Assembly Bill 617 proposes several amendments and repeals related to absentee voting procedures in Wisconsin. Key changes include the requirement for alternate absentee ballot sites to be fixed locations, the obligation for municipal clerks to return improperly completed absentee ballots to voters, and the introduction of text message notifications to voters regarding their absentee ballot applications and submissions. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for absentee ballot applications from five to seven days before an election and mandates hourly election night reporting by municipal clerks to county clerks, detailing the number of ballots cast and remaining to be canvassed.

The bill also addresses the determination of voter incompetency and ineligibility, requiring circuit courts to notify the Elections Commission via email of such determinations, which must then update the voter registration status accordingly. Furthermore, it eliminates the option for municipalities to use central counting locations for ballots and extends the timeline for pre-election tests of electronic voting equipment from ten to fifteen days before an election. The bill includes various amendments to existing statutes, such as changing the language regarding electronic voting systems and updating procedures for handling ballots.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 5.05(12), 5.05, 5.84(1), 5.84, 5.84(2), 5.85(1), 5.85, 5.85(5), 5.86, 5.87(1), 5.87, 5.91(17), 5.91, 6.18(form), 6.18