UW-Eau Claire officials, student leaders say to stay informed as ‘threatening’ election text circulates in Wisconsin

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – With just over two weeks until Election Day, a text message that voting supporters called “threatening” was sent to many Wisconsin students.

The text message above is what the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is calling on state Attorney General Josh Kaul and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate.

The voter rights group said the text could discourage students from voting in the upcoming 2024 election.

“It was basically a warning to students not to go out and register,” said Matthew Lehner, president of the Wisconsin College Democrats. “The problem is that this is borderline voter intimidation. We can’t have that in an election year.

UW-Eau Claire student leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, want their fellow students to listen.

“I think students need to be aware and be careful when they see these texts,” said Tatiana Bobrowicz, president of the UWEC College Republicans. “I don’t think it’s very relevant on this campus, but it’s still scary nonetheless.”

University officials said it’s important to remember a few things if you’re an international student.

“Any college student who is out of state simply has to meet the residency requirements that any Wisconsin citizen would need,” Jake Wrasse said.

Wisconsin state law says that if you live in a precinct or voting precinct for 28 consecutive days with no plans to leave it soon, you can vote.

“Whether you’re from Minnesota, Wisconsin or Illinois, as a Wisconsin student, you have the right to vote,” Lehner said.

“Be sure to educate yourself and visit reputable websites, like myvote.wi.gov,” Bobrowicz said.

UW-Eau Claire students can also use their physical Blugold card as a voter ID.

University officials and student leaders said they would report any posts or activities that could discourage voting.

They also want everyone to remember that voter registration is available same day in Wisconsin.

Voting will take place at the Davies Student Center in the Ojibwe Grand Ballroom.

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