Democrats in Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation are asking federal officials to help monitor next month’s election.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, and House Democrats Ron Kind, Gwen Moore, and Mark Pocan, are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to send poll watchers to Wisconsin.
In a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, they cite concerns about Wisconsin’s contentious voter ID law and its implementation. “We have continued to see how Wisconsin’s voter ID law puts the franchise of many Wisconsinites, particularly people of color, in real jeopardy,” they wrote in the letter. “Over the last month, press reports have revealed that on numerous occasions, Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicle employees provided erroneous and incomplete information to potential voters who are unable to obtain IDs due to a lack of required documentation (like a birth certificate), despite their eligibility for alternative credentials.”
The group also pointed to national reports about Donald Trump supporters planning to try to intimidate voters at polling places. “We are also concerned about potential voter intimidation at the polling places, particularly in light of recent, high-profile rhetoric that alleges “election rigging.” National figures have suggested that there is widespread voter fraud in our country and have encouraged private citizens to monitor the voting behaviors of certain communities for potential misconduct.”
The Wisconsin Elections Commission said the state has a good working relationship with both U.S. Attorneys Offices in Wisconsin. “We have already met with them to discuss their plans for observation at polling places on Election Day,” said spokesman Reid Magney.