election observers, reflecting the heightened vigilance surrounding electoral processes post-2020. Multiple organizations and political parties are preparing to ensure transparency and accountability at polling places, responding to public concerns about electoral integrity. While the presence of observers is expected to enhance compliance and confidence in the electoral process, measures are being implemented to maintain order and ensure that emotions remain in check during the voting period.
Original Source: www.wpr.org
