Assembly Bill 539 proposes to amend existing statutes regarding voter registration in Wisconsin by allowing individuals aged 16 and 17 to preregister to vote. The bill establishes a new section, 6.31, which permits these individuals to preregister as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for voting, with the stipulation that they cannot vote until they turn 18 on election day. Additionally, the bill amends sections 6.20 and 6.36 (2) (a) to include provisions for preregistered individuals and creates a new subsection, 6.36 (2) (d), which specifies that the registration list cannot include the names of those who preregister unless they will be 18 by election day.

The amendments to section 6.20 clarify that both qualified electors and preregistered individuals who will be 18 on election day are eligible to vote absentee. The changes to section 6.36 (2) (a) and the creation of section 6.36 (2) (d) ensure that the registration lists accurately reflect the eligibility of preregistered voters, thereby enhancing the integrity of the voting process. Overall, this bill aims to engage younger citizens in the electoral process by allowing them to preregister, thereby facilitating their participation when they reach voting age.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 6.20, 6.36(2)(a), 6.36