WISCONSIN (CBS 58) — The Wisconsin Department of Justice is reminding residents that voter intimidation and threats against election workers are illegal as the state prepares for the upcoming election.

The department also highlighted federal restrictions on the presence of troops or other armed personnel at polling places. Federal law generally prohibits federal civil or military officials from ordering, bringing or keeping troops or armed personnel at locations where a general or special election is being held, with a narrow exception involving armed enemies of the United States.

"Every eligible voter should be able to vote freely and safely," Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said. "The Wisconsin Department of Justice is fully committed to helping ensure that Wisconsin once again has a fair and secure election."

Wisconsin law prohibits using or threatening force to compel someone to vote, prevent someone from voting or influence how a person votes. State law also prohibits using duress or fraud to interfere with someone freely exercising their right to vote, according to DOJ guidance.

The department's Division of Criminal Investigation staffs the Wisconsin State Intelligence Center, or WSIC, which coordinates intelligence and information sharing among federal, state, local, tribal and campus law enforcement agencies.

The center also works with fire services, emergency management agencies, public health officials, military partners and private-sector organizations.

DOJ said WSIC continuously shares intelligence about potential threats with local law enforcement agencies and election administrators across Wisconsin and will continue doing so through Election Day.

The center works with its partners to gather, receive, analyze and distribute information involving potential threats to Wisconsin elections, including threats against election officials and possible domestic or foreign election interference.

The Wisconsin DOJ has used WSIC in previous election cycles to share information about potential threats with law enforcement and election officials throughout the state.

The department said it will also serve as a resource for WSIC, local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys as Election Day approaches.

DOJ officials plan to continue communicating with law enforcement and prosecutors about state and federal laws related to elections and election security.