Assembly Bill 35 introduces new provisions regarding the withdrawal of candidacy for certain offices filled at the general election in Wisconsin. Under the bill, candidates who file nomination papers with the Elections Commission can withdraw their candidacy by submitting a sworn statement before specific deadlines, which are set as June 10 for the partisan primary and the fourth Tuesday in August for the general election. If a candidate withdraws, their name will not appear on the ballot. The bill establishes a fee structure for withdrawals, requiring a $1,000 fee for national or statewide office candidates and a $250 fee for candidates for other offices. Additionally, the Elections Commission is tasked with verifying the authenticity of the withdrawal statements.

The bill also introduces penalties for false statements regarding candidacy withdrawal. Specifically, intentionally making or filing a false statement will be classified as a Class G felony, which carries a penalty of up to $25,000 in fines or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. This legislation aims to clarify the process for candidates wishing to withdraw and to deter fraudulent activity related to candidacy withdrawals.