Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB490

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/12/23
• Refer: 10/12/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Wisconsin's membership agreement with the Electronic Registration Information Center. (FE)

Impact

The termination of the ERIC membership changes how Wisconsin manages its official voter registration list. By removing its association with ERIC, the state government will likely adopt new methods to track and maintain voter data. The fiscal impact of this change is yet to be determined but may include costs associated with developing a new system or manning resources internally to handle voter registration. This could lead to implications for the accuracy and reliability of voter registration data, as ERIC provides resources that aid in identifying inaccuracies and maintaining up-to-date records.

Summary

Assembly Bill 490 seeks to terminate Wisconsin's membership agreement with the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), which is an organization that assists states in maintaining their voter registration lists. The bill requires the administrator of the Elections Commission to take all necessary actions to effect this termination. Additionally, it prevents the commission, as well as any other state agency, from entering into future agreements with ERIC. Proponents argue this step is vital for safeguarding data privacy and ensuring state control over voter registration processes.

Contention

The bill has faced criticism from various quarters, particularly from those who believe that terminating the agreement with ERIC may hinder efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls. Supporters of ERIC argue that the system provides essential assistance in preventing voter fraud and ensuring that voter registration data is correct and comprehensive. The discussions surrounding AB490 reflect a broader debate on election integrity, data privacy, and the means by which these are upheld by state institutions.