Voting rights groups seek investigation into Wisconsin text messages
Source: VOA/AP
October 15, 2024 10:10 PM
MADISON, WISCONSIN — Voting rights advocates on Tuesday asked state and federal authorities to investigate anonymous text messages apparently targeting young Wisconsin voters, warning them not to vote in a state where they are ineligible.
Free Speech for People, on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, made the request to the U.S. Department of Justice as well as the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The letter says that "thousands of young voters across Wisconsin" received the text message last week, including staff members at the League of Women Voters and students at the University of Wisconsin.
The text in question cites Wisconsin state law prohibiting voting in more than one place and says that violating the law can result in fines of up to $10,000 and 3.5 years in prison. "Don't vote in a state where you're not eligible," the text said. Wisconsin is known for having razor-thin presidential elections. Four of the last six were decided by less than a percentage point. President Joe Biden won in 2020 by less than 21,000 votes.
At least one person who received the text posted it on the social media platform X. The League of Women Voters, in its request for investigation, said that without prompt action "the sender may continue its efforts to frighten eligible young voters into not voting."
Read more: https://www.voanews.com/a/voting-rights-groups-seek-investigation-into-wisconsin-text-messages-/7823623.html
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