Senate Bill 801 proposes significant changes to the absentee ballot canvassing process in Wisconsin, allowing municipal boards of absentee ballot canvassers to begin their work the day before an election. The bill stipulates that canvassing can start no earlier than 7 a.m. and must be recessed by 8 p.m. on that day, with a reconvening no earlier than 7 a.m. on election day. It also requires that any evidence of tampering with ballots or equipment be reported to the Elections Commission, which will verify the absentee ballot count through a recount and audit. Additionally, the bill mandates that municipal clerks provide at least 60 days' notice for meetings of the canvassing board, replacing the previous 48-hour requirement.

The legislation introduces penalties for violations, including a Class I felony for anyone who intentionally reveals the results of early canvassed absentee ballots before the polls close. It establishes that votes on these ballots cannot be tallied until after the polls close on election day. The bill also requires that absentee ballots and tabulating equipment be secured with tamper-evident seals, and mandates a review of each absentee ballot certificate envelope for legal compliance before counting. If an elector's name is not found on the poll list, the count number will be recorded separately, ensuring a more secure and transparent absentee ballot process.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 5.84(1), 5.84, 6.15(4)(a), 6.15, 6.15(4)(b), 6.86(1)(b), 6.86, 6.87(6), 6.87, 6.88(1), 6.88, 6.88(2), 7.52(2), 7.52