Senate Bill 378 seeks to amend Wisconsin election laws to comply with the federal Electoral Count Reform Act (ECRA), which requires states to complete their canvass, recount, and precertification processes within 36 days after a presidential election. The bill establishes a new deadline for the governor to transmit the certificate of ascertainment of presidential electors to the archivist of the United States six days before the electors' meeting, and it changes the meeting date for electors from the first Monday to the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December. Additionally, it modifies the timeline for the Elections Commission to complete the state canvass and introduces expedited procedures for recounts, including immediate recount orders and quicker resolution of appeals.

The bill also includes new provisions for municipal and county canvassing deadlines to align with the updated presidential election timelines. It mandates that the Elections Commission publish a table of deadlines related to presidential elections on its website and introduces amendments to existing statutes regarding the delivery of election results and recount procedures. Notably, the county clerk is required to correct election statements and return them to the commission within three days, and for presidential elections, the state canvass must be concluded no later than 16 days after the election. The governor is tasked with issuing the certificate of ascertainment no later than six days before the electors convene, with provisions for delaying this issuance in the event of a recount. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the election certification process in Wisconsin.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 7.51(5)(b), 7.51, 7.53(1)(a), 7.53, 7.53(2)(d), 7.60(3), 7.60, 7.60(5)(a), 7.70(1)(b), 7.70, 7.70(3)(a), 7.70(3)(c), 7.70(3)(i), 7.70(5)(title), 7.70(5)(a), 7.75(1), 7.75, 9.01(1)(ar)3, 9.01