Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio: Public Weighs in on Rules for Wisconsin Election Observers
Shawn Johnson from Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the proposed rule by the Wisconsin Elections Commission comes months before the state’s closely watched presidential election, when it could be one of six states that tip the balance in this year’s presidential race:
Unlike poll workers or election officials who help run elections, election observers are people who’ve signed up to watch the voting process. They have rights under state law, but the same law gives a polling place’s chief inspector or a municipal clerk some discretion to restrict where people are allowed to observe.
The WEC rule would let observers stand as close as 3 feet away from voters, but no closer. It would also let them stand as far as 8 feet away, but no farther.
Within that 3- to 8-foot range, backers of the rule say it would strike a balance that gives observers the right to look at things like rejected absentee ballot certificates while giving clerks the power to manage their polling places.
“Most importantly, it prioritizes voters’ rights to vote without intimidation or interference,” said Eileen Newcomer with the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. “Adopting this rule is a crucial step in insuring a smooth and intimidation-free voting experience for Wisconsinites.