Amendment SSA1-SB640

SB640-SSA1, s. 97 Section 97. 6.868 of the statutes is created to read:

SB640-SSA1,60,4 6.868 Period for absentee voting in person. The period for absentee voting in person at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site designated under s. 6.855 begins on the 21st day before each election and ends on the day before each election.

SB640-SSA1, s. 98 Section 98. 6.869 of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,60,14 6.869 Uniform instructions. The board shall prescribe uniform instructions for municipalities to provide to absentee voters. The instructions shall include the specific means of electronic communication that an absentee elector may use to file an application for an absentee ballot and, if the absentee elector is required to register, to request a registration form or change his or her registration. The instructions also shall include information concerning the procedure for correcting errors in marking a ballot and obtaining a replacement for a spoiled ballot. The procedure shall, to the extent possible, respect the privacy of each elector and preserve the confidentiality of each elector's vote.

SB640-SSA1, s. 99 Section 99. 6.87 (2) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,60,20 6.87 (2) (intro.) Except as authorized under sub. (3) (d), the municipal clerk shall place the ballot in an unsealed envelope furnished by the clerk. The Except as provided in sub. (2m) and s. 6.24 (4) (d), the envelope shall have the name, official title and post-office address of the clerk upon its face. The other side of the envelope shall have a printed certificate in substantially the following form:

SB640-SSA1, s. 100 Section 100. 6.87 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640-SSA1,61,3 6.87 (2m) The board shall prescribe the form of an absentee ballot envelope for use by electors voting absentee ballots in person at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site designated under s. 6.855. No witness is required on such envelopes. The form shall include the words "Official Absentee Ballot," the name of the municipality, and a space for the issuing clerk or deputy clerk to initial the envelope. Upon receiving the envelope from the elector, the issuing clerk or deputy clerk shall initial the envelope.

SB640-SSA1, s. 101 Section 101. 6.87 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,61,25 6.87 (3) (d) A municipal clerk may shall, if the clerk is reliably informed by an absent elector of a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address where the elector can receive an absentee ballot, transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the absent elector's ballot to that elector in lieu of mailing under this subsection if, in the judgment of the clerk, the time required to send the ballot through the mail may not be sufficient to enable return of the ballot by the time provided under sub. (6). An elector may receive an absentee ballot under this subsection only if the elector has filed a valid application for the ballot under s. 6.86 (1). If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot under this paragraph to an absent elector electronically, the clerk shall also transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the text of the material that appears on the certificate envelope prescribed in sub. (2), together with instructions prescribed by the board. The instructions shall require the absent elector to make and subscribe to the certification as required under sub. (4) and to enclose the absentee ballot in a separate envelope contained within a larger envelope, that shall include the completed certificate. The elector shall then affix sufficient postage unless the absentee ballot qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws and shall mail the absentee ballot to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot received under this paragraph from an elector who receives the ballot electronically shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and sub. (4) and in accordance with the instructions provided by the board.

SB640-SSA1, s. 102 Section 102. 6.87 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,63,3 6.87 (4) Except as otherwise provided in sub. (2m) and s. 6.875, the elector voting absentee shall make and subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult U.S. citizen. The absent elector, in the presence of the witness, shall mark the ballot in a manner that will not disclose how the elector's vote is cast. The elector shall then, still in the presence of the witness, fold the ballots so each is separate and so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit them in the proper envelope. If a consolidated ballot under s. 5.655 is used, the elector shall fold the ballot so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit the ballot in the proper envelope. If proof of residence is required, the elector shall enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope. Proof Except as authorized in s. 6.34 (2m) and (2n), proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), and the elector registered by mail or by electronic application or confirmed his or her registration after the close of registration 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.

SB640-SSA1, s. 103 Section 103. 6.87 (9) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,63,9 6.87 (9) If a municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot by mail with an improperly completed certificate or with no certificate, the clerk may return the ballot to the elector, inside the sealed envelope when an envelope is received, together with a new envelope if necessary, whenever time permits the elector to correct the defect and return the ballot within the period authorized under sub. (6).

SB640-SSA1, s. 104 Section 104. 6.875 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,64,4 6.875 (3) An occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility who qualifies as an absent elector and desires to receive an absentee ballot shall make application under s. 6.86 (1), (2), or (2m) with the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. The clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility located in a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and transmit an absentee ballot for the elector to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or qualified community-based residential facility is located. The clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility located in the municipality but who is a resident of a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and request transmission of an absentee ballot from the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. The clerk or board of election commissioners shall make a record of all absentee ballots to be transmitted, delivered, and voted under this section.

SB640-SSA1, s. 105 Section 105. 6.875 (4) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,64,24 6.875 (4) (a) For the purpose of absentee voting in nursing homes and qualified retirement homes and qualified community-based residential facilities, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of each municipality in which one or more nursing homes or qualified retirement homes or qualified community-based residential facilities are located shall appoint at least 2 special voting deputies for the municipality. Upon application under s. 6.86 (1), (2), or (2m) by one or more qualified electors who are occupants of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or facility is located shall dispatch 2 special voting deputies to visit the home or qualified community-based residential facility for the purpose of supervising absentee voting procedure by occupants of the home or qualified community-based residential facility. The clerk shall maintain a list, available to the public upon request, of each nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility where an elector has requested an absentee ballot. The list shall include the date and time the deputies intend to visit each home or facility. The 2 deputies designated to visit each nursing home or qualified retirement home and qualified community-based residential facility shall be affiliated with different political parties whenever deputies representing different parties are available.

SB640-SSA1, s. 106 Section 106. 6.875 (4) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,65,13 6.875 (4) (b) Nominations for the special voting deputy positions described in par. (a) may be submitted by the 2 recognized political parties whose candidates for governor or president received the greatest numbers of votes in the municipality at the most recent general election. The deputies An individual who serves as a special voting deputy shall be an elector of the county, or one of the counties, in which the municipality is located. Each special voting deputy shall be specially appointed to carry out the duties under par. (a) for the period specified in s. 7.30 (6) (a). The clerk or board of election commissioners may revoke an appointment at any time. No individual who is employed or retained, or within the 2 years preceding appointment has been employed or retained, at a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility in the municipality, or any member of the individual's immediate family, as defined in s. 19.42 (7), may be appointed to serve as a deputy.

SB640-SSA1, s. 107 Section 107. 6.875 (6) (c) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,66,3 6.875 (6) (c) 1. Upon their visit to the home or facility under par. (a), the deputies shall personally offer each elector who has filed a proper application for an absentee ballot the opportunity to cast his or her absentee ballot. If an elector is present who has not filed a proper application for an absentee ballot, the 2 deputies may accept an application from the elector and shall issue a ballot to the elector if the elector is qualified 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. The deputies shall then sign the certification as witnesses and, if they provide assistance, shall sign the back of the ballot indicating that they provided assistance. All voting shall be conducted in the presence of the deputies. Upon request of the elector, a relative of the elector who is present in the room may assist the elector in marking the elector's ballot. No individual other than a deputy may witness the certification and no individual other than a deputy or relative of an elector may render voting assistance to the elector.

SB640-SSA1, s. 108 Section 108. 6.88 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,66,20 6.88 (3) (b) When the inspectors find that a certification is insufficient, that the applicant is not a qualified elector in the ward or election district, that the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, that the ballot envelope contains more than one ballot of any one kind or, except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, that the certificate of an elector who received an absentee ballot by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing, or if proof is submitted to the inspectors that an elector voting an absentee ballot has since died, the inspectors shall not count the ballot. The inspectors shall endorse every ballot not counted on the back, "rejected (giving the reason)". The inspectors shall reinsert each rejected ballot into the certificate envelope in which it was delivered and enclose the certificate envelopes and ballots, and securely seal the ballots and envelopes in an envelope marked for rejected absentee ballots. The inspectors shall endorse the envelope, "rejected ballots" with a statement of the ward or election district and date of the election, signed by the chief inspector and one of the inspectors representing each of the 2 major political parties and returned to the municipal clerk in the same manner as official ballots voted at the election.

SB640-SSA1, s. 109 Section 109. 6.88 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,67,3 6.88 (3) (c) The inspectors shall review each certificate absentee ballot envelope to determine whether any absentee ballot is cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote at the election by reason of a felony conviction. If the inspectors receive an absentee ballot that has been cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible for that reason, the inspectors shall challenge the ballot as provided in s. 6.92 and treat the ballot in the manner provided in s. 6.95.

SB640-SSA1, s. 110 Section 110. 6.925 of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,68,4 6.925 Elector making challenge in person. Any elector may challenge for cause any person offering to vote whom the elector knows or suspects is not a qualified elector. Except as authorized in this section, the challenging elector shall be an elector of the same county as the challenged elector and, if the challenged elector is an elector of a 1st class city, the challenging elector shall be an elector of the same aldermanic district as the challenged elector. If the challenging elector is a district attorney, the district attorney shall be an elector of the prosecutorial district in which he or she serves. The inspectors shall require the challenging elector to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 before accepting the challenge. If a person is challenged as unqualified by an elector, one of the inspectors may administer the oath or affirmation to the challenged elector under s. 6.92 and ask the challenged elector the questions under that section which are appropriate to test the elector's qualifications. In addition, one of the inspectors shall administer the following oath or affirmation to the challenging elector: "You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will fully and truly answer all questions put to you regarding the challenged person's place of residence and qualifications as an elector of this election"; and election." Except as authorized in this section, the inspector shall also require the challenging elector to swear (or affirm) that he or she is an elector of the same county as the challenged elector and, if the challenged elector is an elector of a 1st class city, to swear or affirm that he or she is an elector of the same aldermanic district as the challenged elector. The inspector shall then ask questions which are appropriate as determined by the board, by rule, to test the qualifications of the challenged elector. If the challenging elector is a district attorney, the district attorney shall swear (or affirm) that he or she is an elector of the prosecutorial district served by the district attorney.

SB640-SSA1, s. 111 Section 111. 6.93 of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,68,16 6.93 Challenging the absent elector. The vote of any absent elector may be challenged for cause by any inspector or by another elector and the inspectors of election shall have all the power and authority given them to hear and determine the legality of the ballot the same as if the ballot had been voted in person. In municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, the vote of an absentee elector may be challenged as provided in s. 7.52 (5). Except as authorized in s. 6.925 for district attorneys, any challenging elector shall be an elector of the same county as the challenged elector and, if the challenged elector is an elector of a 1st class city, the challenging elector shall be an elector of the same aldermanic district as the challenged elector. The inspectors shall require the challenging elector to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 before accepting the challenge.

SB640-SSA1, s. 112 Section 112. 7.08 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,68,22 7.08 (1) (c) Prescribe forms required by ss. 6.24 (3) and (4), 6.30 (4), 6.33 (1), 6.40 (1) (a), 6.47 (1) (am) 2. and (3), 6.55 (2), and , 6.86 (2) to (1) (ad) and (3) , and 6.87 (2m). 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.

SB640-SSA1, s. 113 Section 113. 7.08 (1) (cm) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640-SSA1,69,3 7.08 (1) (cm) Prescribe the form required by s. 6.30 (5). The form shall contain a statement of the penalty applicable to false or fraudulent registration or voting through use of the form.

SB640-SSA1, s. 114 Section 114. 7.08 (3) (d) to (g) of the statutes are created to read:

SB640-SSA1,69,5 7.08 (3) (d) Be written in clear, unambiguous language.

SB640-SSA1,69,6 (e) Be indexed by subject.

SB640-SSA1,69,8 (f) Contain specific examples of common problems encountered at polling places on election day and detailed, specific procedures for resolving those problems.

SB640-SSA1,69,9 (g) Include an explanation of all of the following:

SB640-SSA1,69,11 1. Laws and rules governing solicitation by individuals and groups at a polling place.

SB640-SSA1,69,13 2. Procedures to be followed with respect to electors whose names do not appear on the registration list.

SB640-SSA1,69,14 3. Proper operation of any electronic voting system used at a polling place.

SB640-SSA1,69,15 4. Procedures for handling of ballots.

SB640-SSA1,69,16 5. Procedures governing spoiled ballots.

SB640-SSA1,69,17 6. Procedures to be followed after a polling place closes.

SB640-SSA1,69,18 7. Rights of electors at the polls.

SB640-SSA1,69,19 8. Procedures for handling of emergency situations.

SB640-SSA1,69,20 9. Procedures for handling and processing of provisional ballots.

SB640-SSA1,69,21 10. Security procedures.

SB640-SSA1, s. 115 Section 115. 7.08 (12) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640-SSA1,70,2 7.08 (12) Remedies for deceptive election practices. Disseminate through the Internet and radio, television, and newspaper advertisements information concerning complaint procedures and remedies for deceptive election practices under s. 12.17.

SB640-SSA1, s. 116 Section 116. 7.08 (13) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640-SSA1,70,9 7.08 (13) Withhold personal information provided to board. Withhold from public access under s. 19.35 (1) the telephone number, facsimile transmission number, or electronic mail address of any elector who voluntarily provides that information to the board or to a county or municipal clerk. The board may transfer the information to any official or employee who has access to the information in the registration list under s. 6.36 (1) (b) 1. a. to be used for the administration of elections.

SB640-SSA1, s. 117 Section 117. 7.10 (11) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640-SSA1,70,17 7.10 (11) Withhold personal information provided to clerk. The county clerk shall withhold from public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) the telephone number, facsimile transmission number, or electronic mail address of any elector who voluntarily provides that information to the clerk or to the board or a municipal clerk. The county clerk may transfer the information to any official or employee who has access to the information in the registration list under s. 6.36 (1) (b) 1. a. to be used for the administration of elections.

SB640-SSA1, s. 118 Section 118. 7.15 (1) (cm) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,70,25 7.15 (1) (cm) Prepare official absentee ballots for delivery to electors requesting them, and send an official absentee ballot to each elector who has requested one for voting outside the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site designated under s. 6.855 no later than the 30th day before each September primary and general election and no later than the 21st day before each other primary and election if the request is made before that day; otherwise, the municipal clerk shall send an official absentee ballot within one day of the time the elector's request is received.

SB640-SSA1, s. 119 Section 119. 7.15 (1) (j) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,71,4 7.15 (1) (j) Send an absentee ballot automatically to each person making an authorized request therefor in accordance with s. 6.22 (4), 6.24 (4) (c), or 6.86 (2) or (2m).

SB640-SSA1, s. 120 Section 120. 7.15 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,71,10 7.15 (2m) Operation of alternate absentee ballot site. In a municipality in which the governing body has elected to establish an one or more alternate absentee ballot site sites under s. 6.855, the municipal clerk shall operate such site as though it were his or her office for absentee ballot purposes and shall ensure that such site is adequately staffed.

SB640-SSA1, s. 121 Section 121. 7.15 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,71,15 7.15 (4) Recording electors. Within Except as authorized in s. 6.33 (5) (a), within 30 days after each election, the municipal clerk shall enter on the registration list under the name of each elector of the municipality who has voted at the election an indication of the date of the election in which the elector voted.

SB640-SSA1, s. 122 Section 122. 7.15 (15) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640-SSA1,71,23 7.15 (15) Withhold personal information provided to clerk. The municipal clerk shall withhold from public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) the telephone number, facsimile transmission number, or electronic mail address of any elector who voluntarily provides that information to the clerk or to the board or county clerk. The municipal clerk may transfer the information to any official or employee who has access to the information in the registration list under s. 6.36 (1) (b) 1. a. to be used for the administration of elections.

SB640-SSA1, s. 123 Section 123. 7.30 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,73,4 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 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 county, or one of the counties, in which the municipality served by the polling place is located, except as authorized in par. (am) and 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 an elector of any county, but shall be a resident of the an elector of this state. No more than 2 individuals holding the office of clerk or deputy clerk may serve without regard to municipal 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.

SB640-SSA1, s. 124 Section 124. 7.30 (2) (am) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,74,2 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 may serve as an inspector at the a polling place serving the pupil's residence any municipality located wholly or partly within the county within which the pupil resides, 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 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.

SB640-SSA1, s. 125 Section 125. 7.30 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,74,19 7.30 (2) (b) When a vacancy occurs in an office under this section, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the municipal clerk. Unless the vacancy occurs in the position of an inspector appointed under sub. (1) (b), the vacancy shall be filled from the remaining names on the lists submitted under sub. (4) or from additional names submitted by the chairperson of the county party committee of the appropriate party under sub. (4) whenever names are submitted under sub. (4) (d). If the vacancy is due to candidacy, sickness or any other temporary cause, the appointment shall be a temporary appointment and effective only for the election at which the temporary vacancy occurs. The same qualifications that applied to original appointees shall be required of persons who fill vacancies except that a vacancy may be filled in cases of emergency or because of time limitations by a person who resides in another aldermanic district or ward within the municipality, and if a municipal clerk or deputy clerk fills the vacancy, the clerk or deputy, but not more than a total of 2 individuals in any municipality, may serve who resides in this state, without regard to the clerk's or deputy's municipality county of residence, if the clerk or deputy meets the other qualifications.

SB640-SSA1, s. 126 Section 126. 7.41 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,75,3 7.41 (4) No individual exercising the right under sub. (1) may view the confidential portion of a registration list maintained under s. 6.36 (4) or a poll list maintained under s. 6.79 (6). However, the inspectors or municipal clerk shall disclose to such an individual, upon request, the existence of such a list, the number of electors whose names appear on the list, and the number of those electors who have voted at any point in the proceedings. No such individual may view the certificate absentee ballot envelope of an absent elector who obtains a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2).

SB640-SSA1, s. 127 Section 127. 7.51 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,75,11 7.51 (3) (d) Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, all absentee certificate ballot envelopes which have been opened shall be returned by the inspectors to the municipal clerk in a securely sealed carrier envelope which is clearly marked "used absentee certificate ballot envelopes". The envelopes shall be signed by the chief inspector and 2 other inspectors. Except when the ballots are used in a municipal or school district election only, the municipal clerk shall transmit the used envelopes to the county clerk.

SB640-SSA1, s. 128 Section 128. 7.52 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,76,2 7.52 (1) (b) A municipality that adopts the canvassing procedure under this section may appoint additional inspectors under s. 7.30 (2) (a) to assist the absentee ballot board of canvassers in canvassing absentee ballots under this section. In such case, an odd number of inspectors shall be appointed, and at no time may there be less than 3 inspectors who serve. Except as authorized in s. 7.30 (4) (c), all inspectors shall be affiliated with one of the 2 recognized political parties receiving the largest numbers of votes for president, or for governor in nonpresidential general election years, in the municipality. The party whose candidate received the largest number of votes in the municipality is entitled to one more inspector than the party whose candidate received the next largest number of votes in the municipality. Each inspector so appointed shall be a qualified elector of the county, or one of the counties, in which the municipality is located. The inspectors who are appointed under this paragraph shall serve under the direction and supervision of the board of absentee ballot canvassers.

SB640-SSA1, s. 129 Section 129. 7.52 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,76,21 7.52 (3) (b) When the board of absentee ballot canvassers finds that a certification is insufficient, that the applicant is not a qualified elector in the ward or election district, that the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, that the ballot envelope contains more than one ballot of any one kind, or that the certificate of an elector who received an absentee ballot by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing, or if proof is submitted to the board of absentee ballot canvassers that an elector voting an absentee ballot has since died, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall not count the ballot. Each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall endorse every ballot not counted on the back as "rejected (giving the reason)." The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall reinsert each rejected ballot into the certificate envelope in which it was delivered and enclose the certificate envelopes and ballots, and securely seal the ballots and envelopes in an envelope marked for rejected absentee ballots. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall endorse the envelope as "rejected ballots," with a statement of the ward or election district and date of the election, and each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall sign the statement. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then return the envelope containing the ballots to the municipal clerk.

SB640-SSA1, s. 130 Section 130. 7.52 (4) (i) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,77,4 7.52 (4) (i) All absentee certificate ballot envelopes that have been opened shall be returned by the board of absentee ballot canvassers to the municipal clerk in a securely sealed carrier envelope that is clearly marked "used absentee certificate ballot envelopes." The envelopes shall be signed by each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers. Except when the ballots are used in a municipal or school district election only, the municipal clerk shall transmit the used envelopes to the county clerk.

SB640-SSA1, s. 131 Section 131. 7.52 (5) of the statutes is renumbered 7.52 (5) (a) and amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,77,16 7.52 (5) (a) The vote of any absent elector may be challenged for cause by the board of absentee ballot canvassers or by another elector and the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall have all the power and authority given the inspectors to hear and determine the legality of the ballot the same as if the ballot had been voted in person. Except as authorized in s. 6.925 for district attorneys, any challenging elector shall be an elector of the same ward or election district as the challenged elector and, if the challenged elector is an elector of a 1st class city, the challenging elector shall be an elector of the same aldermanic district as the challenged elector. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall require the challenging elector to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34.

SB640-SSA1, s. 132 Section 132. 7.52 (6) (a) of the statutes is renumbered 7.52 (6) and amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,78,2 7.52 (6) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall review each certificate absentee ballot envelope to determine whether any absentee ballot is cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote at the election, including ineligibility to vote by reason of a felony conviction. If the board of absentee ballot canvassers receives an absentee ballot that has been cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote, the inspectors shall challenge the ballot in the same manner as provided for inspectors making challenges under s. 6.92 and shall treat the ballot in the manner as provided for treatment of challenged ballots by inspectors under s. 6.95.

SB640-SSA1, s. 133 Section 133. 7.52 (6) (b) of the statutes is renumbered 7.52 (5) (b) and amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,78,24 7.52 (5) (b) Any elector may challenge for cause any absentee ballot. For the purpose of deciding upon ballots that are challenged for any reason, the board of absentee ballot canvassers may call before it any person whose absentee ballot is challenged if the person is available to be called. If the person challenged refuses to answer fully any relevant questions put to him or her by the board of absentee ballot canvassers under s. 6.92, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall reject the person's vote. If the challenge is not withdrawn after the person offering to vote has answered the questions, one of the members of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall administer to the person the following oath or affirmation: "You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that: you are 18 years of age; you are a citizen of the United States; you are now and for 10 days have been a resident of this ward except under s. 6.02 (2), stats.; you have not voted at this election; you have not made any bet or wager or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager depending upon the result of this election; you are not on any other ground disqualified to vote at this election." If the person challenged refuses to take the oath or affirmation, the person's vote shall be rejected. If the person challenged answers fully all relevant questions put to the elector by the board of absentee ballot canvassers under s. 6.92, takes the oath or affirmation, and fulfills the applicable registration requirements, and if the answers to the questions given by the person indicate that the person meets the voting qualification requirements, the person's vote shall be received.

SB640-SSA1, s. 134 Section 134. 9.01 (1) (b) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640-SSA1,79,8 9.01 (1) (b) 2. The board of canvassers shall then examine the absentee ballot envelopes. Any defective absentee ballot envelopes shall be laid aside, properly marked and carefully preserved. The number of voters shall be reduced by the number of ballot envelopes set aside under this subdivision. An absentee ballot envelope is defective only if it is not witnessed or, if a witness is required for the voter casting the ballot, if it is not signed by the voter, or if the certificate accompanying an absentee ballot that the voter received by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing.