AB869: Bill Text

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

This bill makes various changes in laws relating to voter registration and proof of residence for voting. Currently, with the exception of individuals who are defined as "military electors" under state law and new or former residents voting for president and vice president, all eligible electors of this state must register in order to vote in an election in this state. The registration period for each election ends on the 20th day before that election, but an eligible elector may register to vote in an election after that date at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality where he or she resides or at the polling place serving his or her residence by providing specified proof of residence. In order to register, an individual must provide his or her name, residence location, citizenship, date of birth, age, and the number of a valid Wisconsin driver's license or the last four digits of his or her social security number. An individual must also affirm that he or she: 1) has resided in his or her ward (or municipality if not divided into wards) for at least 28 consecutive days; 2) has not been convicted of a felony for which he or she has not been pardoned and has not completed his or her sentence; 3) is not disqualified on any other ground from voting; and 4) is not registered to vote at any other location. The burden is on the elector to initiate registration and, if the elector's name, address, or eligibility changes, to initiate any change in registration required to maintain a valid registration.

This bill makes it the responsibility of the Government Accountability Board (GAB) to use all feasible means to facilitate the registration of all eligible electors of this state who are subject to a registration requirement and to maintain the registration of all eligible electors for so long as they remain eligible, except as the law specifically requires electors to take some action to confirm or continue their registrations. Under the bill, GAB must attempt to facilitate the initial registration of all eligible electors in accordance with the bill's requirements and procedures no later than July 1, 2019. To assist with its responsibility, the bill directs GAB and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enter into an agreement for the purpose of transferring specified personally identifiable information in DOT's records to GAB. The bill requires GAB to maintain the confidentiality of any information that GAB obtains under the agreement and allows a driver's license or identification card applicant to "opt out" of DOT's transfer of this information to GAB. Under the bill, once GAB obtains all the information required under current law to complete an elector's registration, GAB adds the elector's name to the statewide registration list. The information then becomes accessible on the Internet. No registration of an elector that is added to the list by GAB is valid until the elector confirms with GAB, on a form prescribed by GAB, that all the information pertaining to his or her registration is correct and accurate as of the date of the confirmation. The bill permits an elector to confirm a registration by any of the following means: 1) by electronic means on the Internet using a secure procedure prescribed by GAB; 2) by mail; or 3) by appearing in person at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners where the elector resides or at the polling place serving the elector's residence. Under the bill, if an elector does not confirm a registration that has been entered on his or her behalf by GAB, GAB may contact the elector in the manner determined by GAB to obtain confirmation or any necessary correction to the elector's registration. If the elector does not confirm a registration within 60 days of the date that it is entered on the registration list by GAB, GAB must contact the elector to obtain confirmation or any necessary correction. The bill also permits an individual whose name is added to the registration list by GAB or who wishes to permanently exclude his or her name from the list to file a request to have his or her name deleted or excluded from the list or to revoke a deletion or exclusion request previously made. A deletion or exclusion request or revocation of a deletion or exclusion request may be made in the manner prescribed by GAB. In addition, the bill directs GAB to notify an individual by first class postcard whenever GAB removes his or her name from the registration list or changes his or her status on the list from eligible to ineligible, other than by request of the elector, except when GAB removes a duplicate entry from the list or changes the name of a deceased person from eligible to ineligible status.

Currently, if an elector is eligible to vote and is not registered to vote, the elector may register to vote and vote at the polling place serving his or her residence on election day by providing proof of residence. This bill permits an elector whose registration has been entered on the registration list by GAB to confirm his or her registration and vote on election day at the same polling place in the same manner as currently provided for original registration.

Currently, a qualified elector may register to vote at any election by mail, in person at the office of the municipal or county clerk or board of election commissioners for the municipality or county where the elector resides, or by completing a registration form with a special registration deputy no later than the 20th day before the election. A qualified elector may also register to vote at an election in person at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners for the municipality where the elector resides no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election. In order to register, an elector must provide his or her name and address and certain other information required to ascertain his or her eligibility and must sign the form. With certain exceptions, an elector who registers after the 20th day before an election or an elector who registers by mail and who has not voted before in an election in this state must provide proof of residence prior to voting. Currently, the clerk or board of election commissioners must verify each registration received by mail or submitted by a special registration deputy by sending a first-class letter or postcard to the registrant at the registrant's address.

This bill permits a qualified elector who has a current and valid driver's license or identification card issued by DOT to register to vote at an election electronically on a secure Internet site maintained by GAB. The bill requires an electronic registration to be completed no later than the 20th day before an election in order to be valid for that election. Under the bill, a qualified elector enters the same information that appears on the current registration form and authorizes DOT to forward a copy of his or her electronic signature to GAB. The authorization affirms that all information provided by the elector is correct and has the same effect as if the elector signed the form personally. The bill also permits an elector who is currently registered to vote and who has a current and valid driver's license or identification card to electronically enter a change of name or address using a similar procedure. In accordance with the existing procedure for verifying registrations that are not received at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners, the bill provides that when an electronic registration is received, GAB or the clerk or board of election commissioners of the elector's municipality of residence must verify each electronic registration by sending a first-class letter or postcard to the registrant at the registrant's address. Except as otherwise permitted under the bill, if the registrant is voting for the first time in an election in this state, the registrant must provide proof of residence before voting in the election. The bill creates one exception which provides that, if an elector who registers electronically provides his or her Wisconsin driver's license number, together with his or her name and date of birth, and GAB is able to verify the information electronically at the time of registration by electronically accessing DOT's records, the elector need not provide proof of residence prior to voting. The bill directs GAB and DOT to enter into an agreement that permits GAB to verify the necessary information instantly by accessing DOT's electronic files.

Currently, each municipal clerk and board of election commissioners must maintain a file of voter registration forms for the electors of the municipality. This bill provides that the clerk or board must maintain registrations that are entered electronically in the manner prescribed by GAB, by rule.

The changes with respect to electronic registration first apply with respect to registration for voting at the first spring or partisan primary election that follows the day on which the bill becomes law by at least six months.

Currently, with certain exceptions, if an elector registers to vote by mail and has not voted in an election in this state, the elector must provide proof of residence prior to voting. This bill extends this requirement to apply to an elector whose registration is initiated by GAB but who has not confirmed his or her registration and has not voted in an election in this state. The bill also provides that if such an elector provides his or her Wisconsin driver's license number or the last four digits of his or her social security number, together with his or her name and date of birth, and GAB is able to instantly verify the information electronically by electronically accessing records of DOT, the elector need not provide proof of residence before voting.

The bill directs GAB to report to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature, no later than July 1, 2015, concerning its progress in initially implementing the registration system created by the bill. The report must contain an assessment of the feasibility and desirability or integration of registration information with information maintained by the departments of health services, children and families, workforce development, revenue, regulation and licensing, and natural resources, the University of Wisconsin System and the State Technical College System Board as well as with the the technical colleges in each technical college district.

Currently, the legislature has made appropriations to GAB for the operation of the board in the current fiscal biennium. This bill does not change these appropriations. However, the bill provides that before GAB may encumber or expend any amount of money to implement or administer any provision of the act resulting from enactment of this bill, GAB's legal counsel must first notify the cochairpersons of the Joint Committee on Finance of the proposed encumbrance or expenditure. The proposed encumbrance or expenditure is then subject to approval of or modification by the committee, but the committee may waive its right to review any proposed encumbrance or expenditure.

For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

AB869,1 Section 1. 5.056 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,5,10 5.056 Matching program with secretary of transportation. The administrator of the elections division of the board shall enter into the agreement with the secretary of transportation specified under s. 85.61 (1) to match personally identifiable information on the official registration list maintained by the board under s. 6.36 (1) and the information specified in s. 6.34 (2m) and (2n), and other information specified in s. 6.256 (2) with personally identifiable information maintained by the department of transportation. Subject to s. 343.14 (2p) (b), the agreement shall provide for the electronic transfer of information under s. 6.256 (2) to the board on a continuous basis, no less often than monthly.

AB869,2 Section 2. 6.24 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,5,17 6.24 (3) Registration. The overseas elector shall register in the municipality where he or she was last domiciled or where the overseas elector's parent was last domiciled on a form prescribed by the board designed to ascertain the elector's qualifications under this section. The form shall be substantially similar to the original form under s. 6.33 (1), insofar as applicable. Registration shall be accomplished in accordance with s. 6.30 (4) or (5).

AB869,3 Section 3. 6.256 of the statutes is created to read:

AB869,6,2 6.256 Board shall facilitate registration of electors. (1) Except as provided for electors specified in sub. (9) and as otherwise expressly provided, the board shall use all feasible means to facilitate the registration of all eligible electors of this state who are subject to a registration requirement and the maintenance of the registration of all eligible electors for so long as they remain eligible.

AB869,6,5 (2) Subject to s. 343.14 (2p) (b), for the purpose of carrying out its functions under sub. (1), the board shall obtain the following information from the department of transportation, to the extent that the department has the information:

AB869,6,9 (a) The full name of each individual who holds a current operator's license issued to the individual under ch. 343 or a current identification card issued to the individual under s. 343.50, together with the following information pertaining to that individual:

AB869,6,11 1. The current address of the individual together with any address history and any name history maintained by the department of transportation.

AB869,6,12 2. The date of birth of the individual.

AB869,6,13 3. The number of the license or identification card issued to the individual.

AB869,6,16 4. The individual's citizenship and any information pertaining to that citizenship and whether the individual provided proof of citizenship or other attestation of citizenship to the department of transportation.

AB869,6,19 (b) For each item of information specified in this subsection, the most recent date that the item of information was provided or obtained by the department of transportation.

AB869,6,23 (3) The board shall compare the information obtained under sub. (2) with the information in the registration list under s. 6.36 (1) (a) and shall update that information, correct inaccuracies in that information, and eliminate duplications in the list.

AB869,7,11 (4) Except as provided in sub. (9) and this subsection, if the board concludes that an individual appears eligible to vote in this state but is not registered, and the board has obtained from reliable sources all the information required under s. 6.33 (1) to complete the individual's registration, the board shall enter the individual's name on the registration list. If the board has not obtained from reliable sources all the information pertaining to an individual that is required under s. 6.33 (1), the board shall attempt to obtain from reliable sources the necessary information under s. 6.33 (1) that is   required to complete the individual's registration. If a municipality has changed the status of an elector from eligible to ineligible under s. 6.50 (1) and the elector's eligibility, name, or residence have not changed, the board shall not change the individual's name to eligible status unless the board first verifies that the individual is eligible and wishes to change his or her status to eligible.

AB869,7,14 (5) The board shall attempt to contact individuals described in sub. (4) if necessary to obtain all the information specified in s. 6.33 (1) pertaining to the individual that is required to complete the individual's registration.

AB869,7,17 (6) If the board is able to obtain all the required information specified in s. 6.33 (1) pertaining to an individual, the board shall enter the name of the individual on the registration list maintained under s. 6.36 (1) (a).

AB869,8,2 (7) If an individual's name is entered on the registration list by initiative of the board, the individual's registration is not valid until the individual confirms the registration under this subsection on a form prescribed by the board. If any information obtained by the board is not correct or accurate as of the confirmation date, the individual shall correct the information before confirming his or her registration. The confirmation shall affirm that all information is correct and accurate as of the date of confirmation, subject to all penalties prescribed by law for falsifying information or registration. An individual may confirm his or her registration by any of the following means:

AB869,8,4 (a) By electronic means on the Internet using a secure procedure prescribed by the board.

AB869,8,5 (b) By mail.

AB869,8,8 (c) By appearing in person at the office of the municipal clerk serving the municipality where the elector resides or at the polling place serving his or her residence.

AB869,8,15 (8) If an elector does not confirm a registration that has been entered by the board under sub. (6), the board may contact the elector in the manner determined by the board to obtain confirmation of or any necessary correction to the elector's registration. If an elector does not confirm a registration that has been entered by the board within 60 days after the board enters the elector's registration under sub. (6), the board shall promptly contact the elector to obtain confirmation of or any necessary correction to the elector's registration.

AB869,9,2 (9) Any individual may file a request with the board to exclude his or her name from the registration list. Any individual whose name is added to the registration list by the board may file a request with the board or a municipal clerk to have his or her name deleted from the list. A request for exclusion or deletion shall be filed in the manner prescribed by the board. An individual who files an exclusion or deletion request under this subsection may revoke his or her request by the same means that an individual may request an exclusion or deletion. The board shall ensure that the name of any individual who has filed an exclusion or deletion request under this subsection is excluded from the registration list or if the individual's name appears on the list, is removed from the registration list and is not added to the list at any subsequent time unless the individual files a revocation of his or her request under this subsection.

AB869,9,9 (10) If the board removes from the registration list the name of an elector who does not request that his or her name be deleted, other than to correct an entry that the board positively determines to be a duplication or to change the name of an individual who is verified to be deceased to ineligible status, the board shall mail the individual a notice of the removal or change in status by 1st class postcard at the individual's last-known address. The notice shall provide that the individual may apply to have his or her status changed to eligible if he or she is a qualified elector.

AB869,9,11 (11) The board shall attempt to facilitate the initial registration of all eligible electors, except as otherwise provided in this section, no later than July 1, 2019.

AB869,9,15 (12) The board shall maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained from the department of transportation under sub. (2) and may use this information only for the purpose of carrying out its functions under sub. (1) and s. 6.34 (2m) and (2n) and in accordance with the agreement under s. 85.61 (1).

AB869,4 Section 4. 6.275 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,9,20 6.275 (1) (b) The total number of electors of the municipality residing in that county who were preregistered registered or who confirmed their registration on the deadline specified in s. 6.28 (1), including valid mail registrations which are postmarked by that day and valid electronic registrations entered under s. 6.30 (5).

AB869,5 Section 5. 6.275 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,9,24 6.275 (1) (c) The total number of electors of the municipality residing in that county who registered or confirmed their registrations after the close of registration and prior to the day of the primary or election under ss. 6.29 and 6.86 (3) (a) 2.

AB869,6 Section 6. 6.275 (1) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,10,3 6.275 (1) (d) The total number of electors of the municipality residing in that county who registered or confirmed their registrations on the day of the primary or election under ss. 6.55 and 6.86 (3) (a) 2.

AB869,7 Section 7. 6.28 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,10,23 6.28 (1) Registration locations; deadline. Except as authorized in ss. 6.29, 6.55 (2), and 6.86 (3) (a) 2., registration in person for any election shall close at 5 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday preceding the election. Registrations made by mail under s. 6.30 (4) must be delivered to the office of the municipal clerk or postmarked no later than the 3rd Wednesday preceding the election. Electronic registration for an election under s. 6.30 (5) shall close at midnight on the 3rd Wednesday preceding the election. All applications for registration corrections and additions may be made throughout the year at the office of the city board of election commissioners, at the office of the municipal clerk, at the office of the county clerk, or at other locations provided by the board of election commissioners or the common council in cities over 500,000 population or by either or both the municipal clerk, or the common council, village or town board in all other municipalities. Other registration locations may include but are not limited to fire houses, police stations, public libraries, institutions of higher education, supermarkets, community centers, plants and factories, banks, savings and loan associations and savings banks. Special registration deputies shall be appointed for each location unless the location can be sufficiently staffed by the board of election commissioners or the municipal clerk or his or her deputies. An elector who wishes to obtain a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) shall register at the office of the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides.

AB869,8 Section 8. 6.28 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,11,10 6.28 (4) At the office of the county clerk. Any person shall be given an opportunity to register to vote or to file a registration confirmation form under s. 6.256 (7) at the office of the county clerk for the county in which the person's residence is located. An applicant for registration may complete the required registration form under s. 6.33. Unless the county clerk performs registration functions for the municipality where the elector resides under s. 6.33 (5) (b), the county clerk shall forward the each form submitted by an elector to the appropriate municipal clerk, or to the board of election commissioners in cities over 500,000 population within 5 days of receipt. The clerk shall forward the form immediately whenever registration closes within 5 days of receipt.

AB869,9 Section 9. 6.29 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,11,18 6.29 (1) No names may be added to a registration list for any election after the close of registration, except as authorized under this section or s. 6.55 (2) or 6.86 (3) (a) 2. Any person whose name is not on the registration list but who is otherwise a qualified elector and any elector whose name appears on the registration list but whose registration has not been confirmed is entitled to vote at the election upon compliance with this section, if the person complies with all other requirements for voting at the polling place.

AB869,10 Section 10. 6.29 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,12,10 6.29 (2) (a) Any qualified elector of a municipality who has not previously filed a registration form or whose name does not appear on the registration list of the municipality may register and any elector whose name appears on the registration list but whose registration has not been confirmed may confirm his or her registration after the close of registration but not later than 5 p.m. or the close of business, whichever is later, on the Friday before an election at the office of the municipal clerk and at the office of the clerk's agent if the clerk delegates responsibility for electronic maintenance of the registration list to an agent under s. 6.33 (5) (b). The An elector whose name does not appear on the registration list shall complete, in the manner provided under s. 6.33 (2), a registration form containing all information required under s. 6.33 (1). The registration form shall also contain the following certification: "I, ...., hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, I am a qualified elector, having resided at ... for at least 28 consecutive days immediately preceding this election, and I have not voted at this election". The An elector who registers or confirms his or her registration shall also provide proof of residence under s. 6.34.

AB869,11 Section 11. 6.29 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,12,18 6.29 (2) (b) Upon the filing of the registration form or confirmation form required by this section, the municipal clerk or clerk's agent under s. 6.33 (5) (b) shall issue a certificate containing the name and address of the elector addressed to the inspectors of the proper ward or election district directing that the elector be permitted to cast his or her vote if the elector complies with all requirements for voting at the polling place. The certificate shall be numbered serially, prepared in duplicate and one copy preserved in the office of the municipal clerk.

AB869,12 Section 12. 6.29 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,12,23 6.29 (2) (d) The inspectors shall record the names of electors who present certificates in person or for whom certificates are presented with absentee ballots under this section on the list maintained under s. 6.56 (1). These names shall then be added to the registration list if the electors are qualified.

AB869,13 Section 13. 6.29 (2) (e) of the statutes is created to read:

AB869,13,4 6.29 (2) (e) The municipal clerk or clerk's agent shall promptly add the names of qualified electors who register and vote under this section to the registration list. The clerk or clerk's agent shall add the names of qualified electors who vote at their polling places in the manner prescribed in s. 6.33 (5) (a).

AB869,14 Section 14. 6.30 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,13,7 6.30 (1) In person. An elector shall apply for registration in person, except as provided under sub. subs. (4) and (5) and s. 6.86 (3) (a) 2.

AB869,15 Section 15. 6.30 (5) of the statutes is created to read:

AB869,14,5 6.30 (5) By electronic application. Any eligible elector who holds a current and valid operator's license issued under ch. 343 or a current and valid identification card issued under s. 343.50 may register electronically in the manner prescribed by the board. The board shall maintain on the Internet a secure registration form that enables the elector to enter the information required under s. 6.33 (1) electronically. The form shall contain an authorization for the board to obtain from the department of transportation an electronic copy of the applicant's signature, which signature shall constitute an affirmance that all information provided by the elector is correct and shall have the same effect as if the applicant had signed the application personally. Upon submittal of the electronic application, the board shall obtain from the department of transportation a copy of the electronic signature of the applicant and shall integrate the signature into the applicant's electronic application. The board shall maintain the electronically integrated application on file together with nonelectronic applications and shall notify the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality where the applicant resides of its receipt of each completed application. The board shall also permit any elector who has a current and valid operator's license issued to the elector under ch. 343 or a current and valid identification card issued under s. 343.50 to make changes in his or her registration authorized under s. 6.40 (1) at the same Internet site that is used by electors for original registration under this subsection. An elector shall attest to the correctness of any changes in the same manner as provided in this subsection for information entered on an application for original registration.

AB869,16 Section 16. 6.32 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,14,11 6.32 Verification of certain registrations. (1) Upon receipt of a registration form that is submitted by mail under s. 6.30 (4) or by electronic application under s. 6.30 (5) or that is submitted by a special registration deputy appointed under s. 6.26, the board or municipal clerk shall examine the form for sufficiency.

AB869,14,16 (2) If the form is insufficient to accomplish registration or the board or clerk knows or has reliable information that the proposed elector is not qualified, the board or clerk shall notify the proposed elector within 5 days, if possible, and request that the elector appear at the clerk's office or other another registration center location to complete a proper registration or substantiate the information presented.

AB869,14,20 (3) If the form is submitted later than the close of registration, the board or clerk shall make a good faith effort to notify the elector that he or she may register at the clerk's office under s. 6.29 or at the proper polling place or other location designated under s. 6.55 (2).

AB869,15,6 (4) If the form is sufficient to accomplish registration and the board or clerk has no reliable information to indicate that the proposed elector is not qualified, the board or clerk shall enter the elector's name on the registration list and transmit a 1st class letter or postcard to the registrant, specifying the elector's ward or and aldermanic district, or both, if any, and polling place. The letter or postcard shall be sent within 10 days of receipt of the form. If the letter or postcard is returned, or if the board or clerk is informed of a different address than the one specified by the elector, the board or clerk shall change the status of the elector on the list from eligible to ineligible. The letter or postcard shall be marked in accordance with postal regulations to ensure that it will be returned to the board or clerk if the elector does not reside at the address given on the letter or postcard.

AB869,17 Section 17. 6.33 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,16,18 6.33 (1) The board shall prescribe the format, size, and shape of registration forms. All nonelectronic forms shall be printed on cards and each item of information shall be of uniform font size, as prescribed by the board. Except as provided in this subsection, electronic forms shall contain the same information as nonelectronic forms. The municipal clerk shall supply sufficient forms to meet voter registration needs. The forms shall be designed to obtain from each applicant information as to name; date; residence location; location of previous residence immediately before moving to current residence location; citizenship; date of birth; age; the number of a current and valid operator's license issued to the elector under ch. 343 or the last 4 digits of the elector's social security account number; whether the applicant has resided within the ward or election district for at least 28 the number of consecutive days specified in s. 6.02 (1); whether the applicant has been convicted of a felony for which he or she has not been pardoned, and if so, whether the applicant is incarcerated, or on parole, probation, or extended supervision; whether the applicant is disqualified on any other ground from voting; and whether the applicant is currently registered to vote at any other location. The Except as provided in s. 6.30 (5), the form shall include a space for the applicant's signature. Below the space for the signature, the form shall state "Falsification of information on this form is punishable under Wisconsin law as a Class I felony.". The form shall include a space to enter the name of any special registration deputy under s. 6.26 or 6.55 (6) or inspector, municipal clerk, or deputy clerk under s. 6.55 (2) who obtains the form and a space for the deputy, inspector, clerk, or deputy clerk to sign his or her name, affirming that the deputy, inspector, clerk, or deputy clerk has accepted the form. The form shall include a space for entry of the ward and aldermanic district, if any, where the elector resides and any other information required to determine the offices and referenda for which the elector is certified to vote. The form shall also include a space where the clerk may record an indication of whether the form is received by mail or by electronic application, a space where the clerk may record an indication of the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence under s. 6.34 or an indication that the elector's information in lieu of proof of residence was verified under s. 6.34 (2m), whenever required, and a space where the clerk, for any applicant who possesses a valid voting identification card issued to the person under s. 6.47 (3), may record the identification serial number appearing on the voting identification card. Each county clerk shall obtain sufficient registration forms for completion by an elector who desires to register to vote at the office of the county clerk under s. 6.28 (4).

AB869,18 Section 18. 6.33 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,17,7 6.33 (2) (a) All information may be recorded by any person, except that the ward and aldermanic district, if any, other geographic information under sub. (1), the indication of whether the registration is received by mail or by electronic application, the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence under s. 6.34 or the indication of verification of information in lieu of proof of residence under s. 6.34 (2m), whenever required, and any information relating to an applicant's voting identification card shall be recorded by the clerk. Each Except as provided in s. 6.30 (5), each applicant shall sign his or her own name unless the applicant is unable to sign his or her name due to physical disability. In such case, the applicant may authorize another elector to sign the form on his or her behalf. If the applicant so authorizes, the elector signing the form shall attest to a statement that the application is made upon request and by authorization of a named elector who is unable to sign the form due to physical disability.

AB869,19 Section 19. 6.33 (5) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,17,23 6.33 (5) (a) Except as provided in par. (b) and this paragraph, whenever a municipal clerk receives a valid registration or valid change of a name or address under an existing registration or a change of information when a registration is confirmed under s. 6.256 (7) and whenever a municipal clerk changes a person's registration from eligible to ineligible status, the municipal clerk shall promptly enter electronically on the list maintained by the board under s. 6.36 (1) the information required under that subsection. Except as provided in par. (b) and this paragraph, the municipal clerk may update any entries that change on the date of an election other than a general election within 30 days after the date of that election, and may update any entries that change on the date of a general election within 45 days after the date of that election. The legal counsel of the board may, upon request of a municipal clerk, permit the clerk to update entries that change on the date of a general election within 60 days after that election. The municipal clerk shall provide to the board information that is confidential under s. 6.47 (2) in such manner as the board prescribes.

AB869,20 Section 20. 6.34 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,18,16 6.34 (2) Upon completion of a registration form prescribed under s. 6.33 or registration confirmation form under s. 6.256 (7), each eligible elector who is required to register under s. 6.27, who is not a military elector or an overseas elector, and who registers or confirms his or her registration after the close of registration under s. 6.29 or 6.86 (3) (a) 2., or who registers at the office of the municipal clerk when voting an absentee ballot in person, shall provide an identifying document that establishes proof of residence under sub. (3). Each Except as authorized in subs. (2m) and (2n), each eligible elector who is required to register under s. 6.27, who is not a military elector or an overseas elector, who registers by mail or by electronic application or who confirms a registration entered by the board, and who has not voted in an election in this state shall, if voting in person, provide an identifying document that establishes proof of residence under sub. (3) or, if voting by absentee ballot, provide a copy of an identifying document that establishes proof of residence under sub. (3). If the elector registered by mail or by electronic application or the elector is confirming a registration entered by the board, the identifying document may not be a residential lease.

AB869,21 Section 21. 6.34 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

AB869,18,22 6.34 (2m) An elector who registers by electronic application under s. 6.30 (5) is not required to provide proof of residence under sub. (2) if, at the time of registration, the elector provides the number of a current and valid operator's license issued under ch. 343 together with the elector's name and date of birth and the board is able to verify the information using the system maintained under sub. (4).

AB869,22 Section 22. 6.34 (2n) of the statutes is created to read:

AB869,19,5 6.34 (2n) If an elector who confirms a registration that has been entered by the board under s. 6.256 (7) would otherwise be required to provide proof of residence under sub. (2) but provides, in lieu of proof of residence, the number of a current and valid operator's license issued under ch. 343 or the last 4 digits of the elector's social security account number together with the elector's name and date of birth, and the board is able to verify the information electronically at the time of confirmation or voting, the elector is not required to provide proof of residence.

AB869,23 Section 23. 6.34 (4) of the statutes is created to read:

AB869,19,12 6.34 (4) The board shall maintain a system that electronically verifies, on an instant basis, information submitted in lieu of proof of residence under sub. (2m) and (2n), submitted by an elector who confirms a registration or who registers electronically using the information maintained by the department of transportation pursuant to the board's agreement with the secretary of transportation under s. 85.61 (1).

AB869,24 Section 24. 6.35 (1) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,19,16 6.35 (1) (intro.) Under the direction of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners, the original registration forms shall be filed in one of the following ways, except as provided in sub. subs. (1m) and (2):

AB869,25 Section 25. 6.35 (2) of the statutes is created to read:

AB869,19,20 6.35 (2) The board shall prescribe, by rule, the procedure and methods by which municipal clerks and boards of election commissioners shall maintain records of registrations that are entered electronically under s. 6.30 (5).

AB869,26 Section 26. 6.36 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB869,20,13 6.36 (1) (a) The board shall compile and maintain electronically an official registration list. The list shall contain the name and address of each registered elector in the state, the date of birth of the elector, the ward and aldermanic district of the elector, if any, and, for each elector, a unique registration identification number assigned by the board, the number of a valid operator's license issued to the elector under ch. 343, if any, or the last 4 digits of the elector's social security account number, if any, any identification serial number issued to the elector under s. 6.47 (3), the date of any election in which the elector votes, an indication of whether the elector is an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.24 (1), any information relating to the elector that appears on the current list transmitted to the board by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20m), an indication of any accommodation required under s. 5.25 (4) (a) to permit voting by the elector, an indication of the method by which the elector's registration form was received, if any information in the elector's registration was obtained by initiative of the board, whether the registration of the individual has been confirmed under s. 6.256 (7), and such other information as may be determined by the board to facilitate administration of elector registration requirements.