Wisconsin Senate Bill SB472

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/29/23
• Refer: 9/29/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Wisconsin's membership agreement with the Electronic Registration Information Center. (FE)

Impact

The bill amends several sections of the state statutes related to voter registration and the sharing of personal information. By repealing existing provisions that require the Elections Commission to enter into a membership agreement with ERIC, SB472 centralizes voter registration processes within the state without relying on external organizations. This could lead to changes in how voter data is verified and maintained, raising concerns about the integrity and security of voter registration efforts in Wisconsin.

Summary

Senate Bill 472 addresses Wisconsin's relationship with the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), an organization designed to assist state agencies in maintaining accurate voter registration lists. The bill explicitly terminates Wisconsin's membership agreement with ERIC, meaning the state will no longer receive assistance from the organization in managing its voter registration database. This change is significant as it alters how voter data is maintained and potentially affects the accuracy of voter lists, which are critical for conducting fair elections.

Contention

The proposal to end Wisconsin's agreement with ERIC has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents of the bill argue that it allows the state greater control over voter registration and protects citizen privacy by limiting the sharing of sensitive personal information with third parties. However, opponents contend that this move could undermine the effectiveness of maintaining an accurate and up-to-date voter registry. Critics fear that without assistance from ERIC's sophisticated data-sharing networks, inaccuracies may increase, leading to potential disenfranchisement of voters.