Anonymous Texts Try To Scare Voters Away With Fines, Jail Time

A report from the Madison-based The Isthmus indicate that possible voter intimidation is happening in Wisconsin:

An unknown number of Wisconsinites have received texts since Oct. 10 warning that voting in a state where “you’re not eligible” could result in steep fines or prison time.

“WARNING: Violating WI Statutes 12.13 and 6.18 may result in fines up to $10,000 or 3.5 years in prison,” the text reads. “Don’t vote in a state where you’re not eligible.”

Statute 12.13 outlines state definitions of election fraud, and 6.18 stipulates that voters who moved from Wisconsin and are ineligible to vote in their new state, can still vote absentee in a presidential election in Wisconsin up to two years after leaving the state.

In Madison, several voters have complained to the City Clerk’s Office about the text messages, Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl tells Isthmus. One came in person: "Yesterday, a man came into the clerk’s office to let us know that his daughter had received one of these text messages," says Witzel-Behl. The office has reported the texts to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, she adds.

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