10/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/14/2024 08:58
AG Kaul Issues Reminder: Intimidating Voters and Threatening Election Workers is Illegal
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul today issued a reminder that voter intimidation and threats to election workers are against the law.
"It's essential that we protect the right to vote," said Attorney General Kaul. "Wisconsin DOJ is committed to making sure that Wisconsin once again has a safe and secure election."
DOJ's Division of Criminal Investigation staffs the Wisconsin State Intelligence Center (WSIC). WSIC facilitates intelligence and information sharing with federal, state, local, tribal, and campus law enforcement partners along with fire service, emergency management, public health, military, and private sector agencies.
WSIC shares on an ongoing basis intelligence on potential threats with local law enforcement and elections administrators across Wisconsin and will continue to do so through Election Day. WSIC works closely with their partners to gather, receive, analyze, and disseminate intelligence about various types of threats to Wisconsin elections, including but not limited to threats against election administrators or of election interference, foreign or domestic.
Wisconsin DOJ is available as a resource to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, law enforcement, and district attorneys. Wisconsin DOJ will be communicating with law enforcement and prosecutors regarding relevant election laws.
Voter Intimidation & Threats to Election Officials
Voter intimidation is a crime. Wisconsin law prohibits anyone from using or threatening force to compel someone to vote, to keep them from voting, or to influence their voting decision. Wisconsin law also prohibits anyone from using duress or fraud to impede or prevent someone from freely exercising their right to vote.
Threatening behavior toward election officials is also a crime. Wisconsin law prohibits anyone from threatening death or bodily harm intending to cause, or creating an unreasonable and substantial risk of causing, public panic or fear, or the interruption or impairment of government operations, including the electoral process. Wisconsin law also prohibits anyone from refusing to obey a lawful order of a polling place inspector, engaging in disorderly behavior at or near a polling place, or interrupting or disturbing voting or canvassing proceedings.
The law not only prohibits individuals from taking any of these actions personally, but it also prohibits individuals from having a third party take these actions.
Unlawful intimidation can take many forms and determining if any particular action is criminal is dependent on the facts of the incident. Examples could include:
Additionally, it is illegal under state and federal law for private groups to conduct law enforcement or military activities.
What to do if you witness voter intimidation or threats to election workers:
If you witness or are subject to election intimidation or threats, alert an election official and call local law enforcement immediately. If you are being threatened with violence, call 911.