451,55
Section
55
. 6.55 (7) of the statutes is repealed.
451,56
Section
56. 6.56 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.56 (1) The list containing the names of persons voting under ss. 6.29 and 6.55 (2) and (3) shall be returned together with all forms and certificates to the municipal clerk.
451,57
Section
57. 6.56 (2) of the statutes is repealed.
451,58
Section
58. 6.56 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.56 (3) Upon receipt of the list under sub. (1), the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall make an audit of all electors registering to vote at the polling place or other registration location under s. 6.55 (2) and all electors registering by agent on election day under s. 6.86 (3) (a) 2. unless the clerk or board of election commissioners receives notice from the board under sub. (7) that the board will perform the audit. The audit shall be made by 1st class postcard. The postcard shall be marked in accordance with postal regulations to ensure that it will be returned to the clerk or, board of election commissioners, or elections board if the elector does not reside at the address given on the postcard. If any postcard is returned undelivered, or if the clerk or, board of election commissioners, or elections board is informed of a different address than the one specified by the elector which was apparently improper on the day of the election, the clerk or, board of election commissioners, or elections board shall change the status of the elector from eligible to ineligible on the registration list and, mail the elector a notice of the change in status, and provide the name of the elector to the district attorney for the county where the polling place is located.
451,59
Section
59. 6.56 (3m) of the statutes is created to read:
6.56 (3m) As soon as possible after all information relating to registrations after the close of registration for an election is entered on the registration list following the election under s. 6.33 (5) (a), the board shall compare the list of new registrants whose names do not appear on the poll lists for the election because the names were added after the board certified the poll lists for use at the election with the list containing the names transmitted to the board by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20) as of election day. If the board finds that the name of any person whose name appears on the list transmitted under s. 301.03 (20) has been added to the registration list, the board shall enter on the list the information transmitted to the board under s. 301.03 (20) and shall notify the district attorney that the person appears to have voted illegally at the election.
451,60
Section
60. 6.56 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.56 (4) After each election, the municipal clerk shall carefully check perform an audit to assure that no person has been allowed to vote more than once. Whenever the municipal clerk has good reason to believe that a person has voted more than once in an election, the clerk shall send the person a 1st class letter marked in accordance with postal regulations to ensure that it will be returned to the clerk if the elector does not reside at the address given on the letter. The letter shall inform the person that all registrations relating to that person may be changed from eligible to ineligible status within 7 days unless the person contacts the office of the clerk to clarify the matter. A copy of the letter and of any subsequent information received from or about the addressee shall be sent to the district attorney.
451,61
Section
61. 6.56 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.56 (5) Whenever any letter or postcard mailed under this section is returned undelivered, or whenever the U.S. postal service notifies the clerk of an improper address which was apparently improper on the day of the election or whenever it otherwise appears that a person has voted who is not qualified or has voted more than once in an election, and the person has been permitted to vote after corroboration was made under s. 6.55 (2) or (3) or 6.86 (3) (a) 2., the name of the corroborator shall also be provided to the district attorney.
451,62
Section
62. 6.56 (7) of the statutes is created to read:
6.56 (7) The board may elect to perform the duties of municipal clerks to conduct the audits required under subs. (3) and (4) for any election on behalf of all municipalities in the state. If the board so elects, the board shall, no later than the date of the election for which the audits will be performed, notify the municipal clerk of each municipality that the board will perform the audits.
6.79 (2) (d) The poll list indicates that identification proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required, the officials shall require the elector to provide identification
proof of residence. If identification proof of residence is provided, the officials shall verify that the name and address on the identification document submitted as proof of residence provided is the same as the name and address shown on the registration list. If identification
proof of residence is required and not provided, the officials shall offer the opportunity for the elector to vote under s. 6.97.
451,64
Section
64. 6.79 (2) (dm) of the statutes is created to read:
6.79 (2) (dm) If the poll list indicates that the elector is ineligible to vote because the elector's name appears on the current list provided by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20), the inspectors shall inform the elector of this fact. If the elector maintains that he or she is eligible to vote in the election, the inspectors shall provide the elector with a ballot and, after the elector casts his or her vote, shall challenge the ballot as provided in s. 6.92 and treat the ballot in the manner provided in s. 6.95.
451,65
Section
65. 6.79 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.79 (4) Supplemental information. When any elector provides acceptable proof of residence under s. 6.15, 6.29 or 6.55 (2) or (3), the election officials shall enter the type of identifying document provided on the poll list, or separate list maintained under sub. (2) (c). If the document submitted as proof of identity or residence includes a number which applies only to the individual holding that document, the election officials shall also enter that number on the list. When any elector corroborates the registration identity or residence of any person offering to vote under s. 6.55 (2) (b) or (c) or (3), or the registration identity or residence of any person registering on election day under s. 6.86 (3) (a) 2., the election officials shall also enter the name and address of the corroborator next to the name of the elector whose information is being corroborated on the poll list, or the separate list maintained under sub. (2) (c). When any person offering to vote has been challenged and taken the oath, following the person's name on the poll list, the officials shall enter the word "Sworn".
451,66
Section
66. 6.82 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.82 (1) (a) When any inspectors are informed that an elector is at the entrance to the polling place who as a result of disability is unable to enter the polling place, they shall permit the elector to be assisted in marking a ballot by any individual selected by the elector, except the elector's employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector. The individual selected by the elector shall provide identification proof of residence under s. 6.34 for the assisted elector, whenever required, and all other information necessary for the elector to obtain a ballot under s. 6.79 (2). The inspectors shall issue a ballot to the individual selected by the elector and shall accompany the individual to the polling place entrance where the assistance is to be given. If the ballot is a paper ballot, the assisting individual shall fold the ballot after the ballot is marked by the assisting individual. The assisting individual shall then immediately take the ballot into the polling place and give the ballot to an inspector. The inspector shall distinctly announce that he or she has "a ballot offered by .... (stating person's name), an elector who, as a result of disability, is unable to enter the polling place without assistance". The inspector shall then ask, "Does anyone object to the reception of this ballot?" If no objection is made, the inspectors shall record the elector's name under s. 6.79 and deposit the ballot in the ballot box, and shall make a notation on the poll list: "Ballot received at poll entrance".
451,67
Section
67. 6.855 of the statutes is created to read:
6.855 Alternate absentee ballot site.
(1) The governing body of a municipality may elect to designate a site other than the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners as the location from which electors of the municipality may request and vote absentee ballots and to which voted absentee ballots shall be returned by electors for any election. The designated site shall be located as near as practicable to the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners and no site may be designated that affords an advantage to any political party. An election by a governing body to designate an alternate site under this section shall be made no fewer than 14 days prior to the time that absentee ballots are available for the primary under s. 7.15 (1) (cm), if a primary is scheduled to be held, or at least 14 days prior to the time that absentee ballots are available for the election under s. 7.15 (1) (cm), if a primary is not scheduled to be held, and shall remain in effect until at least the day after the election. If the governing body of a municipality makes an election under this section, no function related to voting and return of absentee ballots that is to be conducted at the alternate site may be conducted in the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners.
(2) The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall prominently display a notice of the designation of the alternate site selected under sub. (1) in the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners beginning on the date that the site is designated under sub. (1) and continuing through the period that absentee ballots are available for the election and for any primary under s. 7.15 (1) (cm). If the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners maintains a Web site on the Internet, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall post a notice of the designation of the alternate site selected under sub. (1) on the Web site during the same period that notice is displayed in the office of the clerk or board of election commissioners.
(3) An alternate site under sub. (1) shall be staffed by the municipal clerk or the executive director of the board of election commissioners, or employees of the clerk or the board of election commissioners.
(4) An alternate site under sub. (1) shall be accessible to all individuals with disabilities.
451,68
Section
68. 6.86 (1) (a) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.86 (1) (a) (intro.) Any elector, qualifying who is registered to vote whenever required and who qualifies under ss. 6.20 and 6.85 as an absent elector, may make written application to the municipal clerk for an official ballot by one of the following methods:
451,69
Section
69. 6.86 (1) (a) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:
6.86 (1) (a) 2. In person at the office of the municipal clerk or at an alternate site under s. 6.855, if applicable.
451,70
Section
70. 6.86 (1) (a) 6. of the statutes is created to read:
6.86 (1) (a) 6. By electronic mail or facsimile transmission as provided in par (ac).
451,71
Section
71. 6.86 (1) (ac) of the statutes is created to read:
6.86 (1) (ac) Any elector qualifying under par. (a) may make written application to the municipal clerk for an official ballot by means of facsimile transmission or electronic mail. Any application under this paragraph shall contain a copy of the applicant's original signature. An elector requesting a ballot under this paragraph shall return with the voted ballot a copy of the request bearing an original signature of the elector as provided in s. 6.87 (4).
451,72
Section
72. 6.86 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.86 (1) (b) Except as provided in this section, if application is made in writing by mail, the application, signed by the elector, shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday 5th day immediately preceding the election. If application is made in person, the application shall be made no later than 5 p.m. on the day preceding the election. If the elector is making written application for an absentee ballot at the September primary or general election and the application indicates that the elector is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.36 (2) (c), the application shall be received by the municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on election day. If the elector is making written application and the application indicates that the reason for requesting an absentee ballot is that the elector is a sequestered juror, the application shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on election day. If the application is received after 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election, the municipal clerk or the clerk's agent shall immediately take the ballot to the court in which the elector is serving as a juror and deposit it with the judge. The judge shall recess court, as soon as convenient, and give the elector the ballot. The judge shall then witness the voting procedure as provided in s. 6.87 and shall deliver the ballot to the clerk or agent of the clerk who shall deliver it to the polling place or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal clerk as required in s. 6.88. If application is made under sub. (2) or (2m), the application may be received no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election.
451,73
Section
73. 6.86 (1) (c) of the statutes is created to read:
6.86 (1) (c) If an application is made by mail by a military elector, as defined in s. 6.22 (1) (b), the application shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election.
451,73m
Section 73m. 6.86 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:
6.86 (2m) An elector other than an elector who is eligible to receive absentee ballots under sub. (2) may by written application filed with the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides require that an absentee ballot be sent to the elector automatically for every election that is held within the same calendar year in which the application is filed. The application form and instructions shall be prescribed by the board, and furnished upon request to any elector by each municipal clerk. The municipal clerk shall thereupon mail an absentee ballot to the elector for all elections that are held in the municipality during the same calendar year that the application is filed, except that the clerk shall not send an absentee ballot for an election if the elector's name appeared on the registration list in eligible status for a previous election following the date of the application but no longer appears on the list in eligible status. The municipal clerk shall ensure that the envelope containing the absentee ballot is clearly marked as not forwardable. If an elector who files an application under this subsection no longer resides at the same address that is indicated on the application form, the elector shall so notify the municipal clerk. The municipal clerk shall discontinue mailing absentee ballots to an elector under this subsection upon receipt of reliable information that the elector no longer qualifies for the service. The clerk shall notify the elector of any such action not taken at the elector's request within 5 days, if possible. If a municipal clerk is notified by an elector that the elector's residence is changed to another municipality within this state, the municipal clerk shall forward the request to the municipal clerk of that municipality and that municipal clerk shall honor the request, except as provided in this subsection.
451,74
Section
74. 6.86 (3) (a) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:
6.86 (3) (a) 2. If a hospitalized elector is not registered, the elector may register by agent under this subdivision at the same time that the elector applies for an official ballot by agent under subd. 1. To register the elector under this subdivision, the agent shall present a completed registration form that contains the required information supplied by the elector and the elector's signature, unless the elector is unable to sign due to physical disability. In this case, the elector may authorize another elector to sign on his or her behalf. Any elector signing a form on another elector's behalf shall attest to a statement that the application is made on request and by authorization of the named elector, who is unable to sign the form due to physical disability. The agent shall present this statement along with all other information required under this subdivision. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the agent shall in every case provide acceptable proof of the elector's residence under s. 6.55 (7)
6.34. If the elector is registering to vote in the general election and the agent presents a valid driver's license issued to the elector by another state, the municipal clerk shall record on a separate list the name and address of the elector, the name of the state, and the license number and expiration date of the license. If the agent cannot present this proof of residence, the registration form shall be signed and substantiated by another elector residing in the elector's municipality of residence, corroborating the information in the form. The form shall contain the full name and address of the corroborating elector. The agent shall then present acceptable proof of the corroborating elector's residence under s. 6.55 (7) 6.34.
451,75
Section
75. 6.86 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.86 (3) (c) An application under par. (a) 1. may be made and a registration form under par. (a) 2. may be filed in person at the office of the municipal clerk not earlier than 7 days before an election and not later than 5 p.m. on the day of the election. A list of hospitalized electors applying for ballots under par. (a) 1. shall be made by the municipal clerk and used to check that the electors vote only once, and by absentee ballot. If identification is required the elector is registering for the election after the close of registration or if the elector registered by mail and has not voted in an election in this state, the municipal clerk shall so inform the agent that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the elector shall enclose identification proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope with the ballot. The ballot shall be sealed by the elector and returned to the municipal clerk either by mail or by personal delivery of the agent; but if the ballot is returned on the day of the election, the agent shall make personal delivery at to the polling place serving the hospitalized elector's residence before the closing hour for the ballot to be counted or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal clerk no later than 8 p.m. on election day.
451,76
Section
76. 6.865 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.865 (1) In this section, "military elector" and "overseas elector" have the meanings given under s. 6.36 (2) (c) 6.34 (1).
451,77
Section
77. 6.865 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.865 (3) If Except as provided in sub. (3m), if the elector making a timely request for an absentee ballot is a military elector or an overseas elector and the elector requests that he or she be sent an absentee ballot for the next 2 general elections, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall comply with the request except that no ballot shall be sent for a succeeding general election if the elector's name appeared on the registration list for a previous general election and no longer appears on the registration list for the succeeding general election. If the elector's address for the succeeding general election is in a municipality that is different from the municipality in which the elector resided for the first general election, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall forward the request to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality where the elector resides.
451,78a
Section 78a. 6.865 (3m) of the statutes is created to read:
6.865 (3m) (a) Except as provided in par. (c), if any elector who certifies that he or she will be a military elector on election day requests an absentee ballot, the municipal clerk shall send or transmit to the elector an absentee ballot for all elections that occur in the municipality or portion thereof where the elector resides beginning on the date that the clerk receives the request and ending on the day after the 3rd successive general election that follows receipt of the request, unless the elector otherwise requests. In addition, the municipal clerk shall continue to send or transmit to the elector an absentee ballot for all elections ending on the day after the 3rd successive general election that follows any election at which the elector returns an absentee ballot under this section or renews his or her request under par. (c).
(b) A military elector may indicate an alternate address on his or her absentee ballot application. If the elector's ballot is returned as undeliverable prior to the deadline for receipt and return of absentee ballots under sub. (3) and the elector remains eligible to receive absentee ballots under this subsection, the municipal clerk shall immediately send or transmit an absentee ballot to the elector at the alternate address.
(c) If there occur 3 successive general elections at which a military elector fails to return an absentee ballot sent or transmitted to the elector under this subsection and the elector has not cast an absentee ballot at any intervening election, if the clerk is reliably informed that the elector is no longer a military elector or no longer resides in the municipality, or if the elector so requests, the clerk shall discontinue sending or transmitting absentee ballots to the elector under this subsection. If a military elector is subject to a registration requirement and the name of the military elector no longer appears on the registration list, the municipal clerk shall discontinue sending or transmitting absentee ballots to the elector under this subsection. If a military elector who has requested an absentee ballot changes his or her residence from the municipality where a request is filed to another municipality in this state, the municipal clerk of the municipality who received the request shall notify the clerk of the municipality to which the elector's residence is changed of the date of the request or latest renewal and the date of the most recent absentee ballot returned by the elector, and the municipal clerk who is so notified shall treat the request as having been made to him or her. Prior to any discontinuance of the service provided to a military elector under this subsection solely for failure to return absentee ballots, the municipal clerk shall mail the elector a 1st class letter or postcard notifying the elector that absentee ballots will no longer be sent to the elector unless the elector renews his or her request within 30 days of the date of the notification. The clerk shall notify a military elector of any action under this paragraph that is not taken at the elector's request within 5 days of taking that action, if possible.
451,79
Section
79. 6.87 (2) (form) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.87 (2) (form)
[STATE OF ....
County of ....]
or
[(name of foreign country and city or other jurisdictional unit)]
I, ...., certify subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) (b), Wis. Stats., for false statements, that I am a resident of the [.... ward of the] (town) (village) of ...., or of the .... aldermanic district in the city of ...., residing at ....* in said city, the county of ...., state of Wisconsin, and am entitled to vote in the (ward) (election district) at the election to be held on ....; that I am not voting at any other location in this election; that I am unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place in the (ward) (election district) on election day or have changed my residence within the state from one ward or election district to another within 10 days before the election. I certify that I exhibited the enclosed ballot unmarked to the witness, that I then in (his) (her) presence and in the presence of no other person marked the ballot and enclosed and sealed the same in this envelope in such a manner that no one but myself and any person rendering assistance under s. 6.87 (5), Wis. Stats., if I requested assistance, could know how I voted.
Signed ....
Identification serial number, if any: ....
The witness shall execute the following:
I, the undersigned witness, subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) (b), Wis. Stats., for false statements, certify that I am an adult U.S. citizen and that the above statements are true and the voting procedure was executed as there stated. I am not a candidate for any office on the enclosed ballot (except in the case of an incumbent municipal clerk). I did not solicit or advise the elector to vote for or against any candidate or measure.
....(Name)
....(Address)**
* — An elector who provides an identification serial number issued under s. 6.47 (3), Wis. Stats., need not provide a street address.
** — If this form is executed before 2 special voting deputies under s. 6.875 (6), Wis. Stats., both deputies shall witness and sign.
451,80
Section
80. 6.87 (3) (a) and (b) of the statutes are amended to read:
6.87 (3) (a) Except as authorized under par. (d) and as otherwise provided in s. 6.875, the municipal clerk shall mail the absentee ballot postage prepaid for return to the elector's residence unless otherwise directed by the elector, or shall deliver it to the elector personally at the clerk's office or at an alternate site under s. 6.855. If the ballot is mailed, and the ballot qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws, the clerk shall affix the appropriate legend required by U.S. postal regulations. Otherwise, the clerk shall pay the postage required for return when the ballot is mailed from within the United States. If the ballot is not mailed by the absentee elector from within the United States, the absentee elector shall provide return postage. If the ballot is delivered to the elector at the clerk's office, or an alternate site under s. 6.855, the ballot shall be voted at the office or alternate site and may not be removed by the elector therefrom.
(b) No elector may direct that a ballot be sent to the address of a candidate, political party or other registrant under s. 11.05 unless the elector permanently or temporarily resides at that address. Upon receipt of reliable information that an address given by an elector is not eligible to receive ballots under this paragraph subsection, the municipal clerk shall refrain from sending mailing or transmitting ballots to that address. Whenever possible, the municipal clerk shall notify an elector if his or her ballot cannot be mailed or transmitted to the address directed by the elector.
451,81
Section
81. 6.87 (3) (c) of the statutes is repealed.
451,82
Section
82. 6.87 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.87 (3) (d) A municipal clerk of a municipality may, if the clerk is reliably informed by an absent elector of a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address where the elector can receive an absentee ballot, transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the absent elector's ballot to that elector in lieu of mailing under this subsection if, in the judgment of the clerk, the time required to send the ballot through the mail may not be sufficient to enable return of the ballot by the time provided under sub. (6). An elector may receive an absentee ballot under this subsection only if the elector has filed a valid application for the ballot under sub. s. 6.86 (1). If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot under this paragraph, the clerk shall also transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the text of the material that appears on the certificate envelope prescribed in sub. (2), together with instructions prescribed by the board. The instructions shall require the absent elector to make and subscribe to the certification as required under sub. (4) and to enclose the absentee ballot in a separate envelope contained within a larger envelope, that shall include the completed certificate. The elector shall then affix sufficient postage unless the absentee ballot qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws and shall mail the absentee ballot with postage prepaid to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot received under this paragraph shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and in accordance with the instructions provided by the board.
6.87 (4) Except as otherwise provided in s. 6.875, the elector voting absentee shall make and subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult U.S. citizen. The absent elector, in the presence of the witness, shall mark the ballot in a manner that will not disclose how the elector's vote is cast. The elector shall then, still in the presence of the witness, fold the ballots so each is separate and so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit them in the proper envelope. If a consolidated ballot under s. 5.655 is used, the elector shall fold the ballot so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit the ballot in the proper envelope. If the elector has registered by mail and has not, or is not certain whether the elector has, previously voted in an election for national office in this state proof of residence is required, the elector shall enclose identification proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope. Identification Proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.36 (2) (c) 6.34 (1), and the elector registered by mail and has not voted in an election for national office in this state. If the elector requested a ballot by means of facsimile transmission or electronic mail under s. 6.86 (1) (ac), the elector shall enclose in the envelope a copy of the request which bears an original signature of the elector. The elector may receive assistance under sub. (5). The return envelope shall then be sealed. The witness may not be a candidate. The envelope shall be mailed by the elector, postage prepaid, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots. If the envelope is mailed from a location outside the United States, the elector shall affix sufficient postage unless the ballot qualifies for delivery free of postage under federal law. Failure to return an unused ballot in a primary does not invalidate the ballot on which the elector's votes are cast. Return of more than one marked ballot in a primary or return of a ballot prepared under s. 5.655 or a ballot used with an electronic voting system in a primary which is marked for candidates of more than one party invalidates all votes cast by the elector for candidates in the primary.
451,84
Section
84. 6.87 (6) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.87 (6) The Except as provided in s. 6.221 (3), the ballot shall be returned so it is received by the municipal clerk in time for delivery no later than 8 p.m. on election day. Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, if the municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot on election day, the clerk shall secure the ballot and cause the ballot to be delivered to the polls polling place serving the elector's residence before the closing hour. Any Except as provided in s. 6.221 (3), the ballot not mailed or delivered as provided in this subsection may not be counted.
451,85
Section
85. 6.87 (9) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.87 (9) If a municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot with an improperly completed certificate or with no certificate, the clerk may return the ballot to the elector, inside the sealed envelope when an envelope is received, together with a new envelope if necessary, whenever time permits the elector to correct the defect and return the ballot within the period prescribed in authorized under sub. (6).
451,85m
Section 85m. 6.875 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:
6.875 (3) An occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility who qualifies as an absent elector and desires to receive an absentee ballot shall make application under s. 6.86 (1) or, (2), or (2m) with the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. The clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility located in a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and transmit an absentee ballot for the elector to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or qualified community-based residential facility is located. The clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility located in the municipality but who is a resident of a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and request transmission of an absentee ballot from the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. The clerk or board of election commissioners shall make a record of all absentee ballots to be transmitted, delivered, and voted under this section.
451,86
Section
86. 6.875 (4) and (6) of the statutes are amended to read:
6.875 (4) For the purpose of absentee voting in nursing homes and qualified retirement homes and qualified community-based residential facilities, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of each municipality in which one or more nursing homes or qualified retirement homes or qualified community-based residential facilities are located shall appoint at least 2 special voting deputies for the municipality. Upon application under s. 6.86 (1) or, (2), or (2m) by one or more qualified electors who are occupants of such a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall dispatch 2 special voting deputies to visit the home or qualified community-based residential facility for the purpose of supervising absentee voting procedure by occupants of the home or qualified community-based residential facility. The clerk shall maintain a list, available to the public upon request, of each nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility where an elector has requested an absentee ballot. The list shall include the date and time the deputies intend to visit each home or facility. The 2 deputies designated to visit each nursing home or qualified retirement home and qualified community-based residential facility shall be affiliated with different political parties whenever deputies representing different parties are available. Nominations for deputy positions may be submitted by the 2 recognized political parties whose candidates for governor or president received the greatest numbers of votes in the municipality at the most recent general election. The deputies shall be specially appointed to carry out duties under this section for the period specified in s. 7.30 (6) (a). The clerk or board of election commissioners may revoke an appointment at any time. No individual who is employed or retained, or within the 2 years preceding appointment has been employed or retained at a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility in the municipality, or any member of the immediate family of such an individual as defined in s. 19.42 (7), may be appointed to serve as a deputy.
(6) Special voting deputies in each municipality shall, not later than 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding an election, arrange one or more convenient times with the administrator of each nursing home, qualified retirement home, and qualified community-based residential facility in the municipality from which one or more occupants have filed an application under s. 6.86 to conduct absentee voting for the election. The time may be no earlier than the 4th Monday preceding the election and no later than 5 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election. Upon request of a relative of an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility, the administrator may notify the relative of the time or times at which special voting deputies will conduct absentee voting at the home or facility, and permit the relative to be present in the room where the voting is conducted. The municipal clerk shall post a notice at the home or facility indicating the date and time that absentee voting will take place at that home or facility. The notice shall be posted as soon as practicable after arranging the visit but in no case less than 24 hours before the visit. At the designated time, 2 deputies appointed under sub. (4) shall visit the home or facility. The municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners shall issue a supply of absentee ballots to the deputies sufficient to provide for the number of valid applications received by the clerk, and a reasonable additional number of ballots. The deputies may exercise the authority granted to the chief inspector under s. 7.41 to regulate the conduct of observers for purposes of the application of s. 7.41, the home or facility shall be treated as a polling place. The municipal clerk or executive director shall keep a careful record of all ballots issued to the deputies and shall require the deputies to return every ballot issued to them. The deputies shall personally offer each elector who has filed a proper application the opportunity to cast his or her absentee ballot. If an elector is present who has not filed a proper application, the 2 deputies may accept an application from the elector and shall issue a ballot to the elector if the elector is qualified and the application is proper. The deputies shall each witness the certification and may, upon request of the elector, assist the elector in marking the elector's ballot. Upon request of the elector, a relative of the elector who is present in the room may assist the elector in marking the elector's ballot. All voting shall be conducted in the presence of the deputies. No individual other than a deputy may witness the certification and no individual other than a deputy or relative of an elector may render voting assistance to the elector. Upon completion of the voting, the deputies shall promptly deliver, either personally or by 1st class mail, any absentee ballot applications and the sealed certificate envelope containing each ballot to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector casting the ballot resides, within such time as will permit delivery to the polling place serving the elector's residence on election day. Personal delivery may be made by the deputies no later than noon on election day. If a qualified elector is not able to cast his or her ballot on 2 separate visits by the deputies to the home or facility, they shall so inform the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners, who may then send the ballot to the elector no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election.
451,87
Section
87. 6.875 (7) of the statutes is created to read:
6.875 (7) One observer from each of the 2 recognized political parties whose candidate for governor or president received the greatest number of votes in the municipality at the most recent general election may accompany the deputies to each home or facility where absentee voting will take place under this section. The observers may observe the process of absentee ballot distribution in the common areas of the home or facility. Each party wishing to have an observer present shall submit the name of the observer to the clerk or board of election commissioners no later than the close of business on the last business day prior to the visit.
451,88
Section
88. 6.88 (1) to (3) of the statutes are amended to read:
6.88 (1) When an absentee ballot arrives at the office of the municipal clerk, or at an alternate site under s. 6.855, if applicable, the clerk shall enclose it, unopened, in a carrier envelope which shall be securely sealed and endorsed with the name and official title of the clerk, and the words "This envelope contains the ballot of an absent elector and must be opened in the same room where votes are being cast at the polls during polling hours on election day or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, stats., at a meeting of the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers under s. 7.52, stats.". If the ballot was received by the elector by facsimile transmission or electronic mail and is accompanied by a separate certificate, the clerk shall enclose the ballot in a certificate envelope and securely append the completed certificate to the outside of the envelope before enclosing the ballot in the carrier envelope. The clerk shall keep the ballot in the clerk's office or at the alternate site, if applicable until delivered, as required in sub. (2).
