U.S. Justice Dept. will be monitoring Wisconsin elections

MADISON (AP) -- The U.S. Justice Department says it is dispatching observers to observe Wisconsin's presidential primary on Tuesday.

The Justice Department said Monday its poll watchers will be in Milwaukee to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and other federal voting rights laws.

The Voting Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the election process on the basis of race, color or membership in a minority language group. Milwaukee is required under the law to provide assistance to Spanish-speaking voters.

The Justice Department sends hundreds federal observers to monitor elections around the country every year.

The Republican presidential primary is the biggest issue on Wisconsin's ballot on Tuesday. In Milwaukee, Mayor Tom Barrett is also seeking re-election.

There are no statewide races for state office on the ballot.