In the midst of a closely watched U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin, the Republican candidate has clarified his position on elderly people voting after facing criticism for his initial comments regarding nursing home voting.
The candidate, Eric Hovde, emphasized that he does not oppose elderly individuals voting, contrary to earlier statements that suggested otherwise. Hovde's opponent, Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and other Democrats have been scrutinizing his remarks made in relation to nursing home voting.
The issue of nursing home voting gained attention in Wisconsin following the 2020 election, with allegations of illegal voting in nursing homes. However, investigations did not substantiate claims of widespread voter fraud in nursing homes.
Hovde raised concerns about the voting practices in nursing homes, citing instances where individuals questioned the voting activities of their severely ill relatives. While he mentioned that a significant number of nursing home residents may not be in a mental capacity to vote, he reiterated that he believes elderly people should have the right to vote.
State law in Wisconsin mandates the provision of special voting deputies to nursing homes to facilitate voting for residents. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on visitations to nursing homes posed challenges to the voting process.
An audit revealed that the Wisconsin Elections Commission had violated the law by advising clerks not to send deputies into nursing homes for voting assistance. Despite calls for criminal charges against commission members, no charges were filed due to jurisdictional issues and lack of evidence of criminal activity.
Efforts by Republicans in the Legislature to tighten regulations on nursing home voting have faced obstacles, with measures either failing to pass or being vetoed by the Governor.
The Wisconsin Senate race remains a focal point in the upcoming elections, with both candidates addressing critical issues such as nursing home voting as part of their campaign platforms.
