Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB572

Introduced
10/26/23  
Refer
10/26/23  
Report Pass
11/7/23  
Refer
11/7/23  
Engrossed
11/9/23  
Refer
11/13/23  
Enrolled
2/15/24  
Vetoed
3/21/24  

Caption

Absentee voting in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes and court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote.

Impact

The legislative changes introduced by AB 572 will impact the statutes related to voter registration and absentee voting processes. The bill mandates that upon receiving a court's determination of a voter's incompetency, the elections commission must adjust that voter's status promptly, thus streamlining the notification process to individuals affected. By enhancing the protocols surrounding absentee voting in care facilities, the bill aims to bolster voter participation among residents who may otherwise face barriers to voting due to their circumstances.

Summary

Assembly Bill 572 seeks to amend existing statutes to facilitate absentee voting for individuals residing in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes in Wisconsin. It specifically addresses the processes surrounding the determination of voting eligibility and incompetency, allowing for changes in an elector's status based on court findings. This bill aims to make absentee voting more accessible for vulnerable populations residing in care facilities, ensuring that they are afforded the right to participate in elections while accommodating their unique living situations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 572 is largely supportive, as it addresses the vital issue of accessibility in the electoral process for those in residential care settings. Advocates for the bill believe that it represents a meaningful step toward inclusivity, recognizing that the elderly and individuals with disabilities have the right to vote and be represented. However, there are concerns from some lawmakers about potential vulnerabilities regarding the determination of incompetency and the associated privacy issues, which have led to discussions about ensuring adequate protections for individuals.

Contention

One potential contention arises from the procedures for determining incompetency as it relates to voting rights. Critics express worries that without stringent oversight, the process could lead to unintended disenfranchisement of individuals who may be capable of understanding the voting process. The balance between protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring their rights to participate in democracy remains a critical talking point. As the bill progresses, it is likely that these concerns will spark continued debate among legislators and advocacy groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB617

Applying for and returning absentee ballots; use of central counting locations; election night reporting; court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote; preelection tests of electronic voting equipment, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI SB624

Applying for and returning absentee ballots; use of central counting locations; election night reporting; court determinations of incompetency and ineligibility to vote; preelection tests of electronic voting equipment, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI HB2141

To modify certain election laws, early voting laws, and absentee voting laws

WI AB595

Compliance with the federal Help America Vote Act, voter registration data sharing agreements, removing ineligible voters from the official voter registration list, and fees for obtaining the official voter registration list. (FE)

WI HB1652

Elections; voter identification containing photograph required; who may register up to and including the day of the election; absentee ballot application requirements; absentee voting in person availability; return of absentee ballots.

WI HB1038

To Create The No-excuse Absentee Voting Act Of 2025; To Amend The Law Concerning Absentee Voting; And To Repeal Voter Qualifications For Absentee Voting.

WI HB77

Voting, absentee voting; designee to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager for disabled voter, authorized

WI HB31

Voting, absentee voting, disabled, blind, or voters unable to read may designate individual to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager

WI HF1253

Requirements related to the return of absentee ballots on election day modified, and absentee voting period modified for certain voters.

WI HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

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