Evers to mobilize Wisconsin National Guard to help with primary elections

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday that he’s mobilizing the Wisconsin National Guard to help officials as poll workers for the Aug. 11 primary election.

Evers encouraged anyone interested in being a poll worker to apply at their municipal clerk’s office or by visiting MyVote Wisconsin.

"The Wisconsin National Guard has played a critical role in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and this mission is no different," said Gov. Evers. "Time and time again the Guard has stepped up to help their neighbors, friends, and communities, as they will be doing on election day by helping to ensure that every Wisconsinite can vote safely without fear for their health."

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Evers has not said how many Guard members will be mobilized in the coming days, but the Guard is working with the Wisconsin Elections Commission to determine the need.

Evers’ office said the troops will report to duty on Sunday for training and will then report to clerks Monday for more site-specific training ahead of Tuesday’s election. The troops will be released from duty on Aug. 12.

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The Wisconsin National Guard has played a key role in the state’s last two elections on April 7 and May 11. The mobilizations to support the Wisconsin Elections Commission come amid the largest sustained mobilization for domestic support in the state’s history with more than 1,000 Guard soldiers and airmen still supporting the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.