2011 Wisconsin Act 23

6.85 (1) An absent elector is any otherwise qualified elector who for any reason is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place in his or her ward or election district.

(2) Any otherwise qualified elector who changes residence within this state by moving to a different ward or municipality later than 10 28 days prior to an election may vote an absentee ballot in the ward or municipality where he or she was qualified to vote before moving.

(3) An elector qualifying under this section may vote by absentee ballot under ss. 6.86 to 6.89.

23,56 Section 56. 6.86 (1) (ar) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.86 (1) (ar) Except as authorized in s. 6.875 (6), the municipal clerk shall not issue an absentee ballot unless the clerk receives a written application therefor from a qualified elector of the municipality. The clerk shall retain each absentee ballot application until destruction is authorized under s. 7.23 (1). Except as authorized in s. 6.79 (6) and (7), if a qualified elector applies for an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office, the clerk shall not issue the elector an absentee ballot unless the elector presents proof of identification. The clerk shall verify that the name on the proof of identification presented by the elector conforms to the name on the elector's application and shall verify that any photograph appearing on that document reasonably resembles the elector. The clerk shall then enter his or her initials on the certificate envelope indicating that the absentee elector presented proof of identification to the clerk.

23,57 Section 57. 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 by mail, the application, signed by the elector, shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on the 5th day immediately preceding the election. If application is made in person, the application shall be made no earlier than the opening of business on the 3rd Monday preceding the election and no later than 5 p.m. or the close of business, whichever is later, on the day Friday preceding the election. If Except as provided in par. (c), 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) 6.34 (1), the application shall be received by the municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on election day. If 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.

23,58 Section 58. 6.86 (2m) of the statutes is renumbered 6.86 (2m) (a) and amended to read:

6.86 (2m) (a) An Except as provided in this subsection, any elector other than an elector who is eligible to receive absentee ballots under sub. (2) receives an absentee ballot under sub. (2) or s. 6.22 (4) or 6.24 (4) (c) may by written application filed with the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides require that an absentee ballot be sent or transmitted 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 or transmit 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 any 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 or transmitting absentee ballots to an elector under this subsection upon receipt of reliable information that the elector no longer qualifies for the service as an elector of the municipality. In addition, the municipal clerk shall discontinue mailing or transmitting absentee ballots to an elector under this subsection if the elector fails to return any absentee ballot mailed or transmitted to the elector. The municipal clerk shall notify the elector of any such action not taken at the elector's request within 5 days, if possible. An elector who fails to cast an absentee ballot but who remains qualified to receive absentee ballots under this subsection may then receive absentee ballots for subsequent elections by notifying the municipal clerk that the elector wishes to continue receiving absentee ballots for subsequent elections.

(b) 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.

23,59 Section 59. 6.86 (3) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

6.86 (3) (a) 1. Any elector who is registered and who is hospitalized, may apply for and obtain an official ballot by agent. The agent may apply for and obtain a ballot for the hospitalized absent elector by presenting a form prescribed by the board and containing the required information supplied by the hospitalized elector and signed by that elector and any other elector residing in the same municipality as the hospitalized elector, corroborating the information contained therein. The corroborating elector shall state on the form his or her full name and address, 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 an application 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 application due to physical disability. The agent shall present this statement along with all other information required under this subdivision. Except as authorized for an elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) or as authorized under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 4., the agent shall present any proof of identification required under sub. (1) (ar) and s. 6.87 (4) (b) 1. The form shall include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that the agent presented proof of identification to the clerk on behalf of the elector.

23,60 Section 60. 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 The agent shall in every case provide proof of the elector's residence under s. 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 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 proof of the corroborating elector's residence under s. 6.34.

23,61 Section 61. 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 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 inform the agent that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the elector shall enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope with the ballot. The clerk shall verify that the name on any required proof of identification presented by the agent conforms to the name on the elector's application. The clerk shall then enter his or her initials on the carrier envelope indicating that the agent presented proof of identification to the clerk. The agent is not required to enter a signature on the registration list. 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 to the polling place serving the hospitalized elector's residence before the closing hour 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.

23,62 Section 62. 6.869 of the statutes is amended to read:

6.869 Uniform instructions. The board shall prescribe uniform instructions for municipalities to provide to absentee voters. electors. The instructions shall include information concerning whether proof of identification is required to be presented or enclosed under s. 6.86 (1) (ar) or 6.87 (4) (b) 1. The instructions also shall include information concerning the procedure for correcting errors in marking a ballot and obtaining a replacement for a spoiled ballot. The procedure shall, to the extent possible, respect the privacy of each elector and preserve the confidentiality of each elector's vote.

23,63 Section 63. 6.87 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (1) Upon proper request made within the period prescribed in s. 6.86, the municipal clerk or a deputy clerk authorized by the municipal clerk shall write on the official ballot, in the space for official endorsement, the clerk's initials and official title. Unless application is made under s. 6.86 (1) (ac) or in person under s. 6.86 (1) (ar), the absent elector is exempted from providing proof of identification under sub. (4) (b) 2. or 3., or the applicant is a military or overseas elector, the absent elector shall enclose a copy of his or her proof of identification or any authorized substitute document with his or her application. The municipal clerk shall verify that the name on the proof of identification conforms to the name on the application. The clerk shall not issue an absentee ballot to an elector who is required to enclose a copy of proof of identification or an authorized substitute document with his or her application unless the copy is enclosed and the proof is verified by the clerk.

23,64 Section 64. 6.87 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (2) Except as authorized under sub. (3) (d), the municipal clerk shall place the ballot in an unsealed envelope furnished by the clerk. The envelope shall have the name, official title and post-office address of the clerk upon its face. The other side of the envelope shall have a printed certificate which shall include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that if the absentee elector voted in person under s. 6.86 (1) (ar), the elector presented proof of identification to the clerk and the clerk verified the proof presented. The certificate shall also include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that the elector is exempt from providing proof of identification because the individual is a military or overseas elector or is exempted from providing proof of identification under sub. (4) (b) 2. or 3. The certificate shall be in substantially the following 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 later than 28 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.

23,65 Section 65. 6.87 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (3) (d) A municipal clerk may shall, 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 s. 6.86 (1). If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot under this paragraph to an absent elector electronically, 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) (b) 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 to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot received under this paragraph from an elector who receives the ballot electronically shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and sub. (4) and in accordance with the instructions provided by the board.

23,66 Section 66. 6.87 (4) of the statutes is renumbered 6.87 (4) (b) 1. and amended to read:

6.87 (4) (b) 1. 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 proof of residence is required Except as authorized in subds. 2. to 5. and s. 6.875 (6) and notwithstanding s. 343.43 (1) (f), if the elector has not enclosed a copy of his or her proof of identification with his or her application, the elector shall enclose a copy of the proof of identification in the manner provided in sub. (1) in the envelope, unless the elector is a military elector or an overseas elector or the elector has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2). If proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the document enclosed by the elector under this subdivision does not constitute proof of residence under s. 6.34, the elector shall also enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope. Proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), and the elector registered by mail and has not voted in an election 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, 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.

23,67 Section 67. 6.87 (4) (a) of the statutes is created to read:

6.87 (4) (a) In this subsection:

1. "Military elector" has the meaning given in s. 6.34 (1) (a).

2. "Overseas elector" has the meaning given in s. 6.34 (1) (b).

23,68 Section 68. 6.87 (4) (b) 2. of the statutes is created to read:

6.87 (4) (b) 2. Unless subd. 3. applies, if the absentee elector has applied for and qualified to receive absentee ballots automatically under s. 6.86 (2) (a), the elector may, in lieu of providing a copy of proof of identification as required under subd. 1., submit with his or her absentee ballot a statement signed by the same individual who witnesses voting of the ballot which contains the name and address of the elector and verifies that the name and address are correct.

23,69 Section 69. 6.87 (4) (b) 3. of the statutes is created to read:

6.87 (4) (b) 3. If the absentee elector has received an absentee ballot from the municipal clerk by mail for a previous election, has provided a copy of proof of identification as required under subd. 1. with that ballot, and has not changed his or her name or address since providing that proof of identification, the elector is not required to provide a copy of the proof of identification required under subd. 1.

23,70 Section 70. 6.87 (4) (b) 4. of the statutes is created to read:

6.87 (4) (b) 4. If the absentee elector has received a citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend an operator's license from a law enforcement officer in any jurisdiction that is dated within 60 days of the date of the election and is required to surrender his or her operator's license or driving receipt issued to the elector under ch. 343 at the time the citation or notice is issued, the elector may enclose a copy of the citation or notice in lieu of a copy of an operator's license or driving receipt issued under ch. 343 if the elector is voting by mail, or may present an original copy of the citation or notice in lieu of an operator's license or driving receipt under ch. 343 if the elector is voting at the office of the municipal clerk.

23,71 Section 71. 6.87 (4) (b) 5. of the statutes is created to read:

6.87 (4) (b) 5. Unless subd. 3. or 4. applies, if the absentee elector resides in a qualified retirement home, as defined in s. 6.875 (1) (at), a qualified community-based residential facility, as defined in s. 6.875 (1) (as), a residential care apartment complex that is certified or registered under s. 50.034 (1), or an adult family home that is certified under s. 50.032 or licensed under s. 50.033 and the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality where the complex, facility, or home is located does not send special voting deputies to visit the complex, facility, or home at the election under s. 6.875, the elector may, in lieu of providing proof of identification required under subd. 1., submit with his or her absentee ballot a statement signed by the same individual who witnesses voting of the ballot that contains the certification of an authorized representative of the complex, facility, or home that the elector resides in the complex, facility, or home and the complex, facility, or home is certified or registered as required by law, that contains the name and address of the elector, and that verifies that the name and address are correct.

23,72 Section 72. 6.87 (6) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (6) Except as provided in s. 6.221 (3), the ballot shall be returned so it is received by the municipal clerk 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 polling place serving the elector's residence before the closing hour. Except as provided in s. 6.221 (3), the any ballot not mailed or delivered as provided in this subsection may not be counted.

23,73 Section 73. 6.875 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.875 (title) Absentee voting in nursing and retirement certain homes and certain community-based residential, facilities, and complexes.

23,74 Section 74. 6.875 (1) (ap) and (asm) of the statutes are created to read:

6.875 (1) (ap) "Qualified adult family home" means a facility that is certified or licensed to operate as an adult family home under s. 50.032 or 50.033 that qualifies under sub. (2) (d) to utilize the procedures under this section.

(asm) "Qualified residential care apartment complex" means a facility that is certified or registered to operate as a residential care apartment complex under s. 50.034 (1) that qualifies under sub. (2) (d) to utilize the procedures under this section.

23,75 Section 75. 6.875 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.875 (2) (a) The procedures prescribed in this section are the exclusive means of absentee voting for electors who are occupants of nursing homes, qualified community-based residential facilities or, qualified retirement homes, qualified residential care apartment complexes, and qualified adult family homes.

23,76 Section 76. 6.875 (2) (d) of the statutes is created to read:

6.875 (2) (d) The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of any municipality where a residential care apartment complex certified or registered under s. 50.034 (1) or an adult family home certified under s. 50.032 or licensed under s. 50.033 is located may adopt the procedures under this section for absentee voting in any such residential care apartment complex or adult family home located in the municipality if the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners finds that there are a significant number of the occupants of the complex or home who lack adequate transportation to the appropriate polling place, a significant number of the occupants of the complex or home may need assistance in voting, there are a significant number of the occupants of the complex or home aged 60 or over, or there are a significant number of indefinitely confined electors who are occupants of the complex or home.

23,77 Section 77. 6.875 (3) and (4) of the statutes are amended to read:

6.875 (3) An occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or, qualified community-based residential facility, qualified residential care apartment complex, or qualified adult family home who qualifies as an absent elector and desires to receive an absentee ballot shall make application under s. 6.86 (1), (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, qualified residential care apartment complex, or qualified adult family home 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 or complex 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, qualified residential care apartment complex, or qualified adult family home 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.

(4) (a) For the purpose of absentee voting in nursing homes and, qualified retirement homes and, qualified community-based residential facilities, qualified residential care apartment complexes, and qualified adult family homes, 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, qualified residential care apartment complexes, or qualified adult family homes are located shall appoint at least 2 special voting deputies for the municipality. Upon application under s. 6.86 (1), (2), or (2m) by one or more qualified electors who are occupants of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential, facility, or complex, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or, facility , or complex is located shall dispatch 2 special voting deputies to visit the home or qualified community-based residential, facility, or complex for the purpose of supervising absentee voting procedure by occupants of the home or qualified community-based residential, facility, or complex. 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, or complex 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, or complex. The 2 deputies designated to visit each nursing home or, qualified retirement home or, qualified community-based residential facility, qualified residential care apartment complex, and qualified adult family home shall be affiliated with different political parties whenever deputies representing different parties are available.

(b) Nominations for the special voting deputy positions described in par. (a) 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 the duties under par. (a) 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, qualified residential care apartment complex, or qualified adult family home in the municipality, or any member of the individual's immediate family, as defined in s. 19.42 (7), may be appointed to serve as a deputy.

23,78 Section 78. 6.875 (6) (a) and (b) of the statutes are amended to read:

6.875 (6) (a) 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, qualified residential care apartment complex, and qualified adult family home 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. The municipal clerk shall post a notice at the home or, facility, or complex indicating the date and time that absentee voting will take place at that home or, facility, or complex. 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, or complex.

(b) 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 for an absentee ballot 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, or complex 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.

23,79 Section 79. 6.875 (6) (c) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

6.875 (6) (c) 1. Upon their visit to the home or, facility, or complex under par. (a), the deputies shall personally offer each elector who has filed a proper application for an absentee ballot the opportunity to cast his or her absentee ballot. In lieu of providing a copy of proof of identification under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 1. with his or her absentee ballot, the elector may submit with his or her ballot a statement signed by both deputies that contains the name and address of the elector and verifies that the name and address are correct. The deputies shall enclose the statement in the certificate envelope. If an elector presents proof of identification under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 1., the deputies shall make a copy of the document presented by the elector and shall enclose the copy in the certificate envelope. If an elector is present who has not filed a proper application for an absentee ballot, the 2 deputies may accept an application from the elector and shall issue a ballot to the elector if the elector is qualified, the elector presents proof of identification, whenever required, or submits a statement containing his or her name and address under this subdivision, 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. All voting shall be conducted in the presence of the deputies. 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. 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.

23,80 Section 80. 6.875 (6) (c) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

6.875 (6) (c) 2. Upon the request of a relative of an occupant of a nursing home or, qualified retirement home or, qualified community-based residential facility, qualified residential care apartment complex, or qualified adult family home, the administrator of the home or , facility, or complex may notify the relative of the time or times at which special voting deputies will conduct absentee voting at the home or, facility, or complex and permit the relative to be present in the room where the voting is conducted.

23,81 Section 81. 6.875 (6) (e) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.875 (6) (e) 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, or complex, the deputies 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.

23,82 Section 82. 6.875 (7) of the statutes is amended 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 , or complex 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, or complex. 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.

23,83 Section 83. 6.88 (3) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.88 (3) (a) Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, at any time between the opening and closing of the polls on election day, the inspectors shall, in the same room where votes are being cast, in such a manner that members of the public can hear and see the procedures, open the carrier envelope only, and announce the name of the absent elector or the identification serial number of the absent elector if the elector has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2). When the inspectors find that the certification has been properly executed, the applicant is a qualified elector of the ward or election district, and the applicant has not voted in the election, they shall enter an indication on the poll list next to the applicant's name indicating an absentee ballot is cast by the elector. They shall then open the envelope containing the ballot in a manner so as not to deface or destroy the certification thereon. The inspectors shall take out the ballot without unfolding it or permitting it to be unfolded or examined. Unless the ballot is cast under s. 6.95, the inspectors shall verify that the ballot has been endorsed by the issuing clerk. If the poll list indicates that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and no proof of residence is enclosed or the name or address on the document that is provided is not the same as the name and address shown on the poll list, or if the elector is not a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (a), or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (b), and the elector is required to provide a copy of proof of identification under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 1. and no copy of the proof of identification is enclosed or the name on the document cannot be verified by the inspectors, the inspectors shall proceed as provided under s. 6.97 (2). The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot into the proper ballot box and enter the absent elector's name or voting number after his or her name on the poll list in the same manner as if the elector had been present and voted in person.

23,84 Section 84. 6.92 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.92 (1) Except as provided in sub. (2), each inspector shall challenge for cause any person offering to vote whom the inspector knows or suspects is not a qualified elector or who does not adhere to any voting requirement under this chapter. If a person is challenged as unqualified by an inspector, one of the inspectors shall administer the following oath or affirmation to the person: "You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will fully and truly answer all questions put to you regarding your place of residence and qualifications as an elector of this election"; and shall then ask questions which are appropriate as determined by the board, by rule, to test the person's qualifications.

23,85 Section 85. 6.94 of the statutes is amended to read:

6.94 Challenged elector oath. If the person challenged refuses to answer fully any relevant questions put to him or her by the inspector under s. 6.92, the inspectors shall reject the elector's vote. If the challenge is not withdrawn after the person offering to vote has answered the questions, one of the inspectors shall administer to the person the following oath or affirmation: "You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that: you are 18 years of age; you are a citizen of the United States; you are now and for 10 28 consecutive days have been a resident of this ward except under s. 6.02 (2); you have not voted at this election; you have not made any bet or wager or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager depending upon the result of this election; you are not on any other ground disqualified to vote at this election". If the person challenged refuses to take the oath or affirmation, the person's vote shall be rejected. If the person challenged answers fully all relevant questions put to the elector by the inspector under s. 6.92, takes the oath or affirmation, and fulfills the applicable registration requirements, and if the answers to the questions given by the person indicate that the person meets the voting qualification requirements, the person's vote shall be received.

23,86 Section 86. 6.965 of the statutes is created to read:

6.965 Voting procedure for electors presenting citation or notice in lieu of license or receipt. Whenever any elector is allowed to vote at a polling place under s. 6.79 (7) by presenting a citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend an operator's license in lieu of an operator's license or driving receipt issued to the elector under ch. 343, the inspectors shall, before giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the elector corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation "s. 6.965." If voting machines are used in the municipality where the elector is voting, the elector's vote may be received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall have the notation "s. 6.965" written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors before the ballot is given to the elector. If the municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot from an elector who presents a citation or notice, or copy thereof, under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 4., the clerk shall enter a notation on the certificate envelope "Ballot under s. 6.965, stats." Upon receiving the envelope, the inspectors shall open and write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the elector corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation "s. 6.965." The inspectors shall indicate on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 the fact that the elector is voting by using a citation or notice in lieu of a license or driving receipt. The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot. The ballot shall then be counted under s. 5.85, or under s. 7.51 or 7.52.

23,87 Section 87. 6.97 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.97 (title) Voting procedure for individuals not providing required proof of residence or identification.

23,88 Section 88. 6.97 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.97 (1) Whenever any individual who is required to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 in order to be permitted to vote appears to vote at a polling place and cannot provide the required proof of residence, the inspectors shall offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. Whenever any individual, other than a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (a), or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (b), or an elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2), appears to vote at a polling place and does not present proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2), whenever required, the inspectors or the municipal clerk shall similarly offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. If the individual wishes to vote, the inspectors shall provide the elector with an envelope marked "Ballot under s. 6.97, stats." on which the serial number of the elector is entered and shall require the individual to execute on the envelope a written affirmation stating that the individual is a qualified elector of the ward or election district where he or she offers to vote and is eligible to vote in the election. The inspectors shall, before giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the individual corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation "s. 6.97". If voting machines are used in the municipality where the individual is voting, the individual's vote may be received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall have the corresponding number from the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation "s. 6.97" written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors before the ballot is given to the elector. When receiving the individual's ballot, the inspectors shall provide the individual with written voting information prescribed by the board under s. 7.08 (8). The inspectors shall indicate on the list the fact that the individual is required to provide proof of residence or proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2) but did not do so. The inspectors shall notify the individual that he or she may provide proof of residence or proof of identification to the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners. The inspectors shall also promptly notify the municipal clerk or executive director of the name, address, and serial number of the individual. The inspectors shall then place the ballot inside the envelope and place the envelope in a separate carrier envelope.