Wisconsin Senate Bill SB562

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Voter registration at high schools. (FE)

Impact

The introduction of SB562 is likely to lead to an increase in voter participation among high school students as they approach voting age. By allowing registration to take place within the school environment, supporters assert that this initiative could enhance the civic engagement of adolescents and expose them to the voting process early on in their lives. Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals who are 18 by the next election automatically be registered to vote, thus reducing barriers for young voters and ensuring they are prepared to participate in elections without unnecessary complications.

Summary

Senate Bill 562 seeks to reinstate provisions for voter registration at public high schools in Wisconsin, which were effectively removed by a previous law enacted in 2011. The bill allows enrolled students and high school staff to register to vote directly at their schools, ensuring easier access to the electoral process for younger voters. Under this proposed framework, the municipal clerks are required to notify school boards, who will then appoint special registration deputies at each high school to facilitate the registration process. This change aims to streamline and modernize voter registration, particularly targeting younger populations within the state.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, SB562 may face opposition from those concerned about election integrity and the role of schools in the voter registration process. Critics may argue that facilitating voter registration in schools might open the door for potential abuses or inconsistencies in maintaining accurate voter rolls, particularly with regard to verifying the eligibility of registrants. Furthermore, some may question whether educational institutions should be involved in the political process in such a manner, which could lead to debates about the appropriateness of political activities within academic settings.