Wisconsin Senate Bill SB528

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Top-five primaries and instant runoff voting for the offices of U.S. senator and U.S. representative in Congress. (FE)

Impact

The legislative revisions introduced by SB528 are expected to transform how elections are conducted in the state. By adopting instant runoff voting for general elections, voters will be able to rank their preferred candidates, reducing the likelihood of 'spoiler' candidates affecting the outcome. This voting method allows for a more nuanced expression of voter preferences and is designed to ensure that elected officials represent a broader spectrum of voter sentiment. These changes may significantly increase voter engagement and participation, as residents will feel their votes carry more weight in determining outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill 528 aims to reform the electoral process for the offices of U.S. senator and U.S. representative in Congress by implementing top-five primaries and establishing instant runoff voting. The bill proposes that during partisan primaries, voters will have the opportunity to vote for candidates from any party, allowing for a more inclusive ballot that reflects voter preferences across party lines. The top five candidates with the highest number of votes will then appear on the general election ballot, enhancing the democratic process by providing more choices to voters.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB528 has sparked a range of opinions among lawmakers and political activists. Proponents argue that this reform could generate greater competition among candidates and facilitate a political climate that is less polarized. However, opponents have raised concerns about the practicality of implementing such a system, worrying it could complicate the voting process and lead to confusion among voters unfamiliar with ranked-choice mechanics. Additionally, the bill's impact on smaller and independent parties has been a topic of debate, raising the question of whether these reforms might favor larger political groups over less established ones.