Young Voters In A Swing State Received A 'Threatening' Text [View all]

College students who live and study in Wisconsin are legally allowed to register to vote and participate in elections with either their school or home address. But a “threatening” text message last week, flagged by two nonprofit groups, implied otherwise ― raising concerns about voter intimidation in a critical swing state.

“WARNING: Violating WI Statutes 12.13 & 6.18 may result in fines up to $10,000 or 3.5 years in prison,” reads the text message, citing laws concerning election fraud and voter eligibility. “Don’t vote in a state where you’re not eligible. STOP2END.”

“Thousands” of young voters across Wisconsin received the text on Oct. 10, according to a letter sent Tuesday to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul (D). The nonprofit group Free Speech for People sent the letter on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.

The text messages “targeted young voters aged 18-25,” including “many” who are part of the University of Wisconsin system, according to the letter.


https://www.huffpost.com/entry/young-wisconsin-voters-targeted-threatening-text_n_670fdfafe4b065987f75f79d