Assembly Bill 35 introduces new provisions regarding the withdrawal of candidacy for certain offices filled at the general election in Wisconsin. Under the bill, individuals who file nomination papers with the Elections Commission for offices such as governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives may withdraw their candidacy by submitting a sworn statement before specific deadlines. If this statement is filed, the individual's 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 these sworn statements.

The bill also introduces penalties for false statements regarding candidacy withdrawals. 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 streamline the withdrawal process while ensuring the integrity of the electoral process by imposing strict penalties for fraudulent actions.