Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB571

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/26/23
• Refer: 10/26/23
• Report Pass: 11/7/23
• Refer: 11/7/23
• Engrossed: 11/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Maintenance of the voter registration list, training of municipal clerks, data sharing agreements, pre-election procedures, lines at the polls on election day, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

The bill mandates improvements to the voter registration process by implementing regular updates and data-sharing agreements with various state departments, including transportation and corrections. Specifically, it requires the Department of Corrections to transmit information daily regarding individuals convicted of felonies whose rights have not been restored, thus enabling timely updates to the voter registration list. Moreover, the Elections Commission is tasked with ensuring that data is consistently matched and verified with records related to mortality and residential addresses. This proactive approach is designed to enhance the integrity and accuracy of voter registration lists.

Summary

Assembly Bill 571 aims to enhance the management of voter registration and streamline election-related procedures in Wisconsin. The bill introduces mandatory training for municipal clerks, requiring them to complete at least three hours of training before conducting elections. This provision is aimed at ensuring that clerks are adequately prepared for their duties, particularly for those conducting elections for the first time. Additionally, the bill stipulates that counties must facilitate such training and cover expenses if clerks fail to comply with the training requirements. This approach highlights the emphasis placed on ensuring competent election administration at the local level.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB571 pertain to the balance between maintaining accurate voter rolls and ensuring voter accessibility. Critics argue that while it's crucial to prevent fraud, stringent measures to remove individuals from voter lists, such as those based on state department matches, could inadvertently disenfranchise eligible voters. The bill's reliance on data from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) and the requirement for regular checks with various state agencies have raised concerns regarding potential misinformation and the removal of voters who may not have been adequately notified about changes to their registration status.