Election workers in the United States are preparing themselves for trouble

– So who is concerned about the interference of the observers?

Claire Woodall-Fog, director of the Election Commission of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, directed the question to about 20 election leaders gathered in a classroom to receive training for next week’s midterm elections.

Who has read or heard things in the news and is a little nervous? I. I raise my hand, continue.

Many of those present raised their hands as well.

Woodall-Vogg herself has received numerous threats – in phone calls, emails and letters – since the presidential election two years ago. The harassment was so widespread that she had a personal connection with the Federal Police Agency, the FBI, which deals with her cases.

Trump effect

Former President Donald Trump still insists he did not actually lose the election to Joe Biden, despite the fact that numerous checks and recounts across the country have determined that the result is correct. The Trump camp has tried to pursue the case in several courts, but none has found sufficient evidence to move it forward.

However, the allegations, or lies, captured many Republican voters. And Donald Trump’s influence over Republicans means that party candidates are under pressure to choose a side so that the former president is not against them.

19 of the 35 Republicans vying for a Senate seat publicly questioned or actively opposed the outcome of the presidential election, according to CNN . review Manufacture.

In gubernatorial elections, there are at least 22 of the 36 Republican candidates. Then the so-called ministers of state are elected in several states – a higher position in which the person most responsible for state elections is. There, CNN calculates that 11 of the 27 Republican candidates have come to be called “election deniers.”

Excited in the main wave states

Wisconsin is a key state in the midterm elections, where small margins are expected to be crucial and where small shifts can upset the balance of power in Congress in Washington.

The country has warned that conspiracy theorists are flocking to electoral authorities to register as election observers. Organizations that campaign with lies about the 2020 presidential election are recruiting and training people on how to corrupt and discredit the electoral process on the ground. These groups specifically target major wave states.

In Milwaukee, Electoral Commission Chair Claire Woodall Fogg emphasized that monitors play a very essential role in American democracy. It teaches self-defense, for example by marking the places where the observers may stand, a few meters from the stations where the voters were first greeted.

Take your tape, make a line and say: “This is the observation area,” or draw a square and say: “Please stay inside this area,” says Woodall-Vogg to the class.

Violations are punished. First, the person receives a warning and if it happens again, he has to leave the place. Polling stations must maintain constant contact with the police.

‘Feeling connected’

Election workers in Milwaukee anticipate heightened tensions at the polls, but they also say they are prepared for it.

I feel called to do my part, says Andrea Nimbard, 70, who has served in elections for the past decade, and adds she’s not afraid of it.

Melody Villanueva, 46, doesn’t think she’s easily intimidated.

– I am able to solve problems, so I will de-escalate the situation if necessary and I will be able to contact the relevant authorities if necessary.

The election workers who get and tally the votes have many eyes. The supervisor verifies that each task has been completed and handed over to a manager who has overall responsibility at the polling station.

“I think we should be able to immediately identify people who might have evil intentions,” says Claire Woodall Fogg.