Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AJR17

Introduced
3/22/23  
Refer
3/22/23  

Caption

Calling on the governor to call a special election to fill a vacancy in the Office of Secretary of State.

Impact

If enacted, AJR17 would require Governor Tony Evers to exercise his powers as outlined in section 8.50 (4) (c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to call for an immediate special election. This could expedite the process of filling the Secretary of State position, which is responsible for numerous critical functions, including maintaining state government records and affixing the state's seal to official documents. The urgency of this resolution underscores the importance of having elected officials in key government roles to ensure accountability and representation.

Summary

AJR17 is a Joint Resolution introduced in the Wisconsin legislature that calls upon the governor to initiate a special election to fill a vacancy in the Office of Secretary of State. The vacancy arose following the resignation of Douglas J. La Follette on March 17, 2023. This resolution seeks to reaffirm the voters' right to elect their state constitutional officers, reflecting the democratic principle that elected positions should be filled through elections rather than appointments.

Contention

The resolution may lead to discussions regarding the appropriate use of gubernatorial powers and the timeframe deemed acceptable for filling such vacancies. Supporters of AJR17 are likely to argue that a special election upholds democratic processes, while potential detractors might raise concerns about the feasibility and urgency of conducting a special election, especially in terms of costs and logistics involved in the electoral process during a potentially tight timeframe.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SJR21

Calling on the governor to call a special election to fill a vacancy in the Office of Secretary of State.

WI AB476

Filling vacancies in elective state offices in the executive branch.

WI SB465

Filling vacancies in elective state offices in the executive branch.

WI SB335

Requires special elections to fill vacancies in statewide elected offices other than U.S. Senator

WI HB743

(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes the office of lieutenant governor, transfers duties to secretary of state, provides for filling vacancies in office of secretary of state and governor (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)

WI HB417

Vacancies in elected local offices; timeliness of special election to fill vacancy.

WI HR0139

A resolution to call on the Governor to call a special election to fill the vacancy in the Thirty-fifth Senate District.

WI HB2173

Vacancies in office; United States Senator; requiring certain appointment; providing for special elections; duties of Governor.

WI SB66

Elections; filling vacancies in the General Assembly, certain vacancies to be filled within 30 days.

WI SB66

Elections; filling vacancies in the General Assembly, certain vacancies to be filled within 30 days.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.