Amendment ASA1-AB225

Currently, a lobbyist may make a campaign contribution to a partisan elective state official or candidate for partisan elective state office in the year of the official's or candidate's election between June 1 and the day of the election. This substitute amendment extends the time during which a lobbyist may make such a contribution to between the first day authorized by law for the circulation of nomination papers as a candidate and the day of the election.

ethics

Ethics training for lobbyists and legislators

Currently, GAB administers programs to explain the laws that regulate lobbying and prescribe codes of ethics for state public and elected officials. These programs are offered to state public officials, elective public officials, and candidates for public office, among others. This substitute amendment requires any person seeking a license to practice as a lobbyist to complete four hours of ethics training administered by GAB within the 24 months preceding the individual's application to practice as a lobbyist. The substitute amendment also requires each member of the legislature to complete four hours of ethics training administered by GAB prior to taking the oath of legislative office.

REFERENDUMS

Scheduling of referendums

Currently, a local government may schedule, or may be required to schedule, a referendum to be held under various laws for various purposes, including to apply for a state trust fund loan, to approve the issuance of bonds, to exceed an applicable levy limit, or to annex territory. In some cases, a referendum must be held at a special election scheduled for that purpose. In other cases, a referendum may be held concurrently with a specified election, such as the spring election. In still other cases, a referendum may be held with any election or at a special election scheduled for that purpose. Current law occasionally requires the local government to schedule a referendum within a specified time after a precipitating action, such as two months after the filing of a petition or application or no sooner than 42 days after the filing of a resolution. Although more restrictive limitations do apply, current law generally requires any measure or question to be submitted to a vote of the people, and any petition requesting that a measure or question be submitted to a vote of the people, to be filed with the official or agency responsible for preparing the ballots for the election no later than 70 days prior to the election at which the measure or question will appear on the ballot.

This substitute amendment provides that a local governmental unit may schedule a referendum only concurrently with a spring primary (held in most election districts in each year), a spring election (held in each year), a partisan primary (held on the second Tuesday in August in an even-numbered year), or a general election (held in even-numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November) or at a special election held to fill vacancies. The substitute amendment generally permits a referendum to be held at any of the specified elections, including the next available election following the precipitating action if holding the referendum at that election would be consistent with any applicable restrictions on the number of days that must pass after a precipitating action or the general provision that a measure, question, or petition be filed with the official or agency responsible for preparing the ballots no later than 70 days prior to the election at which the measure or question will appear on the ballot.

Registration

Under current law, before any group makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations exceeding $750 in the aggregate in any year to promote or oppose a referendum, or before any individual accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations exceeding $750 in the aggregate in any year for such purpose, that group or individual must file a registration statement with the appropriate filing officer. This substitute amendment increases the threshold for filing a registration statement for referendum-related activity from $750 to $2,500.

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

AB225-ASA1,1 Section 1. 5.02 (19) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,16,3 5.02 (19) "Special election" means any election, other than those described in subs. (5), (18) (12s), (21) and (22), to fill vacancies or to conduct a referendum.

AB225-ASA1,2 Section 2. 5.056 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,16,10 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) with personally identifiable information maintained by the department of transportation.

AB225-ASA1,3 Section 3. 5.15 (6) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,17,14 5.15 (6) (b) No later than 30 days before each election, the governing body of any municipality may by resolution combine 2 or more wards for voting purposes to facilitate using a common polling place. Whenever wards are so combined, the original ward numbers shall continue to be utilized for all official purposes. Except as otherwise authorized under this paragraph, every municipality having a population of 35,000 or more shall maintain separate returns for each ward so combined. In municipalities having a population of 35,000 or more, the governing body may provide in a resolution that returns for any ward having a population of 20 or less be combined with returns for any adjacent ward, if the total population of the combined wards does not exceed the applicable population range under sub. (2) (b) for wards in that municipality. In municipalities having a population of less than 35,000, the governing body may provide in the resolution that returns shall be maintained only for each group of combined wards at any election. Whenever a governing body provides for common ballot boxes and ballots or voting machines, that returns shall be maintained only for combined wards under this paragraph, the municipality shall report separate returns shall be maintained results for each separate ballot required under ss. 5.62 and 5.58 to 5.64 at the partisan primary and general election. The municipal clerk shall transmit a copy of the resolution to the county clerk of each county in which the municipality is contained. In municipalities having a population of less than 35,000, the resolution shall remain in effect for each election until modified or rescinded, or until a new division is made under this section. Whenever needed for purposes of this paragraph, the municipal clerk shall determine the population of each ward in his or her municipality. If the population of a ward cannot be determined from census results, the clerk shall determine the population of the smallest unit encompassing the entire ward that can be determined from census results. The clerk shall then divide the land area of the ward by the land area of that unit. The clerk shall then multiply that result by the population of the unit to determine the population of the ward for purposes of this paragraph.

AB225-ASA1,4 Section 4. 5.90 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,18,8 5.90 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, recounts of votes cast on an electronic voting system shall be conducted in the manner prescribed in s. 9.01. Except as provided in this subsection, sub. (2), and s. 9.01 (1) (b) 8s., if the ballots are distributed to the electors, the board of canvassers shall recount the ballots with automatic tabulating equipment. The board of canvassers shall test the automatic tabulating equipment to be used prior to the recount as provided in s. 5.84, and then the official ballots or the record of the votes cast shall be recounted on the automatic tabulating equipment. In addition, the board of canvassers shall check the ballots for the presence or absence of the initials and other distinguishing marks, shall examine the ballots marked "Rejected", "Defective" and "Objected to" to determine the propriety of such labels, and shall compare the "Duplicate Overvoted Ballots" and "Duplicate Damaged Ballots" with their respective originals to determine the correctness of the duplicates. Unless a court orders a recount to be conducted by another method under sub. (2), the board of canvassers may determine to conduct the recount of a specific election by hand and may determine to conduct the recount by hand for only certain wards or election districts. If electronic voting machines are used, the board of canvassers shall perform the recount using the permanent paper record of the votes cast by each elector, as generated by the machines.

AB225-ASA1,5 Section 5. 6.24 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,18,15 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).

AB225-ASA1,6 Section 6. 6.275 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,18,20 6.275 (1) (b) The total number of electors of the municipality residing in that county who were preregistered 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).

AB225-ASA1,7 Section 7. 6.28 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,19,15 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.

AB225-ASA1,8 Section 8. 6.30 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,19,18 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.

AB225-ASA1,9 Section 9. 6.30 (5) of the statutes is created to read:

AB225-ASA1,20,16 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.

AB225-ASA1,10 Section 10. 6.32 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,20,22 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.

AB225-ASA1,21,2 (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.

AB225-ASA1,21,6 (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).

AB225-ASA1,21,17 (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.

AB225-ASA1,11 Section 11. 6.33 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,23,4 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).

AB225-ASA1,12 Section 12. 6.33 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,23,18 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.

AB225-ASA1,13 Section 13. 6.34 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,24,8 6.34 (2) Upon completion of a registration form prescribed under s. 6.33, 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 after the close of registration under s. 6.29 or 6.86 (3) (a) 2., shall provide an one of the identifying document that establishes documents specified in sub. (3) to establish proof of residence under sub. (3). Each. Except as authorized in sub. (2m), 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, and who has not voted in an election in this state shall, if voting in person, provide an one of the identifying document that establishes documents specified in sub. (3) to establish proof of residence under sub. (3) or, if voting by absentee ballot, provide a copy of an identifying document specified in sub. (3) that establishes proof of residence under in sub. (3). If the elector registered by mail or by electronic application, the identifying document may not be a residential lease.

AB225-ASA1,14 Section 14. 6.34 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

AB225-ASA1,24,14 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).

AB225-ASA1,15 Section 15. 6.34 (3) (a) 8. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,24,18 6.34 (3) (a) 8. A utility bill, including a bill for cellular or wireless telephone service, for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before the day registration is made.

AB225-ASA1,16 Section 16. 6.34 (3) (a) 9. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,24,21 6.34 (3) (a) 9. A bank statement from a financial institution, as defined in s. 705.01 (3).

AB225-ASA1,17 Section 17. 6.34 (3) (a) 12. of the statutes is created to read:

AB225-ASA1,24,24 6.34 (3) (a) 12. A credit card statement for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before the day registration is made.

AB225-ASA1,18 Section 18. 6.34 (4) of the statutes is created to read:

AB225-ASA1,25,4 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), 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).

AB225-ASA1,19 Section 19. 6.35 (1) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,25,8 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):

AB225-ASA1,20 Section 20. 6.35 (2) of the statutes is created to read:

AB225-ASA1,25,12 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).

AB225-ASA1,21 Section 21. 6.36 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,26,3 6.36 (2) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), each registration list prepared for use as a poll list at a polling place or for purposes of canvassing absentee ballots at an election shall contain the full name and address of each registered elector; a blank column for the entry of the serial number of the electors when they vote or the poll list number used by the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers in canvassing absentee ballots; an indication next to the name of each elector for whom proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required; a space for entry of the elector's signature, or if another person signed the elector's registration form for the elector by reason of the elector's physical disability, the word "exempt"; and a form of certificate bearing the certification of the administrator of the elections division of the board stating that the list is a true and complete registration list of the municipality or the ward or wards for which the list is prepared. The board shall, by rule, prescribe determine the space and location for entry of each elector's signature on the poll list which. The board shall provide for entry of the elector's signature without changing the orientation of the poll list from the orientation used by the election officials.

AB225-ASA1,22 Section 22. 6.36 (2) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,26,10 6.36 (2) (c) The list shall contain, next to the name of each elector, an indication of whether proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required for the elector to be permitted to vote. Proof Except as authorized in s. 6.34 (2m), proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector and the elector registers by mail or by electronic application and has not previously voted in an election in this state.

AB225-ASA1,23 Section 23. 6.40 (1) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,26,24 6.40 (1) (a) 1. Any registered elector may transfer registration after a change of residence within the state by filing in person with the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides or by mailing to the municipal clerk a signed request stating his or her present address, affirming that this will be his or her residence for 28 the number of consecutive days specified in s. 6.02 (1) prior to the election, and providing the address where he or she was last registered. Alternatively, the elector may transfer his or her registration at the proper polling place or other registration location under s. 6.02 (2) in accordance with s. 6.55 (2) (a), or, if the elector has a current and valid operator's license issued to the elector under ch. 343 or a current and valid identification card issued to the elector under s. 343.50, the elector may transfer his or her registration electronically under s. 6.30 (5). If an elector is voting in the ward or election district where the elector formerly resided, the change shall be effective for the next election.

AB225-ASA1,24 Section 24. 6.40 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,27,9 6.40 (1) (c) Name change. Whenever an elector's name is legally changed, including a change by marriage or divorce, the elector shall transfer his or her registration to his or her legal name by appearing in person or mailing to the municipal clerk a signed request for a transfer of registration to such name. Alternatively, a registered elector may make notification of a name change at his or her polling place under s. 6.55 (2) (d), or, if the elector 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, the elector may make notification of a name change electronically under s. 6.30 (5).

AB225-ASA1,25 Section 25. 6.50 (10) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,27,15 6.50 (10) Any qualified elector whose registration is changed from eligible to ineligible status under this section may reregister as provided under s. 6.28 (1), 6.29 (2), or 6.55 (2), or, if the elector 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, may reregister under s. 6.30 (5).

AB225-ASA1,26 Section 26. 6.55 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,27,23 6.55 (2) (d) A registered elector who has changed his or her name but resides at the same address, and has not notified the municipal clerk previously provided notice of the change under s. 6.40 (1) (c), shall notify the inspector of the change before voting. The inspector shall then notify the municipal clerk at the time when materials are returned under s. 6.56 (1). If an elector has changed both a name and address, the elector shall register at the polling place or other registration location under pars. (a) and (b).

AB225-ASA1,27 Section 27. 6.79 (1m) of the statutes is renumbered 6.79 (1).

AB225-ASA1,28 Section 28. 6.79 (2) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,28,9 6.79 (2) (c) The officials shall maintain separate lists for electors who are voting under s. 6.15, 6.29, or 6.55 (2) or (3), or 6.82 (1) and electors who are reassigned from another polling place under s. 5.25 (5) (b) and shall enter the full name, address, and serial number of each of these electors on the appropriate separate list. Alternatively, if the poll list is maintained electronically, the officials may enter on the poll list the information that would otherwise appear on a separate list if the information that would be obtainable from a separate list is entered on the poll list. The board shall prescribe the form of the separate list for electors voting under s. 6.82 (1).

AB225-ASA1,29 Section 29. 6.86 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,28,21 6.86 (2) (b) The mailing list established under this subsection shall be kept current through all possible means. If an elector fails to cast and return an absentee ballot received under this subsection in 2 successive regular elections, the clerk shall notify the elector by 1st class letter or postcard that his or her name will be removed from the mailing list unless the clerk receives a renewal of the application within 30 days of the notification. The clerk shall remove from the list the name of each elector who does not apply for renewal within the 30-day period. The clerk shall remove the name of any other elector from the list upon request of the elector or upon receipt of reliable information that an elector no longer qualifies for the service. The clerk shall notify the elector of such action not taken at the elector's request within 5 days, if possible.

AB225-ASA1,30 Section 30. 6.86 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,29,17 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 Except as provided in s. 6.34 (2m), if the elector is registering for the election after the close of registration or if the elector registered by mail or by electronic application 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.

AB225-ASA1,31 Section 31. 6.87 (4) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,30,20 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 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 Except as authorized in s. 6.34 (2m), proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector and the elector registered by mail or by electronic application 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.

AB225-ASA1,32 Section 32. 7.08 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,31,2 7.08 (1) (c) Prescribe forms required by ss. 6.24 (3) and (4), 6.30 (4) and (5), 6.33 (1), 6.40 (1) (a), 6.47 (1) (am) 2. and (3), 6.55 (2), 6.79 (2) (c), and 6.86 (2) to (3). All such forms shall contain a statement of the penalty applicable to false or fraudulent registration or voting through use of the form. Forms are not required to be furnished by the board.

AB225-ASA1,33 Section 33. 7.15 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,31,15 7.15 (2) (d) Whenever the governing body of any municipality submits any question to a vote of the electors or whenever a proper recall petition and certificate are filed under s. 9.10, the municipal clerk shall issue a call for the election and prepare and distribute ballots as required in the authorization of submission or as provided in s. 9.10. The date of the referendum shall be fixed established in accordance with ss. 8.065 and 8.37 and shall be determined by the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners unless otherwise provided by law or unless the governing body fixes a determines the date. If the governing body determines the date, the date shall be established in accordance with ss. 8.065 and 8.37. The ballot for any referendum shall conform to s. 5.64 (2). If there is already an official municipal referendum ballot for the election, the question may appear on the same ballot.

AB225-ASA1,34 Section 34. 7.30 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,32,22 7.30 (2) (a) Only election officials appointed under this section or s. 6.875 may conduct an election. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph and in ss. 7.15 (1) (k) and 7.52 (1) (b), each election official shall be a qualified elector of the ward or wards, or the election district, for which the polling place is established. A special registration deputy who is appointed under s. 6.55 (6) or an election official who is appointed under this section to fill a vacancy under par. (b) need not be a resident of the ward or wards, or the election district, but shall be a resident of the municipality, except that if a municipal clerk or deputy clerk serves as a registration deputy or is appointed to fill a vacancy under par. (b), the clerk or deputy clerk need not be a resident of the municipality county, but shall be a resident of the state. No more than 2 individuals holding the office of clerk or deputy clerk may serve without regard to municipal county residency in any municipality at any election. Special registration deputies who are appointed under s. 6.55 (6) may be appointed to serve more than one polling place. All officials appointed under this section shall be able to read and write the English language, be capable, and be of good understanding, and may not be a candidate for any office to be voted for at an election at which they serve. In 1st class cities, they may hold no public office other than notary public. Except as authorized under subs. (1) (b) and (4) (c), all inspectors shall be affiliated with one of the 2 recognized political parties which received the largest number of votes for president, or governor in nonpresidential general election years, in the ward or combination of wards served by the polling place at the last election. Excluding the inspector who may be appointed under sub. (1) (b), the party which received the largest number of votes is entitled to one more inspector than the party receiving the next largest number of votes at each polling place. Election officials appointed under this section may serve the electors of more than one ward where wards are combined under s. 5.15 (6) (b). If a municipality is not divided into wards, the ward requirements in this paragraph apply to the municipality at large. Whenever 2 or more inspectors are required to perform a function within a polling place and both parties that are entitled to submit nominees have done so, the chief inspector shall assign, insofar as practicable, an equal number of inspectors from the nominees of each party.

AB225-ASA1,35 Section 35. 7.30 (2) (am) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,33,20 7.30 (2) (am) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, a pupil who is 16 or 17 years of age and who is enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in a public or private school or in a tribal school, as defined in s. 115.001 (15m), may serve as an inspector at the a polling place serving located in the county in which the pupil's residence is located, with the approval of the pupil's parent or guardian. Any pupil who has at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent may serve. In addition, a school board or governing body of a private school or tribal school may establish criteria for service by a pupil who does not have at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent. A pupil may serve as an inspector at a polling place under this paragraph only if at least one election official at the polling place other than the chief inspector is a qualified elector of this state. No pupil may serve as chief inspector at a polling place under this paragraph. Before appointment by any municipality of a pupil as an inspector under this paragraph, the municipal clerk shall obtain written authorization from the pupil's parent or guardian for the pupil to serve for the election for which he or she is appointed. In addition, if a pupil does not have at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent, the municipal clerk shall obtain written certification from the principal of the school where the pupil is enrolled that the pupil meets any criteria established by the school board or governing body for service as an inspector. Upon appointment of a pupil to serve as an inspector, the municipal clerk shall notify the principal of the school where the pupil is enrolled of the name of the pupil and the date of the election at which the pupil has been appointed to serve.

AB225-ASA1,36 Section 36. 7.30 (4) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,34,18 7.30 (4) (b) 1. In cities where there is a board of election commissioners, the aldermanic district committeemen or committeewomen committee members under s. 8.17 of each of the 2 dominant recognized political parties shall submit a certified list no later than November 30 of each odd-numbered year containing the names of at least as many nominees as there are inspectors from that party for each of the voting wards in the aldermanic district. The committee members shall include the address of each nominee in the list and may, for not more than 50 percent of the positions to be filled, specify the ward for which the nominee is nominated to serve. For inspectors serving under s. 7.52 (1) (b), the aldermanic district committeemen and committeewomen committee members under s. 8.17 of the 2 dominant recognized political parties shall jointly submit a certified list of nominees containing at least twice as many nominees as there are inspectors from that party who are to be appointed under s. 7.52 (1) (b). The chairperson may designate any individual whose name is submitted as a first choice nominee. The board of election commissioners shall appoint, no later than December 31 of odd-numbered years, at least 5 inspectors for each ward. The board of election commissioners shall appoint all first choice nominees and, for at least 50 percent of the positions being filled, shall appoint those nominees who are nominated to serve at the polling place for a specified ward to serve at the polling place for that ward for so long as positions are available, unless nonappointment is authorized under par. (e), and. The board of election commissioners shall appoint other individuals in its discretion. The board of election commissioners and may designate such alternates as it deems advisable.

AB225-ASA1,37 Section 37. 7.30 (4) (b) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB225-ASA1,35,13 7.30 (4) (b) 2. a. In municipalities a municipality other than cities and villages a city or village located in counties a county having a population of more than 500,000, the committees each committee organized under s. 8.17 from each of the 2 dominant parties described under sub. (2) shall submit a list containing at least as many names as there are needed appointees from that party. The list shall be submitted by the chairperson of each of the 2 committees shall submit the list to the mayor, president, or chairperson of the municipality. If committees are organized in subdivisions of a city, the list shall be submitted through the chairperson of the city committee shall submit the list. If there is no municipal committee, the list shall be submitted by the chairperson of the county or legislative district committee shall submit the list. The appropriate committee or chairperson shall include the address of each nominee and the municipality for which the nominee is nominated to serve in the list and may, for not more than 50 percent of the positions to be filled within a municipality, specify the ward, if any, for which the nominee is nominated to serve. Except as provided in par. (c), only those persons submitted by the chairperson of each committee under s. 8.17 may act as election officials. The chairperson may designate any individual whose name is submitted as a first choice nominee. The list shall contain the signature of the chairperson and secretary of the submitting committee shall sign the list.

AB225-ASA1,36,15 b. In cities a city or villages village located in counties a county having a population of more than 500,000, other than cities a city where there is a board of election commissioners, the aldermanic district or village committeeman or committeewoman committee member for the ward or wards where each polling place is located, if there is one, or, for inspectors serving to be appointed under s. 7.52 (1) (b), the committeemen and committeewomen committee members for the municipality acting jointly, shall submit a list containing at least as many names as there are needed appointees for inspector positions from the party represented by the committeeman or committeewoman committee member or by the committeemen and committeewomen committee members acting jointly. For appointments of Nominations for inspectors to be appointed in cities and villages a city or village where there is no aldermanic district or village committeeman or committeewoman, nominations committee member shall proceed in the same manner as in municipalities a municipality located in counties a county having a population of 500,000 or less. The list appropriate committee member, committee members, or chairperson shall be submitted submit the list to the mayor or president. The appropriate committee member, committee members, or chairperson shall include the address of each nominee and the municipality for which the nominee is nominated to serve in the list and may, for not more than 50 percent of the positions to be filled within a municipality, specify the ward, if any, for which the nominee is nominated to serve. Except as provided in par. (c), only those persons whose names are submitted as provided in this paragraph may act as election officials. The committeeman or committeewoman appropriate committee member, committee members, or chairperson may designate any individual whose name is submitted as a first choice nominee. The list shall contain the signature of the committee member of the aldermanic district or village committeeman or committeewoman or the chairperson of the appropriate committee shall sign the list.