Wisconsin - Protections for Elections Flyer

1865

Law Enacted

$250K

Max Fine

5 YRS

Prison

ZERO

Exceptions

The Federal Law

Since 1865, federal law has banned armed federal personnel at polling places. In 1909, Congress deliberately removed the only exception — there is no law enforcement justification for armed feds at the polls. Not for "keeping the peace." Not for preventing fraud. Nothing.

18 U.S.C. § 592 — TROOPS AT POLLS

Any federal employee who stations armed personnel at a polling place commits a felony and is permanently barred from federal service. The DOJ's own manual says FBI agents cannot be stationed at polls.

5 YEARS PRISON $250,000 FINE CAREER DEATH

Wisconsin Legal Landscape

Home Rule

Article XI, Section 3 of the Wisconsin Constitution establishes the foundation for municipal authority:

Key Advantage

With Madison's original ordinance as the model, Racine, Green Bay, and La Crosse emerge as the highest-priority targets for adoption, supported by a robust coalition infrastruct...

Key Risk

Wisconsin cities can legally adopt ordinances directing local police not to assist armed federal personnel near polling places, but careful drafting is essential to survive pree...

Best Framing

Waukesha is strongly Republican; GOP State Rep.

Anti-Sanctuary Law

⚠ Critical finding: Wisconsin has no express state preemption on local police cooperation with federal law enforcement, no comprehensive anti-sanctua...

Target Cities in Wisconsin

Racine

See state guide

ranks highest for. new adoption.

Green Bay

See state guide

offers unique strategic. value.

Eau Claire

Council-Manager

is a progressive. university town with UW-Eau Claire.

What You Can Do Right Now

Contact Call your city council member. Ask them to introduce a Protections for Elections ordinance.

Show Up Attend your next council meeting. 3 minutes of public comment changes priorities.

Connect Join a local organization already working on voting rights in Wisconsin.

Share Give this to 3 people. Post it at your library, café, or community board.

Get Connected → Voces de la FronteraACLU of WisconsinLWV WisconsinCitizen Action of WisconsinWisconsin State AFL-CIO