Wisconsin Senate Bill SB966

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/26/24
• Report Pass: 2/15/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Witness address requirements on absentee ballot certificates, curing defects on absentee ballot certificates, and providing a penalty.

Impact

The potential impact of SB966 on state laws is significant, as it modifies electoral procedures, particularly concerning absentee voting. By specifying the necessary elements required on a witness certification, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity of the voting process and reduce opportunities for fraudulent absentee ballots. However, it may also create unintended barriers for voters who may struggle to meet these requirements, particularly the elderly or disabled. This could affect voter turnout among those populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 966 aims to amend existing statutes concerning the requirements for absentee ballot certificates in Wisconsin. The bill stipulates that for an absentee ballot to be valid, the witness certification must include comprehensive identification details such as the printed first and last names, complete address including house number, street name, municipality, state, and zip code of the witness. If any of these details are missing, the ballot will not be counted, thus tightening the requirements on absentee voting.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB966 include the balance between ensuring election integrity and facilitating access to voting. Supporters of the bill argue that stringent witness requirements will help prevent ballot fraud and enhance the overall security of elections. In contrast, critics assert that these additional barriers could disenfranchise voters, particularly in communities where access to reliable witnesses may be more challenging. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for anyone other than the voter or the witness who attempts to correct defects on the absentee ballot, raising concerns about the potential criminalization of minor mistakes in the voting process.