A concerning text message was sent to young voters in Wisconsin, warning them about potential legal consequences for voting in the state. The message referenced two state statutes and suggested that voting in a state where you are not eligible could result in fines or prison time. This message raised alarms among voter protection groups who found it threatening and potentially intimidating to eligible young voters. Groups like Free Speech for People and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin raised concerns and urged legal authorities to investigate the matter.
The specific wording of the text message, particularly the directive of “don’t vote,” was seen as an attempt to discourage eligible voters from exercising their rights. The groups involved in raising concerns believed that such tactics could deter young voters from participating in the election. There were worries that the message could be successful in dissuading individuals from voting if left unaddressed. College students, in particular, were seen as vulnerable targets for such intimidation tactics, as they may not be fully aware of their voting rights and eligibility while living away from home on a college campus.
In Wisconsin, students who have lived in one voting area for a certain period of time and plan to continue living there are eligible to vote in that location. Even if students temporarily return to their parent’s house on weekends, they can still vote where they primarily live, such as on a college campus. The guide for students issued by the Wisconsin Election Commission clarifies these rules and emphasizes that once a student establishes residency at a campus address, they can vote using that address until they establish a new voting residence.
The organizations behind the letter to law enforcement authorities called for a thorough investigation into the origins of the text message to identify who sent it and determine the intent behind it. As of now, they have not received a response from the authorities they reached out to for help. The urgency to address this issue stems from concerns about potential voter intimidation tactics influencing the election process. The groups involved recognized the seriousness of the situation and stressed the need for a comprehensive investigative effort to protect voters’ rights and ensure fair elections in the state of Wisconsin.
The text message incident serves as an example of the types of intimidation tactics that voter protection groups had anticipated during this election cycle. While past situations of voter intimidation have often involved robocalls or AI-generated voice recordings, this text message represents a new form of potential interference. The response from law enforcement and legal authorities will be critical in addressing this issue and preventing similar attempts to intimidate or discourage eligible voters from participating in the electoral process. By taking swift and decisive action, authorities can help safeguard the integrity of the election and protect the rights of all voters in Wisconsin.
