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?tate Hf Wisconsin

2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE


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SENATE SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT 
T0 ASSEMBLY BILL 947

AN ACT to repeal 6.34 (1) and 6.87 (4) to consolidate, renumber and
amend 6.34 (1) (intro) and and 6.87 (4) (intro) and to amend 5.02
(20), 5.05 (13) 5.05 (13) 1., 6.22 (2) 6.22 (2) 6.22 (4) 6.22 (4)
6.24 (2), 6.24 (4) 6.24 (4) 6.24 (4) 6.25 (1) 6.276 (1), 6.865 (1),
6.87 (2), 6.87 (3) 6.87 (4) 1., 6.88 (1), 6.97 (1), 7.15 (1) 7.15 (1) 
8.50 (2) and 11.0101 (30) (intro.); to repeal and recreate 8.50 (4) and to
create 5.02 (12n) of the statutes; relating to: absentee ballots cast by overseas

and military voters and the timing for holding special elections.

 

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

VOTING PROCEDURES FOR MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS

This substitute amendment modifies current law regarding the voting
procedures for military and overseas electors so that the law is in substantial
compliance with the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
The substitute amendment also modifies current law so that an individual signing
the witness certification for an absentee ballot cast by a military elector or overseas
elector need not be a United States citizen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHI-RODEO

(JO-JG)


2017 2018 Legislature 2 

The substitute amendment allows all overseas electors to receive absentee
ballots electronically, regardless of whether such electors are considered
permanently or temporarily overseas. Under the substitute amendment, an
overseas elector is a U.S. citizen who is residing outside of the United States, who
is not disqualified from voting, who has attained or will attain the age of 18 by the
date of an election at which the citizen proposes to vote, Who was last domiciled in
this state or whose parent was last domiciled in this state immediately prior to the
parent?s departure from the United States, and who is not registered to vote or voting
in any other state, territory, or possession.

TIMING FOR HOLDING SPECIAL ELECTIONS

Under this substitute amendment, no special election for the office of state
senator or representative to the assembly may be held after the spring election in the
year in which a regular election is held to fill that seat. Under current law, any
vacancy in the office of state senator or representative to the assembly occurring
before the second Tuesday in May in the year in which a regular election is held to
fill that seat must be filled as as possible by special election.

The substitute amendment also provides that the date for a special election may
not be less than 124 nor more than 154 days from the date of the governor?s order
calling for the special election and that the primary must be held on the day that is
eight weeks before the day of the Special election. Current law provides that the date
for a special election may not be less than 62 nor more than 77 days from the date
of the governor ?s order calling for the special election and that the primary must be
held on the day that is four weeks before the day of the special election.

 

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:

SECTION 1. 5.02 (121:1) of the statutes is created to read:

5.02 (1211) ?Overseas elector? means a U.S. citizen who is residing outside of
the United States, who is not disquali?ed from voting under s. 6.03, who has attained
or will attain the age of 18 by the date of an election at which the citizen proposes to.
vote, who was last domiciled in this state or whose parent was last domiciled in this
state immediately prior to the parent?s departure from the United States, and who
is not registered to vote or voting in any other state, territory, or possession.

SECTION 2. 5.02 (20) of the statutes is amended to read:

SECTION 2

2017 - 2018 Legislature 3 

5.02 (20) ?Special primary? means the primary held 8 weeks before the
special election except when the special election is held on the same day as the
general election the special primary shall be held on the same day as the general
primary or if the'special election is held concurrently with the spring election, the
primary shall be held concurrently with the spring primary.

SECTION 3. 5.05 (13) of the statutes is amended to read:

5.05 (13) The commission shall maintain a freely accessible system under
which a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) or an overseas electorrasrdef?ined
who casts an absentee ballot may ascertain whether the ballot has
been received by the appropriate municipal clerk.

SECTION 4. 5.05 (13) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

5.05 (13) 1. To permit a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) or an
overseas to request a voter registration
application or an application for an absentee ballot at any election at which the
elector is qualified to vote in this state.

SECTION 5. 6.22 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.22 (2) A military elector shall make and subscribe to the certification
under s. 6.87 (2) before a witness who is an adult 

SECTION 6. 6.22 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.22 (2) A military elector may file an application for an absentee ballot by
means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s. 6.86
(1) Upon receipt of a valid application, the municipal clerk shall send the elector
an absentee ballot or, if the elector is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) 

and the elector so requests, shall transmit an absentee ballot to the elector by means

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SECTION 6

of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s. 6.87 (3)


SECTION 7. 6.22 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.22 (4) Upon receiving a timely request for an absentee ballot under par.
by an individualth "quali?es a'sa military'elector, the' municipal clerk shall send
or, if the individual is a military elector as defined in s. 6.34 (1) shall transmit
to the elector upon the elector?s request an absentee ballot for all elections that occur
in the municipality or portion thereof Where the elector resides in the same calendar
year in which the request is received, unless the individual otherwise requests.

SECTION 8. 6.22 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.22 (4) A military elector may indicate an alternate address on his or her
absentee ballot application. If the elector?s ballot is returned as undeliverable prior
to the deadline for return of absentee ballots under s. 6.87 (6), and the elector remains
eligible to receive absentee ballots under this section, the municipal clerk shall
immediately send or, if the elector is a military elector as defined in s. 6.34 (1) 
transmit an absentee ballot to the elector at the alternate address.

SECTION 9. 6.24 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.24 (2) ELIGIBILITY. An overseas electorander?subr?? may vote in any election
for national office, including the partisan primary and presidential preference
primary and any special primary or election. Such elector may not vote in an election
for state or local office WW
An overseas elector shall vote in the ward or election district in which the
elector was last domiciled or in which the elector?s parent was last domiciled prior
to departure from the United States.

SECTION 10. 6.24 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

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SECTION 10

6.24 (4) (0) Upon receipt of a timely application from an individual Who
qualifies as an overseas elector and who has registered to vote in a municipality
under sub. (3), the municipal clerk of the municipality shall send, or if the individual
is an overseas elector, asdefined?in?sr6734?(HGQ, shall transmit an absentee ballot

to the individual upon the individual?s request for all subsequent elections for
national of?ce to be held during the year in which the ballot is requested, except as
otherwise provided in this paragraph, unless the individual otherwise requests or
until the individual no longer qualifies as an overseas elector of the municipality.
The clerk shall not send an absentee ballot for an election if the overseas elector?s
name appeared on the registration list in eligible status for a previous election
following the date of the application but no longer appears on the list in eligible
status. The municipal clerk shall ensure that the envelope containing the absentee
ballot is clearly marked as not forwardable. If an overseas elector who files an
application under this subsection no longer resides at the same address that is
indicated on the application form, the elector shall so notify the municipal clerk.

SECTION 11. 6.24 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.24 (4) An overseas elector, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as
a resident of this state under s. 6.10. who is not registered may request both a
registration form and an absentee ballot at the same time, and the municipal clerk
shall send or transmit the ballot automatically if the registration form is received
Within the time prescribed in s. 6.28 (1). The commission shall prescribe a special

certificate form for the envelope in which the absentee ballot for such overseas

 

electors is contained, which shall be substantially similar to that provided under s.
6.87 (2). An The overseas elector shall make and subscribe to the special certificate

form before a Witness who is an adult U?S-eitiz?en.

 

 

 

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SECTION 12

SECTION 12. 6.24 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.24 (4) An overseas elector, regardless of Whether the elector Qualifies as

a resident of this state under s. 6.10 may file an application for an absentee ballot

 

by means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s.
6.86 (1) 'Upon receipt of a valid application, the municipal clerk shall send the
elector an absentee ballot or, if the elector 
(D?(m?and?the?eleeter so requests, shall transmit an absentee ballot to the elector by
means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s. 6.87
(3) 

SECTION 13. 6.25 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.25 (1) Any individual who qualifies as an overseas elector under?376.24
(4), regardless of Whether the elector quali?es as a resident of this state under s. 6.10,
and who transmits an application for an official absentee ballot for an election fer
natiena?l?effiee, including a primary election, no later than the latest time specified
for an elector in s. 6.86 (1) may, in lieu of the official ballot, cast a federal write?in
absentee ballot prescribed under 42 USC 1973ff?2 for any candidate or for all
candidates of any recognized political party feHatieHa-l?effiee listed on the official
ballot at that election, if the federal write?in absentee ballot is received by the
appropriate municipal clerk no later than the applicable time prescribed in s. 6.87
(6).

SECTION 14. 6.276 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.276 (1) In this section, ?military has the
meanings meaning given in s. 6.34 (1).

SECTION 15. 6.34 (1) (intro) and of the statutes are consolidated,

renumbered 6.34 (1) and amended to read:



 

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SECTION 15
1 6.34 (1) In this section%a9iM?ilitary, ?military elector? means a member of a
2 uniformed service on active duty who, by reason of that duty, is absent from the
3 residence where the member is otherwise qualified to vote; a member of the
4 merchant marine, as defined in s. 6.22 who by reason of service in the
5 merchant marine, is absent from the residence where the member is otherwise
6 qualified to vote; or the spouse or dependent of any such member who, by reason of
7 the duty or service of the member, is absent from the residence where the spouse or
8 dependent is otherwise qualified to vote.
9 SECTION 16. 6.34 (1) of the statutes is repealed.
10 SECTION 17. 6.865 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
11 6.865 (1) In this section, ?military elector? andiwerseas-eleetei?have the

12 meanings meaning given under s. 6.34 (1).

13 SECTION 18. 6.87 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

14 6.87 (2) Except as authorized under sub. (3) the municipal clerk shall place
15 the ballot in an unsealed envelope furnished by the clerk. The envelope shall have
16 the name, official title and post-office address of the clerk upon its face. The other
17 side of the envelope shall have a printed certificate which shall include a space for
18 the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that if the
19 absentee elector voted in person under s. 6.86 (1) the elector presented proof of
20 identification to the clerk and the clerk verified the proof presented. The certificate
21 shall also include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her
22 initials indicating that the elector is exempt from providing proof of identification
23 because the individual is a military elector or overseas elector who does not

 

I 24 qualify as a resident of this state under s. 6.10 or is exempted from providing proof

016303

2017 2018 Legislature - 8 
SECTION 18

of identi?cation under sub. (4) 2. or 3. The certificate shall be in substantially the
following form:

OF

County of 

or . .. ..

[(name of foreign country and city or other jurisdictional unit)]

I, certify subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) Wis. Stats, for false
statements, that I am a resident of the ward of the] (town) (village) of or of
the aldermanic district in the city of residing at in said city, the county
of state of Wisconsin, and am entitled to vote in the (ward) (election district) at
the election to be held on that I am not voting at any other location in this election;
that I am unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place in the (ward) (election
district) on election day or have changed my residence within the state from one ward
or election district to another later than 28 days before the election. I certify that I
exhibited the enclosed ballot unmarked to the witness, that I then in (his) (her)
presence and in the presence of no other person marked the ballot and enclosed and
sealed the same in this envelope in such a manner that no one but myself and any
person rendering assistance under s. 6.87 (5), Wis. Stats, if I requested assistance,
could know how I voted.

Signed

Identification serial number, if any:

The witness shall execute the following:

I, the undersigned witness, subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) Wis.
Stats, for false statements, certify that I am an adult U.S. citizenff?: and that the

above statements are true and the voting procedure was executed as there stated.

 

3

 

 

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SECTION 18

1 I am not a candidate for any office on the enclosed ballot (except in the case of an
2 incumbent municipal clerk). I did not solicit or advise the elector to vote for or against
3 any candidate or measure.
4 Printed name)
5 
6 Signed
7 An elector who provides an identification serial number issued under s.
8 6.47 (3), Wis. Stats, need not provide a street address.
9 An individual who serves as a witness for a military elector or an overseas

10 elector voting absentee, regardless of whether the elector Qualifies as a resident of
11 this state under s. 6.10, Wis. Stats, need not be a US. citizen but must be 18 years

 

12 of age or older.

13 ?if: If this form is executed before 2 Special voting deputies under s. 6.875 (6),
14 Wis. Stats, both deputies shall witness and Sign.

15 SECTION 19. 6.87 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

16 6.87 (3) A municipal clerk shall, if the clerk is reliably informed by a military

17 elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) or an overseas elector, asdefined?m?s?6?34?GD?(ib)

 

18 regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10,
19 of a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address where the elector can
20 receive an absentee ballot, transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the elector?s
21 ballot to that elector in lieu of mailing under this subsection. An elector may receive
22 an absentee ballot only if the elector is a military elector or an overseas electoruneler

23 s76734?(1?) and has filed a valid application for the ballot as provided in s. 6.86 (1).
24 If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot to a military or overseas elector

25 electronically, the clerk shall also transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the text

 

2017 2018 Legislature - 10 
SECTION 19

of the material that appears on the certificate envelope prescribed in sub. (2),
together with instructions prescribed by the commission. The instructions shall
require the military or overseas elector to make and subscribe to the certification as
required under sub. (4) and to enclose the absentee ballot in a separate envelope
contained within a larger envelope, that shall include the completed certificate. The
elector shall then affix sufficient postage unless the absentee ballot qualifies for
mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws and shall mail the absentee
ballot to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot
received from a military or overseas elector who receives the ballot electronically
shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and
sub. (4) and in accordance with the instructions provided by the commission.

SECTION 20. 6.87 (4) (intro) and 1. of the statutes are consolidated,
renumbered 6.87 (4) and amended to read:

6.87 (4) In this ?military elector? has the meaning
given in s. 6.34 (1) 

SECTION 21. 6.87 (4) 2. of the statutes is repealed.

SECTION 22. 6.87 (4) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (4) 1. Except as otherwise provided in s. 6.875, the elector voting

absentee, other than a military elector or an overseas elector, shall make and

subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult U.S. citizen. A
military elector or an overseas elector, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as
a resident of this state under s. 6.10. voting absentee shall make and subscribe to the
certification before one witness who is an adult but who need not be a U.S. citizen.
The absent elector, in the presence of the witness, shall mark the ballot in a manner

that will not disclose how the elector?s vote is cast. The elector shall then, still in the

2017 2018 Legislature 11 fg??fgif?

SECTION 22

presence of the witness, fold the ballots so each is separate and so that the elector
conceals the markings thereon and deposit them in the proper envelope. If a
consolidated ballot under s. 5.655 is used, the elector shall fold the ballot so that the
elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit the ballot in the proper envelope.
If proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the document enclosed by the
elector under this subdivision does not constitute proof of residence under s. 6.34, the
elector shall also enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope. Except as
provided in s. 6.34 (2111), proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military
elector or an overseas elector and the elector registered by mail or by electronic
application and has not voted in an election in this state. If the elector requested a
ballot by means of facsimile transmission or electronic mail under s. 6.86 (1) the
elector shall enclose in the envelope a copy of the request which bears an original
signature of the elector. The elector may receive assistance under sub. (5). The
return envelope shall then be sealed. The witness may not be a candidate. The
envelope shall be mailed by the elector, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk
issuing the ballot or ballots. If the envelope is mailed from a location outside the
United States, the elector shall affix sufficient postage unless the ballot quali?es for
delivery free of postage under federal law. Failure to return an unused ballot in a
primary does not invalidate the ballot on which the elector?s votes are cast. Return
of more than one marked ballot in a primary or return of a ballot prepared under s.
5.655 or a ballot used with an electronic voting system in a primary which is marked
for candidates of more than one party invalidates all votes cast by the elector for
candidates in the primary.

SECTION 23. 6.88 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

 

 

2017 2018 Legislature 12 
SECTION 23

6.88 (1) When an absentee ballot arrives at the office of the municipal clerk,
or at an alternate site under s. 6.855, if applicable, the clerk shall enclose it,
unopened, in a carrier envelope which shall be securely sealed and endorsed with the
name and of?cial title of the clerk, and the words ?This envelope contains the ballot
of anabs'ent'elector and 'must'be opened in the same room where votes are being cast
at the polls during polling hours on election day or, in municipalities where absentee
ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, stats, at a meeting of the municipal board of
absentee ballot canvassers under s. 7.52, stats?: If the elector is a military elector,
as defined in s. 6.34 (1) or an overseas elector, as?defmed?in?s?64344B?(b)
regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10,
and the ballot was received by the elector by facsimile transmission or electronic mail
and is accompanied by a separate certificate, the clerk shall enclose the ballot in a
certificate envelope and securely append the completed certificate to the outside of
the envelope before enclosing the ballot in the carrier envelope. The clerk shall keep
the ballot in the clerk?s office or at the alternate site, if applicable until delivered, as
required in sub. (2).

SECTION 24. 6.97 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.97 (1) Whenever any individual who is required to provide proof of residence
under s. 6.34 in order to be permitted to vote appears to vote at a polling place and
cannot provide the required proof of residence, the inspectors shall offer the
opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. Whenever any individual,
other than a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) or an overseas elector, as
or an elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2),
appears to vote at a polling place and does not present proof of identification under

s. 6.79 (2), whenever required, the inspectors or the municipal clerk shall similarly

2017 2018 Legislature 13 fgg??fg??

SECTION 24

. offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. If the individual

wishes to vote, the inspectors shall provide the elector with an envelope marked
?Ballot under s. 6.97, stats.? on which the serial number of the elector is entered and
shall require the individual to execute on the envelope a written affirmation stating
that the individual is a qualified elector of the ward or election district where he or
she offers to vote and is eligible to vote in the election. The inspectors shall, before
giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the
individual corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other
list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation 6.97?. If voting machines are used
in the municipality where the individual is voting, the individual?s vote may be
received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall
have the corresponding number from the poll list or other list maintained under s.
6.79 and the notation 6.97? written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors
before the ballot is given to the elector. When receiving the individual?s ballot, the
inspectors shall provide the individual with written voting information prescribed
by the commission under s. 7.08 (8). The inspectors shall indicate on the list the fact
that the individual is required to provide proof of residence or proof of identification
under s. 6.79 (2) but did not do so. The inspectors shall notify the individual that he
or she may provide proof of residence or proof of identification to the municipal clerk
or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners. The
inspectors shall also notify the municipal clerk or executive director of the
name, address, and serial number of the individual. The inspectors shall then place
the ballot inside the envelope and place the envelope in a separate carrier envelope.

SECTION 25. 7.15 (1) (cm) of the statutes is amended to read:

2017 2018 Legislature 14 
SECTION 25

7.15 (1) (cm) Prepare official absentee ballots for delivery to electors requesting
them, and except as provided in this paragraph, send an official absentee ballot to
each elector who has requested a ballot by mail, and to each military elector, as
defined in s. 6.34 (1) and overseas elector, asdefiHed?irks??c?M?M who has
requested'a'b'al'lotby mail, electronic transmission nolater than
the 47th day before each partisan primary and general election and no later than the
21st day before each other primary and election if the request is made before that
day; otherwise, the municipal clerk shall send or transmit an official absentee ballot
within one business day of the time the elector?s request for such a ballot is received.
The clerk shall send or transmit an absentee ballot for the presidential preference
primary to each elector who has requested that ballot no later than the 47th day
before the presidential preference primary if the request is made before that day, or,
if the request is not made before that day, within one business day of the time the
request is received. For purposes of this paragraph, ?business day? means any day
from Monday to Friday, not including a legal holiday under s. 995.20.

SECTION 26. 7.15 of the statutes is amended to read:

7.15 (1) Send an absentee ballot automatically to each elector and send or
transmit an absentee ballot to each military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) and
each overseas elector, making an authorized request
therefor in accordance with s. 6.22 (4), 6.24 (4) or 6.86 (2) or 

SECTION 27. 8.50 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

8.50 (2) DATE OF SPECIAL ELECTION. The date for the special election shall
be not less than 62 124 nor more than 741 days from the date of the order except
when the special election is held to fill a vacancy in a national office or the special

election is held on the day of the general election or spring election. If a special

2017 2018 Legislature 15 $314333

SECTION 27

election is held concurrently with the spring election, the special election may be
ordered not earlier than 92 days prior to the spring primary and not later than 49
days prior to that primary. If a special election is held concurrently with the
general election or a special election is held to ?ll a national Of?ce, the special election
may be ordered not earlier than 122 days prior to the partisan primary or Special
primary, reSpectively, and not later than 92 days prior to that primary.

If a primary is required, the primary shall be on the day weeks before
the day of the special election except when the special election is held on the same
day as the general election the special primary shall be held on the same day as the
partisan primary or if the Special election is held concurrently with the spring
election, the primary shall be held concurrently with the spring primary, and except
when the special election is held on the Tuesday after the ?rst Monday in November
of an odd?numbered year, the primary shall be held on the 2nd Tuesday of August
in that year.

SECTION 28. 8.50 (4) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

8.50 (4) No special election for the office of state senator or representative
to the assembly shall be held after the spring election in the year in which a regular
election is held to fill that seat.

SECTION 29. 11.0101 (30) (intro) of the statutes is amended to read:

11.0101 (30) (intro.) ?Special primary? means the primary held 9 weeks
before the special election, except as follows:

SECTION 30. Initial applicability.

 

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2017 2018 Legislature 16 
SECTION 30

(1) This act first applies to a vacancy existing on the effective date of this
subsection, notwithstanding any other law, court order, or order of the governor
under section 8.50 (4) 2015 stats.

(END)