Assembly Bill 35 introduces new provisions regarding the withdrawal of candidacy for certain elective offices in Wisconsin. Under the proposed law, individuals who file nomination papers for offices to be filled at the general election can withdraw their candidacy by submitting a sworn statement to the Elections Commission before specific deadlines. If this statement is filed, the individual's name will not appear on the ballot. The bill applies to various offices, including those for national and statewide positions, with the exception of district attorney. Additionally, candidates must pay a fee of $1,000 for national or statewide offices and $250 for other offices when withdrawing their candidacy.
The bill also establishes penalties for false statements regarding candidacy withdrawal. Specifically, anyone who intentionally makes or files a false statement will be guilty of a Class G felony, which carries a penalty of up to $25,000 in fines, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Furthermore, the Elections Commission is tasked with creating a process to verify the authenticity of the withdrawal statements submitted. This legislation aims to clarify the withdrawal process and impose stricter penalties for fraudulent actions related to candidacy.