Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB604

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/31/23
• Refer: 10/31/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Automatic voter registration, deceptive election practices, voter intimidation and suppression, voter rights, polling place posting and language requirements, election manual requirements, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

AB604 places a strong emphasis on preventing voter intimidation and the dissemination of deceptive information regarding elections. It explicitly prohibits individuals from engaging in or threatening actions that compel another person to vote or refrain from voting through violence or coercive tactics. Those found guilty of such actions would face severe penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment. This stringent stance is intended to foster a safe voting environment and protect the fundamental rights of voters. Furthermore, the bill encourages reporting of deceptive practices and includes provisions for individuals aggrieved by such actions to seek legal remedies.

Summary

Assembly Bill 604, introduced for the 2023-2024 legislative session, addresses various aspects of election laws aimed at strengthening the integrity of the voting process. A significant component of the bill is the implementation of automatic voter registration, which mandates the Elections Commission to register eligible electors by utilizing personal information from the Department of Transportation, thereby enhancing accessibility to the voter registration process. This measure is expected to simplify voter registration, ensuring individuals remain registered as long as they are eligible. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of personal data shared during this process, allowing individuals the option to opt-out of such transfers.

Contention

Debates surrounding AB604 revealed varied perspectives on its implications. Proponents argue that automatic voter registration is a crucial step toward increasing voter participation, particularly among marginalized groups who may not have easy access to registration. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the use of personal data from state agencies could infringe on privacy rights, and they worry about potential misuse of the information. Additionally, while the bill aims to enhance election integrity, critics caution that strict penalties for deceptive practices could inadvertently penalize individuals without malicious intent, leading to claims of disenfranchisement.