Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB306

Introduced
5/24/23  
Refer
5/24/23  

Caption

Requiring identification of a military voter for voting absentee.

Impact

The implementation of SB306 will directly affect voting statutes related to absentee ballots in Wisconsin. Currently, military voters are granted some leniency in identification requirements; however, this bill strengthens those requirements by adding the DOD number verification. While supporters argue that this measure adds necessary security and accountability to the electoral process, opponents express concern that it may unnecessarily complicate the voting process for military personnel, which could dissuade them from participating in elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 306 aims to enhance the absentee voting process for military voters by requiring them to provide valid identification in the form of their federal Department of Defense (DOD) number when applying for an absentee ballot. This requirement seeks to ensure that military voters, who may be deployed or stationed away from their voting jurisdiction, are properly verified before receiving their ballot. Under the new regulations, municipal clerks must verify the DOD number against records from the Department of Military Affairs. In cases where verification is not completed by election day, military ballots will be treated as provisional until verification can occur within a specified timeframe after the election.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB306, particularly regarding the accessibility and practicality of the new identification requirements. Critics question whether the new protocols may hinder military voters' ability to easily vote absentee, given the complexities of obtaining and submitting the required information securely. Concerns also center around the privacy of the DOD number, as the bill stipulates that this information will not be made publicly available, thus raising discussions about balancing verification needs against voter privacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI HB686

Requiring a voter to provide identification when requesting an absentee ballot.

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 HF2392

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place required, certain voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, and money appropriated.

WI AB599

Allowing voters to automatically receive absentee ballots for every election, eliminating the indefinitely confined voter status for receiving absentee ballots, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI SB597

Allowing voters to automatically receive absentee ballots for every election, eliminating the indefinitely confined voter status for receiving absentee ballots, and providing a penalty. (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 HF2177

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification required of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place, voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, criminal penalties increased, reports required, and money appropriated.

WI HB45

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

WI SB287

Requiring applicants for absentee ballots to present a copy of their photo identification with their application.

Similar Bills

TX HB5629

Relating to the occupational licensing of military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.

AZ SB1618

military affairs commission

NC S1060

Milit. Sexual Trauma/Study Comm./Pilot Prog

CA SB970

Military or overseas voters.

SC H5396

Month of the military child

WY SF0119

Expedited professional licensure for military members.

NJ SR63

Urges educational institutions in NJ to include veterans and active service members in discussions about military, military values, and leadership.

TX SB2255

Relating to the occupational licensing of military spouses.