# Is this Wisconsin militia plan for poll watching legal? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 23, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358 "2014-09-23T18:55:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/1 "2014-09-23T18:55:09Z")
[**Kobal2** posted about this in the Pit thread about awesome Republican ideas](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=17755711&postcount=16906), and so I followed his links. [The main story can be found here. > [@](#): > > A self-described militia group claims to be checking names on the 2012 Scott Walker recall petition and plans to confront those found to have outstanding warrants or tax defaults at the polls on Nov. 4. > > “We prefer our people be armed,” reads a Facebook post by Wisconsin Poll Watcher Militia, screen captured on a blog at [Politicususa.com](http://Politicususa.com). “Some will be heading to some of Milwaukee, Racine, and Beloit’s worst areas. We will be armed with a list of people to look for at each location.” > > The exchange posted on Politicususa continues: > > Patrick Murray: “Just so you are aware, I will not report Republicans. Only Democrats.” > [@](#): > > Another entry from the group’s Facebook page, which has 31 likes as of Friday afternoon, reads: “Please private message us names of people you know are active voters and wanted on warrants. We can get our agents to watch their polling location, identify the individual, and then follow them to their residence. A call the police and they will be picked up for processing.” ](['Wisconsin Poll Watcher Militia' plans to confront Scott Walker recall petition signers at polls](http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/wisconsin-poll-watcher-militia-plans-to-confront-scott-walker-recall/article_062df082-5fea-5363-b498-c0c51aa5fa30.html)) Kobal’s other link goes to an image that purports to be from the Wisconsin group’s Facebook page, where they basically threaten “do not approach our members by engaging in a physical hostile act” because they will kill you. ETA: Lest anyone doubt the veracity of this story, [lo! I found their Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/wisconsinpollwatchers). Anyway, it seems to me that this is clearly illegal vote-suppression and voter intimidation. Is it? ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/2 "2014-09-23T20:26:49Z")
I tried to find Wisconsin’s law on citizen arrest, and the best I can find is this newsletter sort of thing from Madison: [link.](https://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/LUspring2005.pdf) It reads: “While there is no statutory authority for security agents or private citizens to make arrests, judicial decisions in Wisconsin have established the common law concept of a “citizen’s arrest.” The general rule is that “a citizen’s arrest may only be effectuated for a felony or a serious misdemeanor affecting a breach of the peace.”” It sure seems like these militia guys have no legal right to attempt to detain anyone because they haven’t paid their taxes, and there’s no doubt for a second that this is voter intimidation, plain and simple. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/3 "2014-09-23T21:29:29Z")
Well, sure it is, but is it legal and Constitutional? ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/4 "2014-09-23T21:35:04Z")
A bunch of loud mouth pussies who will either do no such thing, or make a show of it and then fold quickly when the cops come circling around. If they showed up at my door brandishing firearms, I’d be calling the cops before I opened the door, and most definitely pressing charges (trespassing, terroristic threats, stalking, whatever I could get the county attorney to go with). Of course, I’m not wanted on any warrants, but who really thinks that small detail will stop the idiots? ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/5 "2014-09-23T21:35:49Z")
[What’s the problem?](http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/24/voting-rights-official-calls-black-panther-dismissal-travesty-justice/) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/6 "2014-09-23T21:38:41Z")
The problem is that black people in America have legitimate beefs. Let’s fix that. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/7 "2014-09-23T21:40:54Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > The problem is that black people in America have legitimate beefs. Let’s fix that. And in your mind, that justifies physical intimidation at the polls? ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/8 "2014-09-23T21:47:39Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > And in your mind, that justifies physical intimidation at the polls? Just so you’re being clear: you’re against armed militias going to polling places and accusing people of violating laws, apparently in hope that those people will be arrested before they have a chance to vote. This militia is also threatening to kill anyone who physically confronts them, even though Wisconsin is not a stand-your-ground state. Am I correct in your condemnation of these whackos? ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/9 "2014-09-23T21:54:16Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Just so you’re being clear: you’re against armed militias going to polling places and accusing people of violating laws, apparently in hope that those people will be arrested before they have a chance to vote. This militia is also threatening to kill anyone who physically confronts them, even though Wisconsin is not a stand-your-ground state. > > Am I correct in your condemnation of these whackos? Yes. Clear enough? ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/10 "2014-09-23T22:01:54Z")
Lots of potential for something really bad to happen here. Leave law enforcement to the professionals. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/11 "2014-09-23T22:23:37Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > Yes. > > Clear enough? Great. End of debate. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2014, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/12 "2014-09-23T22:49:56Z")
Its all bullshit. See the Pit thread. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/13 "2014-09-24T13:58:05Z")
If you’re not even allowed to carry a **sign** within a certain distance of the polls, how can you be allowed to carry a **gun?!** ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/14 "2014-09-24T15:11:28Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Its all bullshit. See the Pit thread. Well, I’m still opposed to it, even though it never existed. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/15 "2014-09-24T17:23:18Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > If you’re not even allowed to carry a **sign** within a certain distance of the polls, how can you be allowed to carry a **gun?!** Well, it’s confusing, because according to Holder’s DOJ, you can carry a club. Although that may be only if you’re Black. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/16 "2014-09-24T17:26:15Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > Well, it’s confusing, because according to Holder’s DOJ, you can carry a club. Although that may be only if you’re Black. Afraid that all those inner-city McCain voters were being intimidated? ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/17 "2014-09-24T17:38:13Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Afraid that all those inner-city McCain voters were being intimidated? Yes. Even if it was one. Actually, especially if it was one. I think everyone should be able to cast their vote of conscience without intimidation of any kind. You know, kind like the opposite of the unions you love so much. Surprised to see you don’t share that concern. Actually I’m not, since in your world anything that may help Dems is good and anything that may hurt Reps is good. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/18 "2014-09-24T18:54:45Z")
Where were there union thugs intimidating Republican voters? :dubious: Don’t criticize someone else for not living inside your imagination. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/19 "2014-09-24T18:55:21Z")
I’m more worried about the plank in the Republicans’ eye than the speck in the Democrats’ eye. I haven’t seen any stories about actual voters intimidated by they alleged “New Black Panthers” but there were tens of thousands kept from voting by voter ID laws, inequitable distribution of voting machines, flyers left in Democratic areas telling Democrats they are to vote on Wednesdays, telling people that they’ll be arrested if they have any outstanding warrants, etc. I certainly hope you share my disgust for all of these tactics. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358/20 "2014-09-24T20:02:45Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Where were there union thugs intimidating Republican voters? :dubious: How about you think about what I said a bit more. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wisconsin-militia-plan-for-poll-watching-legal/699358.md?page=2)