Witness address requirements on absentee ballot certificates, curing defects on absentee ballot certificates, and providing a penalty.
Impact
The potential impact of SB966 on state laws is significant, as it modifies electoral procedures, particularly concerning absentee voting. By specifying the necessary elements required on a witness certification, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity of the voting process and reduce opportunities for fraudulent absentee ballots. However, it may also create unintended barriers for voters who may struggle to meet these requirements, particularly the elderly or disabled. This could affect voter turnout among those populations.
Summary
Senate Bill 966 aims to amend existing statutes concerning the requirements for absentee ballot certificates in Wisconsin. The bill stipulates that for an absentee ballot to be valid, the witness certification must include comprehensive identification details such as the printed first and last names, complete address including house number, street name, municipality, state, and zip code of the witness. If any of these details are missing, the ballot will not be counted, thus tightening the requirements on absentee voting.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB966 include the balance between ensuring election integrity and facilitating access to voting. Supporters of the bill argue that stringent witness requirements will help prevent ballot fraud and enhance the overall security of elections. In contrast, critics assert that these additional barriers could disenfranchise voters, particularly in communities where access to reliable witnesses may be more challenging. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for anyone other than the voter or the witness who attempts to correct defects on the absentee ballot, raising concerns about the potential criminalization of minor mistakes in the voting process.
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)
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)
Criminal procedure: evidence; consideration of videorecorded statements in certain proceedings; allow. Amends sec. 2163a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2163a).