Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB535

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/15/25
• Refer: 10/15/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to amend 5.25 (4) (a) and 5.25 (4) (d); to create 6.82 (1) (c) of the statutes; Relating to: polling place accessibility. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB535 would amend existing statutes regarding polling place accessibility by introducing a formalized assessment procedure specifically designed for election days. This amendment aims to enforce a physical and procedural compliance mechanism that would allow individuals with disabilities to vote independently and privately, significantly impacting state laws surrounding election processes and disability rights.

Summary

Assembly Bill 535 focuses on enhancing the accessibility of polling places for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. The bill mandates that polling places must be assessed for accessibility with an election day checklist to identify and remedy any barriers to voting. This evaluation process has to be carried out by election officials, who will immediately report any accessibility limitations to the relevant authorities, thus ensuring that necessary accommodations are addressed promptly.

Contention

While the bill is generally perceived as a positive step toward ensuring equitable voting opportunities for all, there may be points of contention among stakeholders regarding the implementation resources and potential costs involved in enforcing the new accessibility checklist requirements. Some advocates may call for additional funding and support for local election officials to ensure compliance with the new regulations, while others may be concerned about maintaining confidentiality and privacy for voters with disabilities during the voting process.