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, allowing observers to observe the voting process effectively. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for election officials who violate these provisions, including potential imprisonment for up to 90 days or fines of up to $1,000.

The bill also modifies the existing law regarding recount procedures, mandating that all steps of a recount be conducted publicly and in accordance with the new provisions established in the bill. This includes allowing candidates and their representatives to view and identify materials and ballots during the recount process, while restricting physical contact with the materials to board members and tabulators. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve transparency and accountability in the electoral process by reinforcing the rights of election observers and establishing clear penalties for noncompliance.

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