3-13-14 election observers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a pair of bills related to the operation of polls on election day.  One bill passed Wednesday would set parameters for where election observers can stand. The bill would allow them to be as close as three feet away from the table where people register to vote and where they receive their ballot.  Under current law, the chief inspector or municipal clerk designates areas for election observers to stand.  The other bill would allow poll workers to come from anywhere in the county where they live, rather than just from their municipality or ward.  Both bills passed 17-16 with all Democrats against, along with Republican Sen. Dale Schultz.  Democrats objected saying the bills would lead to partisan problems at the polls.