Wisconsin Senate Bill SB292

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/15/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Filing a complaint with the Elections Commission.

Impact

The proposed modifications have the potential to increase voter engagement and oversight in the electoral process. By enabling family members to act on behalf of voters, the bill could serve to empower individuals who may be incapacitated, absent, or otherwise unable to advocate for themselves. Further, it addresses concerns over election integrity by providing a mechanism for reporting actions deemed contrary to law, such as voter impersonation or other prohibited practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 292 proposes an amendment to the existing legislation related to the filing of complaints with the Elections Commission in Wisconsin. Under current law, only voters in the jurisdiction or district where the alleged violation occurred are permitted to file a sworn complaint regarding improper actions by election officials. This bill seeks to expand that accessibility by allowing an adult child or parent of a voter to file a complaint on behalf of the voter regardless of their own voting status in the area.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the idea of family members filing complaints for voters, which some may view as a potential avenue for abuse or coercion in the electoral process. Critics may argue that this could lead to frivolous complaints, thereby overburdening the Elections Commission. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding the definition of who qualifies as an immediate family member and the implications it may have on the complaint process.