Senate Bill 441 aims to enhance the rights of election observers in Wisconsin by ensuring they have uniform and nondiscriminatory access to all stages of the election process, including recounts. The bill amends existing statutes to require municipal clerks, chief inspectors, and boards of canvassers to clearly designate observation areas within polling places and other voting sites, maintaining specific distances from tables where voters announce their names and register. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for election officials who violate these provisions, allowing for imprisonment of up to 90 days or fines of up to $1,000.

The bill also modifies the recount process by mandating that all steps be conducted publicly and in accordance with the newly established regulations. It emphasizes the right of candidates and their representatives to observe the recount process while restricting physical interaction with ballots and materials to designated officials. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve transparency and accountability in the electoral process while imposing penalties for non-compliance by election officials.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 7.41(2), 7.41, 9.01(1)(b)11, 9.01