Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB220

Introduced
4/25/25  

Caption

Residency requirements for persons circulating nomination papers or recall petitions.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB220 are designed to ensure that only individuals with a vested interest in Wisconsin—the state's eligible voters—can influence its electoral processes by gathering signatures for candidates or recall efforts. This bill could potentially reduce the number of people who may participate in the electoral process as circulators, which could impact how effectively candidates can mobilize support and gather the required signatures for their nomination papers or recall petitions.

Summary

Senate Bill 220 seeks to amend existing statutes concerning who is eligible to circulate nomination papers and recall petitions in Wisconsin elections. Under the current law, any U.S. citizen aged 18 or older can serve as a circulator if they are eligible to vote in Wisconsin or would not be disqualified if they were a resident. However, SB220 introduces stricter residency requirements, stipulating that only individuals who are eligible voters in Wisconsin can circulate these materials, thereby limiting the pool of potential circulators.

Contention

Supporters of SB220 argue that the bill enhances the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only Wisconsin voters can gather signatures, thereby preventing potential abuse by individuals outside the state or not closely connected to the electoral districts. On the other hand, opponents may contend that this restriction could overly limit public participation and representation in the political process, particularly for individuals who wish to engage in local governance or challenge incumbent officials through recall efforts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB1214

The first date on which nomination papers may be circulated for the spring election.

WI AB1067

The filing of nomination papers by certain candidates for local elective office. (FE)

WI AB1045

Residency requirement for purposes of voting.

WI SB943

Residency requirement for purposes of voting.

WI AB330

The number of signatures on nomination papers.

WI SB286

The number of signatures on nomination papers.

WI AB572

Absentee voting in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes and court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote.

WI SB593

Absentee voting in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes and court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote.

WI AB593

Voter preregistration of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. (FE)

WI SB550

Voter preregistration of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. (FE)

Similar Bills

WI SB1048

Revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of making corrections and reconciling conflicts (Correction Bill).

WI AB1095

Revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of making corrections and reconciling conflicts (Correction Bill).

WI SB895

Amendments to the 2023-25 capital budget for University of Wisconsin System projects, granting bonding authority, and making an appropriation.

WI AB921

Amendments to the 2023-25 capital budget for University of Wisconsin System projects, granting bonding authority, and making an appropriation.

WI SB990

Mandatory early literacy professional development.

WI SB163

Membership of the Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council in the Department of Workforce Development.

WI SJR28

Reaffirming Wisconsin’s commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the State of Wisconsin and Taiwan; reaffirming Wisconsin’s support for the Taiwan Relations Act; supporting Taiwan’s signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States; and continuing support for increasing Taiwan’s international profile.

WI AJR24

Reaffirming Wisconsin’s commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the State of Wisconsin and Taiwan; reaffirming Wisconsin’s support for the Taiwan Relations Act; supporting Taiwan’s signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States; and continuing support for increasing Taiwan’s international profile.