Wisconsin Senate Bill SB597

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/30/25
• Refer: 10/30/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to repeal 6.86 (2) and 6.87 (4) (b) 2.; to amend 6.18 (intro.), 6.86 (1) (a) 3., 6.86 (1) (ac), 6.86 (1) (b), 6.86 (2m) (a), 6.87 (1), 6.87 (2) (intro.), 6.875 (3) (a), 6.875 (4) (a), 7.08 (1) (c) and 7.15 (1) (j); to create 5.02 (24d), 6.86 (1) (ad), 12.13 (6) and 12.60 (1) (e) of the statutes; Relating to: 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)

Impact

Should SB597 be enacted, it will significantly alter the current voting laws pertaining to absentee voting in the state. The change will ensure that voters will no longer need to claim they are indefinitely confined to receive absentee ballots, which is expected to increase participation in elections, particularly among individuals who may struggle to vote in-person due to age, disability, or other considerations. This bill represents a shift toward more inclusive electoral practices.

Summary

SB597 aims to enhance voter accessibility by allowing voters to automatically receive absentee ballots for all elections. This legislation specifically eliminates the indefinitely confined voter status that was previously required for obtaining absentee ballots, thereby streamlining the process for voters who may need or prefer to vote by mail. The bill's intention is to ensure that all voters, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to participate in elections without unnecessary barriers.

Contention

Despite its aim to improve voter access, SB597 may face opposition related to concerns about election security and the potential for misuse of absentee ballots. Critics may argue that automatically sending ballots could lead to errors, such as ballots being sent to outdated addresses, which could increase the risk of fraudulent voting or ballots being cast by individuals who have moved away. As such, discussions around the bill may highlight the need for balancing accessibility with the integrity and security of the electoral process.