GAB officials say locals can ban weapons at polls - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

State election officials say local governments can ban concealed weapons at all polling sites, from city halls to assisted living homes.

Government Accountability Board attorney Mike Haas writes in a report that Wisconsin's concealed carry law contains a provision that allows organizers to ban concealed weapons at special events. Haas writes that an election qualifies as a special event.

He also concludes officials at the polls have the right to maintain order and could legally order someone with a concealed weapon out if that person is disrupting the operation or distracting election workers.

Haas says GAB staff intends to tell municipalities that governing bodies such as city councils should decide on a weapons policy but will hold off until the state Justice Department reviews his analysis.

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