Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB496

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/18/23
• Refer: 10/18/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Requiring certain persons holding a state elective office to serve as an election official.

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant implications for state laws concerning election management and the responsibilities of elected officials. By requiring state officials to participate directly in elections as election officials, the bill may contribute to greater transparency in the electoral process. Further, this legislative change will likely reinforce the public's trust in the electoral system, as elected representatives demonstrate their commitment to fair and efficient elections.

Summary

Assembly Bill 496 seeks to enhance the accountability of elected officials in Wisconsin by requiring that all nonjudicial elective state officials serve as election officials during elections held in their respective municipalities. Specifically, this must occur during the official’s first term and once every three years in subsequent terms. The intent is to have elected officials engaged in the electoral process and gain firsthand experience of the election operations in their jurisdictions. The positions affected by the bill include governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state superintendent, state senator, and state representative.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding AB496. Critics may argue that mandating elected officials to serve as election officials could detract from their primary responsibilities and duties within government. Concerns over the potential disruption of regular legislative activities may arise, especially if officials are required to spend significant time training and serving as election officials. Furthermore, there is an exemption for officials who provide a physician's note indicating they are physically incapable of fulfilling the service requirement, which raises questions regarding the administrative burden of implementing such requirements and the integrity of the exemption process.