Wisconsin Senate Bill SB490

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/16/23
• Refer: 10/16/23
• Report Pass: 11/10/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Counting write-in votes in the general election.

Impact

If enacted, SB490 would impact the statutes surrounding election processes, particularly the rules concerning candidate registration for write-in votes. This change is designed to strengthen the integrity of the election process by preventing candidates who have already been eliminated from the primary elections from seeking write-in votes in the general election. By doing so, the bill seeks to ensure that candidates on the ballot are those who have received support from voters in the primary, thereby enhancing the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Summary

Senate Bill 490 aims to modify the rules regarding the counting of write-in votes in Wisconsin's general elections. Under existing law, write-in votes for candidates can only be counted if those candidates have filed a registration statement by a specified deadline. SB490 introduces a significant change by stipulating that candidates who lose in the partisan primary elections will be prohibited from filing a registration statement to have their write-in votes counted in the general election. This amendment intends to clarify and streamline the write-in voting process in Wisconsin's electoral system.

Contention

While the bill's intent may be to simplify the election process, it could raise points of contention regarding voter rights and candidate eligibility. Critics might argue that restricting write-in vote registration for losing candidates could limit the choices available to voters in the general election. This could be particularly contentious in close primary races where the outcome might not reflect the preferences of the wider electorate. Additionally, there may be concerns about the implications for voter expression and dissatisfaction with the candidates available on the ballot.