Senate Bill 597 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 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 submit fraudulent identification.

The bill further amends various statutes related to absentee voting, particularly for residents of qualified retirement homes and residential care facilities. It repeals certain provisions and simplifies the application process for absentee ballots, removing the need for applications to be made under specific subsections of the law. Municipal clerks will also be required to appoint at least two special voting deputies from different political parties to assist with absentee voting in these facilities. Furthermore, clerks must notify current indefinitely confined electors that they will need to provide valid proof of identification to continue receiving ballots. These changes aim to enhance the absentee voting process while ensuring proper identification is maintained, with all provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2029.

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