Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB752

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/17/25
• Refer: 12/17/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to create 12.60 (1) (am) of the statutes; Relating to: using an absentee ballot drop box or the U.S. mail or a commercial carrier to commit election fraud and providing a penalty.

Impact

The introduction of AB752 is poised to significantly impact existing election laws within Wisconsin. Currently, the law holds certain fraud activities to varying degrees of punishment; the bill seeks to standardize penalties for using mail systems in fraudulent behavior, highlighting a legislative intent to deter such actions. By redefining penalties and classifying specific actions as felonies, this bill enhances the legal framework surrounding elections and responds to growing concerns around electoral integrity, particularly as mail-in voting becomes more prevalent.

Summary

Assembly Bill 752 aims to address election fraud by stipulating that using an absentee ballot drop box, U.S. mail, or commercial carriers in the commission of election fraud constitutes a Class H felony. This reflects an effort by the state legislature to strengthen penalties associated with election-fraud-related activities, ensuring that methods perceived as risks to electoral integrity are penalized more severely. Prior to this bill, the maximum penalties for different forms of election fraud included Class I felonies, but the introduction of this bill specifically targets the use of mail systems in connection with fraud.

Contention

AB752 is not without its points of contention. Critics may argue that increasing penalties for election fraud, especially in relation to absentee ballots and mail systems, could inadvertently inhibit lawful participation in the voting process. There are concerns that the classification of what constitutes fraud could lead to undue scrutiny and legal risks for voters who utilize these systems honestly. Additionally, the debate surrounding the perceived need for such measures may reflect broader national conversations about voter suppression versus election integrity, particularly among marginalized communities who may rely more heavily on mail-in voting methods.