Wisconsin issues guidance on federal law enforcement at polls

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 01:02 · Archive

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has issued guidance to local clerks on how to respond if federal law enforcement appears at polling places during the November election.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has issued new guidance to the state's more than 1,800 local clerks on how to respond if federal law enforcement shows up at polling places during the November election. The memo states law enforcement should not be at polling places unless they are voting themselves, carrying out legitimate law enforcement actions or responding to a clerk's request for help.

If law enforcement does appear, the guidance instructs clerks to contact their local counsel, their county clerk and Commission staff. The commission is also encouraging law enforcement agents who come to observe the polls to leave their uniforms at home. Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe said: 'We don't expect anything unusual at the polls on Election Day. We expect voters to have the same experience that they've had at previous elections.' She added that clerks had directly requested this type of information.

The commission approved the guidance five to one. Republican Commissioner Bob Spindell cast the lone no vote, saying he worries the memo will scare voters away. 'I personally think this guidance is unnecessary as we have not seem to have needed this for the last 201 years,' Spindell said. Early voting begins 20 October and the general election is 3 November.

How it is being reported

• Wisconsin election officials issue guidance on federal law enforcement at polling placesThe Wisconsin Elections Commission issued new guidance to the state’s more than 1,800 local clerks on how to respond if federal law enforcement shows up at polling places during the November election.WBAY · 17 Oct, 00:40
• Wisconsin election officials issue guidance on federal law enforcement at polling placesThe Wisconsin Elections Commission issued new guidance to the state’s more than 1,800 local clerks on how to respond if federal law enforcement shows up at polling places during the November election.WSAW · 17 Oct, 00:40

In this story: Wisconsin Elections Commission · Meagan Wolfe · Ann Jacobs · Bob Spindell · Wisconsin

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