Republican Wisconsin Senate candidate Eric Hovde has clarified that he does not oppose elderly people voting, after initially suggesting that "almost nobody in a nursing home is in a point to vote." Hovde, who is running against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, stressed that "the elderly should absolutely vote."
Baldwin and Democrats had been attacking Hovde over his previous comments about nursing home voting, which have been a contentious issue in Wisconsin since the 2020 election. Hovde said his concerns were based on reports of people questioning how their severely ill relatives in nursing homes had voted. "A large percentage" of nursing home residents "are not in the mental capacity to (vote)," Hovde acknowledged, but he reiterated that he believes elderly people should be able to exercise their right to vote.
The issue of nursing home voting became a focus for Trump supporters following his narrow loss in Wisconsin in 2020. Some alleged illegal voting in nursing homes, though no charges were filed and Biden's victory withstood various reviews. The Wisconsin Elections Commission had also temporarily stopped sending poll workers to nursing homes due to COVID-19 restrictions, a decision that was later found to be unlawful.
Why this matters: The debate over nursing home voting highlights ongoing political tensions around election integrity and access in Wisconsin, a key battleground state. Hovde's comments and subsequent clarification reflect the sensitive nature of the issue as the 2024 election approaches.
Efforts by Republicans in the state legislature to tighten regulations on nursing home voting have faced obstacles, with measures either failing to pass or being vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Hovde accused his opponents and the media of "political hits" regarding his comments, stating that his issue was based on specific reports of people questioning how their severely ill relatives had voted. The Republican candidate's stance on elderly voting will likely remain a point of contention as the closely watched Wisconsin Senate race unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin Senate candidate Hovde clarified he doesn't oppose elderly voting.
- Hovde initially suggested many nursing home residents lack mental capacity to vote.
- Nursing home voting became a focus for Trump supporters after his 2020 loss in WI.
- Efforts by WI Republicans to tighten nursing home voting rules have faced obstacles.
- Hovde's stance on elderly voting will likely remain a point of contention in the race.
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Wisconsin GOP Senate Candidate Clarifies Stance on Elderly Voting After Controversial Comments
Wisconsin Senate candidate Eric Hovde clarifies he doesn't oppose elderly voting, after suggesting nursing home residents may lack mental capacity. Debate over nursing home voting reflects ongoing tensions around election integrity in this battleground state.
Wisconsin GOP Senate Candidate Clarifies Stance on Elderly Voting After Controversial Comments
Republican Wisconsin Senate candidate Eric Hovde has clarified that he does not oppose elderly people voting, after initially suggesting that "almost nobody in a nursing home is in a point to vote." Hovde, who is running against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, stressed that "the elderly should absolutely vote."
Baldwin and Democrats had been attacking Hovde over his previous comments about nursing home voting, which have been a contentious issue in Wisconsin since the 2020 election. Hovde said his concerns were based on reports of people questioning how their severely ill relatives in nursing homes had voted. "A large percentage" of nursing home residents "are not in the mental capacity to (vote)," Hovde acknowledged, but he reiterated that he believes elderly people should be able to exercise their right to vote.
The issue of nursing home voting became a focus for Trump supporters following his narrow loss in Wisconsin in 2020. Some alleged illegal voting in nursing homes, though no charges were filed and Biden's victory withstood various reviews. The Wisconsin Elections Commission had also temporarily stopped sending poll workers to nursing homes due to COVID-19 restrictions, a decision that was later found to be unlawful.
Why this matters: The debate over nursing home voting highlights ongoing political tensions around election integrity and access in Wisconsin, a key battleground state. Hovde's comments and subsequent clarification reflect the sensitive nature of the issue as the 2024 election approaches.
Efforts by Republicans in the state legislature to tighten regulations on nursing home voting have faced obstacles, with measures either failing to pass or being vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Hovde accused his opponents and the media of "political hits" regarding his comments, stating that his issue was based on specific reports of people questioning how their severely ill relatives had voted. The Republican candidate's stance on elderly voting will likely remain a point of contention as the closely watched Wisconsin Senate race unfolds.
Key Takeaways