A quiet but important presence in Wisconsin polling places on Tuesday were 290 volunteer observers trained by the League of Women Voters. They were there to generate an independent, nonpartisan account of how election laws are carried out in our state. They were watching for any signs of citizens being disenfranchised, and they were documenting best practices as well as problems in election administration. 

The observers worked closely with more than 100 volunteer lawyers recruited by Wisconsin Election Protection. Together they identified many problems early in the day, so corrective action could be taken. The volunteers helped straighten out confusion about proof of residence in some locations and stopped efforts to require photo ID in others. They helped ensure that polling places were accessible to people in wheelchairs and that hundreds of voters in Racine got ballots despite a severe shortage. 

See a thoughtful interview about the role of election observers with LWV-Appleton member Irene Strohbeen, on the Appleton Post-Crescent's website.  Click here and then click on the video called "election observers." 

The observers' written reports will generate a significant body of evidence including incidents of voter intimidation. We will share the findings with state and local officials to help them improve elections in our state. The League and other coalition partners will also use the information to continue to fight back voter suppression and promote positive election reform.

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