WI
Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB567

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB567

Introduced
10/26/23  
Refer
10/26/23  
Report Pass
11/7/23  
Refer
11/7/23  
Engrossed
11/9/23  
Refer
11/15/23  

Caption

Transmitting and canvassing absentee ballots, use of central counting locations, election night reporting, whistleblower protection for municipal clerks, notifications and verifications concerning citizenship status, court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

The new bill makes significant amendments to existing statutes, such as eliminating the option for municipalities to utilize central counting locations for absentee ballots and requiring immediate action from election officials upon receiving court determinations. Proponents argue that these measures will enhance the integrity of elections by tightening the process of verifying voter eligibility and ensuring that fraudulent activities are reported promptly. However, the legislation has faced pushback from critics who believe these changes might disenfranchise voters or overburden local election officials.

Summary

Assembly Bill 567 aims to modify the processes related to absentee ballots, voter registration, and the verification of voter eligibility in the electoral system. It requires municipal boards of absentee ballot canvassers to convene early, one day before elections, to begin canvassing absentee ballots, thus expediting the overall counting process. The bill also mandates notifications to the Elections Commission regarding voters classified as incompetent or ineligible to vote due to court determinations, ensuring timely updates to voter registration statuses.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding AB567, particularly relating to the potential implications for voter rights and the responsibilities it places on municipal clerks. The bill introduces a class of felonies for electoral officials who fail to meet their obligations under the new regulations, raising concerns about the repercussions faced by those managing election processes. Additionally, the whistleblower protections established within the bill are positively viewed by some, yet others worry about the unintended consequences such protections may have on how election fraud is reported or perceived.

Latest AB567 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB685

Transmitting and canvassing absentee ballots, use of central counting locations, election night reporting, whistleblower protection for municipal clerks, notifications and verifications concerning citizenship status, court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI HB847

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

WI HB858

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

WI HB704

Providing for early in-person voting in elections; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

WI HB489

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

WI HB488

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

WI SB631

Certain kinds of election fraud, defects on absentee ballot certificates, returning absentee ballots to the office of the municipal clerk, appointment of election officials, allowing an employee of a residential care facility or qualified retirement home to serve as a personal care voting assistant during a public health emergency or an incident of infectious disease, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI AB570

Certain kinds of election fraud, defects on absentee ballot certificates, returning absentee ballots to the office of the municipal clerk, appointment of election officials, allowing an employee of a residential care facility or qualified retirement home to serve as a personal care voting assistant during a public health emergency or an incident of infectious disease, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI HB159

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots.

WI HB37

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

Similar Bills

WI SB685

Transmitting and canvassing absentee ballots, use of central counting locations, election night reporting, whistleblower protection for municipal clerks, notifications and verifications concerning citizenship status, court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote, and providing a penalty. (FE)

MI HB6055

Elections: voting procedures; certain provisions regarding early voting; clarify, clarify provisions regarding use of electronic poll book software, clarify the provisions regarding the permanent mail ballot voter list for military and overseas voters, clarify procedures for absent voter ballots that are missing a stub or have a ballot number that does not match, and provide for other general amendments. Amends secs. 305, 497, 523b, 662, 664, 668b, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g, 720j, 759, 759a, 759e, 761d, 764c, 765a, 768, 798b, 805, 807, 813 & 829 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.305 et seq.).

WI SB834

Dissolving the Elections Commission, requiring the secretary of state to administer elections, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI AB899

Dissolving the Elections Commission, requiring the secretary of state to administer elections, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

MI SB0387

Elections: absent voters; processing and tabulation of absent voter ballots during the early voting period; allow, and allow an absent voter to tabulate the absent voter's ballot in person at a polling place or early voting site. Amends secs. 764a, 764b, 764d, 765, 765a, 765b, 768, 769, 798b & 805 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.764a et seq.); adds secs. 523b, 765c & 768a & repeals secs. 14b, 24k & 767 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.14b et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0370'23, SB 0372'23

MI HB4756

Elections: absent voters; processing and tabulation of absent voter ballots during the early voting period; allow, and allow an absent voter to tabulate the absent voter's ballot in person at a polling place or early voting site. Amends secs. 764a, 764b, 764d, 765, 765a, 765b, 768, 769, 798b & 805 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.764a et seq.); adds secs. 523b, 765c & 768a & repeals secs. 14b, 24k & 767 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.14b et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0370'23, SB 0372'23

MI SB1068

Elections: challengers; requirements and procedures for election challengers; modify, clarify challenges to voter registration, and clarify the procedure regarding certain absent voter ballots. Amends secs. 509r, 509aa, 509bb, 509cc, 512, 523b, 727, 728, 730, 731, 733, 765a & 769 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509r et seq.); adds secs. 726c, 726d & 726e & repeals secs. 729 & 732 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.729 & 168.732).

MI SB1034

Elections: voting procedures; process for voting without identification for election purposes; modify to include proof of identity and proof of state residency. Amends secs. 523, 523a, 813 & 829 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.523 et seq.).