Republican candidate Eric Hovde, competing against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race, faced criticism after initially suggesting that elderly people in nursing homes may not be capable of voting. Hovde’s comments stemmed from concerns about alleged illegal voting practices in nursing homes during the 2020 election. While the issue of nursing home voting has been a contentious topic in Wisconsin, with claims of 100% voting in certain facilities, no concrete evidence has validated these assertions. Hovde’s remarks drew backlash from Democrats, with Sen. Baldwin accusing him of being out of touch with the reality of nursing home residents who have the right to vote.
Critics have raised concerns over Hovde’s remarks, suggesting that he was attempting to disenfranchise elderly voters by casting doubt on their ability to vote. However, Hovde clarified that his focus was on reports of individuals questioning the voting practices of their severely ill relatives in nursing homes. While highlighting instances where residents may not have the mental capacity to vote, Hovde maintained that elderly individuals should still have the right to participate in elections. The issue of nursing home voting gained attention following the 2020 election, particularly among supporters of former President Donald Trump who contested the results in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin state law mandates the provision of special voting deputies to nursing homes to facilitate the voting process for residents. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on visitation to nursing homes complicated the logistics of in-person voting assistance. The Wisconsin Elections Commission faced scrutiny for its handling of nursing home voting procedures during the 2020 election, with accusations of breaking the law by not allowing deputies to assist residents in casting their ballots. Despite calls for criminal charges against commission members, no legal action was taken due to jurisdictional limitations.
Efforts by Republicans in the state legislature to introduce stricter rules regarding nursing home voting have faced challenges, with Governor Tony Evers vetoing some proposed measures. The issue remains a point of contention between political parties, with Democrats emphasizing the importance of protecting the voting rights of elderly individuals residing in nursing homes. As the U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin heats up, candidates are working to address concerns surrounding voting practices and ensuring that all eligible voters, including those in nursing homes, have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for both parties as they vie for control of the Senate.
