Assembly Bill 599 proposes significant changes to the absentee voting process in Wisconsin by eliminating the "indefinitely confined" voter status, which currently allows certain voters to automatically receive absentee ballots without proof of identification. Starting January 1, 2029, all voters will be required to submit a written application to their municipal clerk to receive absentee ballots for every election, along with proof of identification. The bill also mandates that voters must inform the municipal clerk if they change their residence or no longer wish to receive absentee ballots. Additionally, it introduces a provision for authorized disability advocates to assist voters with disabilities in submitting their identification, while establishing penalties for advocates who transmit fraudulent identification.

The bill amends various sections of the statutes related to absentee voting, particularly for occupants of qualified retirement homes and residential care facilities. It repeals certain provisions and modifies existing ones to streamline the absentee ballot application process, including the removal of specific application requirements and the introduction of a new subsection (2m) for absentee ballot applications. Municipal clerks or boards of election commissioners are required to appoint at least two special voting deputies from different political parties to assist with absentee voting in these facilities. The bill also classifies the transmission of fraudulent proof of identification by disability advocates as a Class I felony and requires municipal clerks to notify current indefinitely confined electors about the new identification requirements. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2029, allowing for a transition period for implementation.

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