AB63: Bill Text

AB63,14,17 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 acceptable proof of the elector's residence under s. 6.55 (7). If the agent cannot present this proof, the registration form shall be signed and substantiated by another elector residing in the elector's municipality of residence, corroborating the information in the form. The form shall contain the full name and address of the corroborating elector. The agent shall then present acceptable proof of the corroborating elector's residence under s. 6.55 (7).

AB63, s. 25 Section 25. 6.869 of the statutes, as created by 2003 Wisconsin Act 265, is amended to read:

AB63,14,25 6.869 Uniform instructions. The board shall prescribe uniform instructions for absentee voters. The instructions shall include information concerning whether identification is required under s. 6.87 (4) or a copy of a license or identification card is required under s. 6.86 (1) (ar) and information concerning whether a copy of identification is required to be submitted and, if so, the form of identification that is required.

AB63, s. 26 Section 26. 6.87 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,15,20 6.87 (3) (d) A municipal clerk of a municipality may, if the clerk is reliably informed by an absent elector of a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address where the elector can receive an absentee ballot, transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the absent elector's ballot to that elector in lieu of mailing under this subsection if, in the judgment of the clerk, the time required to send the ballot through the mail may not be sufficient to enable return of the ballot by the time provided under sub. (6). An elector may receive an absentee ballot under this subsection only if the elector has filed a valid application for the ballot under sub. (1). If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot under this paragraph, the clerk shall also transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the text of the material that appears on the certificate envelope prescribed in sub. (2), together with instructions prescribed by the board. The instructions shall require the absent elector to make and subscribe to the certification as required under sub. (4) (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 mail the absentee ballot with postage prepaid to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot received under this paragraph shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and in accordance with the instructions provided by the board.

AB63, s. 27 Section 27. 6.87 (4) of the statutes, as affected by 2003 Wisconsin Act 265, section 112a, is renumbered 6.87 (4) (b) 1. and amended to read:

AB63,16,24 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. 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. Except as authorized in subs. 2. to 4., and notwithstanding s. 343.43 (1) (f), the elector shall enclose a copy of the license or identification card required under s. 6.86 (1) (ar) in the envelope, unless the elector is a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in sub. (4) (a), or the elector has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2). If the elector has registered by mail and has not, or is not certain whether the elector has, previously voted in an election for national office in this state identification is required and the document enclosed by the elector under this subdivision does not constitute identification, the elector shall also enclose identification in the envelope. Identification is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.36 (2) (c), and the elector registered by mail and has not voted in an election for national office in this state. The elector may receive assistance under sub. (5). The return envelope shall then be sealed. The witness may not be a candidate. The envelope shall be mailed by the elector, postage prepaid, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots. 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.

AB63, s. 28 Section 28. 6.87 (4) (a) of the statutes is created to read:

AB63,17,1 6.87 (4) (a) In this paragraph:

AB63,17,8 1. "Military elector" means a member of a uniformed service on active duty who, by reason of that duty, is absent from the residence where the member is otherwise qualified to vote; a member of the merchant marine, as defined in s. 6.22 (1) (a), who, by reason of service in the merchant marine, is absent from the residence where the member is otherwise qualified to vote; or the spouse or dependent of any such member who, by reason of the duty or service of the member, is absent from the residence where the spouse or dependent is otherwise qualified to vote.

AB63,17,12 2. "Overseas elector" means an elector who resides outside the United States and who is qualified under federal law to vote in elections for national office in this state because the elector was last domiciled in this state immediately prior to the elector's departure from the United States.

AB63, s. 29 Section 29. 6.87 (4) (b) 2. to 4. of the statutes are created to read:

AB63,17,19 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 a license or identification card required under s. 6.86 (1) (ar), 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.

AB63,17,24 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 a license or identification card required under s. 6.86 (1) (ar) with that ballot, and has not changed his or her name or address since providing that identification, the elector is not required to provide a copy of the identification required under s. 6.86 (1) (ar).

AB63,18,7 4. If the absentee elector has received a citation 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 issued to the elector under ch. 343 at the time the citation is issued, the elector may enclose a copy of the citation in lieu of an operator's license under ch. 343 if the elector is voting by mail, or may present an original copy of the citation in lieu of an operator's license under ch. 343 if the elector is voting at the office of the municipal clerk.

AB63, s. 30 Section 30. 6.875 (6) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,20,2 6.875 (6) Special voting deputies in each municipality shall, not later than 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding an election, arrange one or more convenient times with the administrator of each nursing home, qualified retirement home, and qualified community-based residential facility in the municipality from which one or more occupants have filed an application under s. 6.86 to conduct absentee voting for the election. The time may be no earlier than the 4th Monday preceding the election and no later than 5 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election. Upon request of a relative of an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility, the administrator may notify the relative of the time or times at which special voting deputies will conduct absentee voting at the home or facility, and permit the relative to be present in the room where the voting is conducted. At the designated time, 2 deputies appointed under sub. (4) shall visit the home or facility. The municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners shall issue a supply of absentee ballots to the deputies sufficient to provide for the number of valid applications received by the clerk, and a reasonable additional number of ballots. The municipal clerk or executive director shall keep a careful record of all ballots issued to the deputies and shall require the deputies to return every ballot issued to them. The deputies shall personally offer each elector who has filed a proper application the opportunity to cast his or her absentee ballot. Except as authorized in s. 6.79 (6) and (7), the deputies shall not issue the elector an absentee ballot unless the elector presents a valid operator's license issued to the elector under ch. 343, a valid, current identification card issued to the elector by a U.S. uniformed service, or a valid identification card issued to the elector under s. 343.50. 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, 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 a license or identification card whenever required, and the application is proper. The deputies shall each witness the certification and may, upon request of the elector, assist the elector in marking the elector's ballot. Upon request of the elector, a relative of the elector who is present in the room may assist the elector in marking the elector's ballot. All voting shall be conducted in the presence of the deputies. No individual other than a deputy may witness the certification and no individual other than a deputy or relative of an elector may render voting assistance to the elector. Upon completion of the voting, the deputies shall promptly deliver, either personally or by 1st class mail, any absentee ballot applications and the sealed certificate envelope containing each ballot to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector casting the ballot resides, within such time as will permit delivery to the polling place serving the elector's residence on election day. Personal delivery may be made by the deputies no later than noon on election day. If a qualified elector is not able to cast his or her ballot on 2 separate visits by the deputies to the home or facility, they shall so inform the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners, who may then send the ballot to the elector no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election.

AB63, s. 31 Section 31. 6.88 (3) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,20,25 6.88 (3) (a) Any time between the opening and closing of the polls on election day, the inspectors shall 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 identification is required and no identification 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 or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.36 (2) (c), and the elector is required to provide a copy of a license or identification card under s. 6.86 (1) (ar) and no copy of the license or identification card 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.

AB63, s. 32 Section 32. 6.965 of the statutes is created to read:

AB63,21,20 6.965 Voting procedure for electors presenting citation in lieu of license. Whenever any elector is allowed to vote at a polling place under s. 6.79 (7) by presenting a citation in lieu of an operator's license 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 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 in lieu of a license. The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot. The ballot shall then be counted under s. 5.85 or 7.51.

AB63, s. 33 Section 33. 6.97 (1) and (2) of the statutes are amended to read:

AB63,23,2 6.97 (1) Whenever any individual who is required to provide identification in order to be permitted to vote appears to vote at a polling place and cannot provide the required identification, the inspectors shall offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. Whenever any individual, other than a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.36 (2) (c), or an elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2), appears to vote at a polling place and does not present a license or identification card 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 identification or a license or identification card under s. 6.79 (2) but did not do so. The inspectors shall notify the individual that he or she may provide the identification, license, or identification card 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.

AB63,23,21 (2) Whenever any individual who votes by absentee ballot is required to provide identification in order to be permitted to vote and does not provide the required identification, the inspectors shall treat the ballot as a provisional ballot under this section. Whenever any individual, other than a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.36 (2) (c), an individual who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2), or an individual who is exempted under s. 6.87 (4), votes by absentee ballot and does not enclose a copy of the license or identification card required under s. 6.86 (1) (ar), the inspectors shall similarly treat the ballot as a provisional ballot under this section. Upon removing the ballot from the envelope, the inspectors shall write on the back of the absentee 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". The inspectors shall indicate on the list the fact that the individual is required to provide identification or a copy of a license or identification card under s. 6.86 (1) (ar) but did not do so. The inspectors shall promptly notify the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners of the name, address, and serial number of the individual. The inspectors shall then place the ballot inside an envelope on which the name and serial number of the elector is entered and shall place the envelope in a separate carrier envelope.

AB63, s. 34 Section 34. 6.97 (3) of the statutes is renumbered 6.97 (3) (b) and amended to read:

AB63,24,18 6.97 (3) (b) Whenever the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners is informed by the inspectors that a ballot has been cast under this section, the clerk or executive director shall promptly provide written notice to the board of canvassers of each municipality, special purpose district, and county that is responsible for canvassing the election of the number of ballots cast under this section in each ward or election district. The municipal clerk or executive director then shall determine whether each individual voting under this section is qualified to vote in the ward or election district where the individual's ballot is cast. If the elector is required to provide a license or identification card or copy thereof under s. 6.79 (2) or 6.86 (1) (ar) and fails to do so, the elector bears the burden of correcting the omission by providing the license or identification card or copy thereof at the polling place before the closing hour or at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners no later than 4 p.m. on the day after the election. The municipal clerk or executive director shall make a record of the procedure used to determine the validity of each ballot cast under this section. If, prior to 4 p.m. on the day after the election, the municipal clerk or executive director determines that the individual is qualified to vote in the ward or election district where the individual's ballot is cast, the municipal clerk or executive director shall notify the board of canvassers for each municipality, special purpose district and county that is responsible for canvassing the election of that fact.

AB63, s. 35 Section 35. 6.97 (3) (a) and (c) of the statutes are created to read:

AB63,25,4 6.97 (3) (a) Whenever an elector who votes by provisional ballot under sub. (2) because the elector does not provide a license or identification card or copy thereof under s. 6.79 (2) or 6.86 (1) (ar) later appears at the polling place where the ballot is cast before the closing hour and provides the license or identification card or copy thereof, the inspectors shall remove the elector's ballot from the separate carrier envelope, shall note on the poll list that the elector's provisional ballot is withdrawn, and shall deposit the elector's ballot in the ballot box. If the inspectors have notified the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners that the elector's ballot was cast under this section, the inspectors shall notify the clerk or executive director that the elector's provisional ballot is withdrawn.

AB63,25,9 (c) A ballot cast under this section by an elector for whom a valid license or identification card or copy thereof is required under s. 6.79 (2) or 6.86 (1) (ar) shall not be counted unless the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners provides timely notification that the elector has provided a valid license or identification card or copy thereof under this section.

AB63, s. 36 Section 36. 7.08 (8) (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,25,12 7.08 (8) (title) Electors voting without identification proof of identity or pursuant to court order.

AB63, s. 37 Section 37. 10.02 (3) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,25,24 10.02 (3) (a) Upon entering the polling place and before being permitted to vote, an elector shall state his or her name and address and , shall provide identification if required by federal law, and shall present a valid Wisconsin operator's license, a current identification card issued to the elector by a U.S. uniformed service, or a Wisconsin identification card unless the elector is exempted from this requirement. Where ballots are distributed to electors, the initials of 2 inspectors must appear on the ballot. Upon being permitted to vote, the elector shall retire alone to a voting booth or machine and cast his or her ballot, except that an elector who is a parent or guardian may be accompanied by the elector's minor child or minor ward. An election official may inform the elector of the proper manner for casting a vote, but the official may not in any manner advise or indicate a particular voting choice.

AB63, s. 38 Section 38. 343.50 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,26,9 343.50 (3) Design and contents of card. The card shall be the same size as an operator's license but shall be of a design which is readily distinguishable from the design of an operator's license and bear upon it the words "IDENTIFICATION CARD ONLY". The information on the card shall be the same as specified under s. 343.17 (3). The card may serve as a document of gift under s. 157.06 (2) (b) and (c) and the holder may affix a sticker thereto as provided in s. 343.175 (3). The card may also serve as a document of refusal to make an anatomical gift under s. 157.06 (2) (i). The Except as provided in sub. (4g), the card shall contain the holder's photograph and, if applicable, shall be of the design specified under s. 343.17 (3) (a) 12.

AB63, s. 39 Section 39. 343.50 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,26,19 343.50 (4) Application. The application for an identification card shall include any information required under ss. 85.103 (2) and 343.14 (2) (a), (b), (bm), (br), and (em), and such further information as the department may reasonably require to enable it to determine whether the applicant is entitled by law to an identification card. The Except as provided in sub.(4g), the department shall, as part of the application process, take a photograph of the applicant to comply with sub. (3). No Except as provided in sub.(4g), no application may be processed without the photograph being taken. Misrepresentations in violation of s. 343.14 (5) are punishable as provided in s. 343.14 (9).

AB63, s. 40 Section 40. 343.50 (4g) of the statutes is created to read:

AB63,27,3 343.50 (4g) Photograph requirement; exception. An application may be processed and an original or renewal identification card issued under this section without a photograph being taken to comply with subs. (3) and (4) to an applicant who requests the identification card without charge under sub. (5) or (6) and who provides to the department an affidavit stating that the applicant has a sincerely held religious belief against being photographed; identifying the religion to which he or she belongs or the tenets of which he or she adheres to; and stating that the tenets of the religion prohibit him or her from being photographed.

AB63, s. 41 Section 41. 343.50 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,27,9 343.50 (5) Valid period; fees. The fee for an original card and for the reinstatement of an identification card after cancellation under sub. (10) shall be $9 or, upon request of the applicant, without charge. The card shall be valid for the succeeding period of 4 years from the applicant's next birthday after the date of issuance.

AB63, s. 42 Section 42. 343.50 (6) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB63,27,18 343.50 (6) Renewal. At least 30 days prior to the expiration of the card, the department shall mail a renewal application to the last-known address of each identification card holder. The department shall include with the application information, as developed by all organ procurement organizations in cooperation with the department, that promotes anatomical donations and which relates to the anatomical donation opportunity available under s. 343.175. The fee for a renewal identification card shall be $9, which or, upon request of the identification card holder, without charge. The renewal identification card shall be valid for 4 years.

AB63, s. 43 Section 43. Initial applicability.

AB63,27,24 (1) The treatment of sections 6.55 (2) (b) and (c) 1. and 2. and (3), 6.79 (2) (a) and (d), (4), and (6), 6.86 (3) (a) 1. and 2., and 6.87 (6) of the statutes, the renumbering and amendment of section 6.87 (4) of the statutes, and the creation of section 6.87 (4) (b) 2. to 4. of the statutes first apply with respect to the 2006 spring primary election.

AB63, s. 44 Section 44. Effective date.

AB63,28,2 (1) This act takes effect on January 1, 2006, or the day after publication, whichever is later.

AB63,28,3 (End)