The Wisconsin Elections Commission released draft guidance for local clerks on responding to federal law enforcement presence at polling places.
On Thursday, the Wisconsin Elections Commission approved sending the guidance memo to roughly 1,800 local clerks across the state. The memo tells clerks what to do if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers appear at polling places.
The memo tells clerks what to do if FBI agents show up at the polls. It further advises clerks on how to proceed when local police officers appear at polling sites. If agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, or the FBI appear at polling places, poll workers should immediately notify municipal and county clerks and Wisconsin Elections Commission staff.
According to the guidance, it prohibits armed federal agents and military personnel from being present at polling places. The guidance states that any officers at the polls must follow the same rules applied to election observers.
Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections officer, noted that clerks have received thorough training for handling law enforcement presence at polling places. She said she does not expect any problems at Wisconsin polling places on Election Day. She added that the commission anticipates voters will experience the process as in past elections and hopes the guidance does not cause concern.
Republican Commissioner Robert Spindell expressed concern that the guidance might reduce voter turnout by intimidating potential voters. Officials created the guidance because of concerns that President Donald Trump might deploy armed federal agents to polling places to intimidate voters.
The guidance serves as contingency planning for clerks after receiving hundreds of voter emails about federal agent plans. The Wisconsin ballot this year features a highly contested race for governor. Local law enforcement officials routinely communicate with election personnel.
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