Wisconsin Acts 227 and 240 - Absentee Voting Changes and Elimination of High School SRD Requirement

I am writing to share information about Wisconsin Acts 227 and 240 and guidance for implementation.  To assist clerks with understanding and implementing these new requirements, G.A.B. staff will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, April 24, from 1-2:30 p.m. to help clerks prepare for these changes.  Space is limited to 500 participants.  We ask that you place the webinar date in your calendar.  

Act 227 (Senate Bill 271) makes several changes to elections law relating to the return of absentee ballots to voters by clerks, voting by absentee and in person at the same election, submitting proof of identification with an absentee ballot application by fax or email, and providing an original form (no copy) of proof of identification for a provisional ballot.  (Please Note: Photo ID requirements in Act 23 are currently enjoined and not in effect for elections).

Act 240 (Senate Bill 386) eliminates the requirement for a clerk to appoint a special registration deputy (SRD) at public high schools, private schools, or tribal schools. Clerks may continue this practice at their discretion.

In anticipation of the Acts’ passage, Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.) staff created administrative procedures for keeping track of the status of absentee ballots, absentee voters in polling places, and requests for replacement absentee ballots and absentee ballot envelopes. The G.A.B. will also be updating forms as necessary.

Once again, we extend to you, our hardworking Municipal and County Clerks, our hearty thanks for your diligence and patience during these difficult times.  We have all experienced the enactment of new state legislation affecting election administration.

These fundamental changes have already caused, and will continue to cause, increased responsibilities for all of us. The significance of these legislative changes have strained your and our limited resources and resulted in more frequent communications from the G.A.B., revised or created new procedures, revised forms, revised manuals, new training, teleconferences, and webinars in an effort to support all of us.

We all proudly share an honorable profession -- the administration of elections in a fair and transparent manner with the highest degree of great pride and integrity. The policy makers have spoken. We need to, and we will continue to work together as a committed and dedicated team to carry out our additional and new responsibilities in the same professional manner that we always have. We stand with you and continue to steadfastly honor our mission to support you.

If you have questions regarding Acts 227 and 240, please contact our Help Desk at (608) 261-2028, or by email at gabhelpdesk@wi.gov. Thank you.

cc:     Kevin J. Kennedy
    Director and General Counsel
    Government Accountability Board

   Ross D. Hein
    Elections Supervisor
    Government Accountability Board
   
    Diane Lowe
    Lead Elections Specialist
    Government Accountability Board
   
    Shane Falk
    Staff Counsel
    Government Accountability Board