MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Only a few more days, and state election experts are saying they’re ready for the midterms. Although, there is some voter scrutiny surrounding the election process.
On Wednesday, a judge ordered the city to give election observers proper access to the early voting process.
But will the voter distrust affect Tuesday’s election?
Tension is high as armed poll watchers in Arizona guard absentee-drop off sites — causing claims of voter intimidation.
Also, since the 2020 election, the city of Green Bay has been under fire from being investigated and has had multiple complaints.
But, Meagan Wolfe, with the Wisconsin Elections Commission, says this midterm election should run at ease.
“We prepare for all sorts of things as we head into an election,” said Wolfe. “So, we’re always preparing for what we’d do or how’d we respond.”
Wisconsin had 3.2 million registered voters in 2018. That number jumped this year to 3.5 million.
To see what’s on your ballot and where you can vote, click here.
Jessi Balcom, Oshkosh City Clerk, says the city has had good voter turnout in the past.
“We’re certainly hopeful that people will take advantage of their opportunity to participate in the voting process and do so in a correct, safe manner,” said Balcom.
She’s hoping for the the same Tuesday.
“We have a wonderful voting population that comes in and votes on Election Day, if not in person, with the absentee process or absentee by mail,” said Balcom.
When it comes to security concerns and other issues, Balcom says it’s always in the back of everyone’s minds.
“We’re very hopeful that the people in the city of Oshkosh will be patient with their friends and neighbors who are out voting or serving as election inspectors that make our elections run smoothly,” said Balcom.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, one in six election officials have experienced threats nationwide. And 77% say they feel these threats have increased in recent years.
“I do feel very good about the fact that our law enforcement partners and our intelligence partners both at the state, local and federal level, that they are constantly monitoring the threat environments, and they have not identified any specific or credible threats to election infrastructure,” said Wolfe.
According to WEC, almost 600,000 people have already cast their absentee votes.
As of Thursday, more than 223,000 Wisconsinites cast their in-person absentee ballot.
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