Senate Bill 361 proposes significant reforms to Wisconsin's partisan primary elections, allowing voters to split their tickets by selecting candidates from multiple parties for different offices, including the governor and lieutenant governor, while still being able to vote for independent candidates. This change aims to enhance voter choice and flexibility, taking effect during the 2026 partisan primary election. The bill also includes various amendments and repeals to existing statutes, particularly those that enforced restrictions on party affiliation during primaries, and it clarifies that voters may choose candidates regardless of their political affiliation.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for proof of residence for electors who registered by mail or electronically and have not previously voted in the state. It specifies that votes for write-in candidates will not be counted if written in a different column or row than where the candidate is listed. Key deletions from current law include the removal of provisions that invalidate votes cast for candidates from multiple parties in a primary and the repeal of certain sections related to the nomination process for presidential candidates. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize Wisconsin's electoral framework, promoting a more inclusive and representative voting experience.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 5.02(16m), 5.02, 5.35(6)(b), 5.35, 5.51(7), 5.51, 5.62(1), 5.62, 5.62(2), 5.62(3), 5.655(1), 5.655, 5.81(4), 5.81, 5.84(1), 5.84, 5.91(1), 5.91, 5.91(3), 5.91(6), 6.80(2)(am), 6.80, 6.80(2)(f), 6.87(4)(b)1, 6.87, 7.08(2)(b), 7.08, 7.50(1)(d), 7.50, 7.50(2)(g), 8.16(1), 8.16, 8.16(6), 8.16(7)