Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB93

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Report Pass: 11/6/23
• Refer: 11/6/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Verifying citizenship of individuals on the official voter registration list and contents of operator's licenses and identification cards. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB93 would significantly impact state laws regarding voter registration procedures by introducing new verification steps that require access to private data held by DOT. This change may lead to more rigorous scrutiny of voter registrations, potentially affecting the overall accessibility and fluidity of the voting process in Wisconsin. The requirement for identification cards to indicate if a person is not a U.S. citizen, marked with 'Not valid for voting purposes,' is another key component that aligns voting eligibility with documented citizenship status.

Summary

Assembly Bill 93 aims to amend current regulations regarding voter registration and the verification of citizenship for individuals on the official voter registration list in Wisconsin. The bill stipulates that the Elections Commission must collaborate with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to access personally identifiable information in order to validate that individuals registered to vote are, in fact, U.S. citizens. This process must be undertaken promptly once the bill is enacted and whenever a new registration or modification to an existing registration occurs.

Contention

There are various points of contention surrounding AB93. Advocates argue that enhancing voter registration verification is crucial for maintaining the integrity of elections and preventing unauthorized voting. However, opponents contend that the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly marginalized groups who may face challenges in proving their citizenship. Moreover, the administrative burden on the Elections Commission and the implications for voter turnout are significant concerns voiced by critics of the bill.