The suspension of a rule of the Elections Commission.
Impact
By repealing the emergency rule, SB46 allows municipalities greater flexibility in providing instructions for absentee voting. Local officials will now be able to offer additional administrative or logistical guidance to voters without being restricted to the uniform instructions set by the Elections Commission. This change aims to enhance local control and potentially improve voter access and understanding of absentee voting procedures.
Summary
Senate Bill 46 relates to the suspension of a rule established by the Wisconsin Elections Commission regarding absentee voting procedures. This bill was introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session and is specifically designed to repeal emergency rule 2407, which mandated that municipalities could only use uniform instructions for absentee voting as prescribed by the commission. The existing rule had drawn concerns regarding its implications for local election management and voter assistance.
Contention
The discussion around SB46 highlights notable contention regarding the balance of power between state oversight and local administration of elections. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing municipalities to tailor their voting instructions can lead to improved voter engagement and participation. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the uniformity and integrity of the absentee voting process, fearing that disparate instructions could lead to confusion among voters and undermine the consistency that state regulations are intended to provide.