Assembly Bill 599 proposes significant reforms to the absentee voting process in Wisconsin, primarily by eliminating the "indefinitely confined" voter status. This change means that, starting January 1, 2029, all voters will need to submit a written application to their municipal clerk to receive absentee ballots for each election, along with valid proof of identification. The bill also requires voters to inform their municipal clerk if they change their residence or decide not to receive absentee ballots anymore. Additionally, it introduces provisions for authorized disability advocates to assist voters with disabilities in submitting their identification, while establishing penalties for advocates who knowingly submit fraudulent identification.

The bill amends various sections of the statutes related to absentee voting, particularly for residents of qualified retirement homes and residential care facilities. It repeals certain provisions and modifies existing ones to simplify the absentee ballot application process, including removing specific application requirements under s. 6.86. Furthermore, it mandates that municipal clerks or boards of election commissioners appoint at least two special voting deputies from different political parties to assist with absentee voting in these facilities. Municipal clerks are also required to notify current indefinitely confined electors about the new identification requirements to continue receiving absentee ballots. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the absentee voting process while ensuring proper identification is maintained.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 6.18(intro.), 6.18, 6.86(1)(a)3, 6.86, 6.86(1)(ac), 6.86(1)(b), 6.86(2), 6.86(2m)(a), 6.87(1), 6.87, 6.87(2)(intro.), 6.87(4)(b)2, 6.875(3)(a), 6.875, 6.875(4)(a), 7.08(1)(c), 7.08, 7.15(1)(j), 7.15