Wisconsin Senate Bill SB550

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Voter preregistration of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. (FE)

Summary

Senate Bill 550 proposes the introduction of preregistration for voters aged 16 and 17 in Wisconsin. Under current law, voting is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over. This bill aims to allow younger individuals who are otherwise eligible to vote to preregister, meaning they can complete their registration process before they reach voting age, but they will be unable to vote until they turn 18 on election day. This initiative is intended to enhance electoral participation among young people and to help them become more engaged in the democratic process before they reach adulthood. The bill amends existing statutes related to voter registration, specifically creating new sections that set forth the conditions under which minors can preregister. This includes provisions that disallow individuals who preregister from voting until they are of legal voting age. By allowing preregistration, the bill seeks to align voter registration practices with initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation in elections, which is seen as crucial for the future of democratic engagement. Supporters of SB550 argue that preregistration could lead to higher turnout rates among young voters by simplifying the voting process for them. It provides them with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the registration and voting process, potentially reducing barriers to participation when they do reach voting age. Advocates also contend that encouraging civic engagement at a younger age is essential for fostering a lifetime of participation in democratic processes. However, the bill may face opposition regarding concerns about the readiness of 16- and 17-year-olds to engage in the electoral process. Critics may argue that preregistration could lead to complications or misunderstandings regarding voting eligibility and responsibilities. Moreover, there might be discussions about whether the state should invest in educating younger individuals about the voting process, given that they will not be eligible to vote until they are older, creating questions about resource allocation and priorities within the state’s electoral system.