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WI SB511
WI SB511Returning an absentee ballot with an incomplete certificate or with no certificate.
summary
Introduced
10/09/2025
10/09/2025
In Committee
10/09/2025
10/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, a municipal clerk may return to the voter an absentee ballot with an improperly completed certificate or with no certificate whenever time permits the voter to correct the defect and return the absentee ballot to the polling place before 8 p.m. on election day. Under this bill, the municipal clerk must return such an absentee ballot to the voter under those circumstances.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Wisconsin state election law by changing the language regarding absentee ballot handling from permissive to mandatory. Specifically, the bill requires (rather than allows) municipal clerks to return an absentee ballot to a voter if the ballot's certificate is incomplete or missing, provided there is sufficient time for the voter to correct the defect and return the ballot before the 8 p.m. election day deadline. The key change is replacing the word "may" with "shall" in the statute, which transforms the action from a discretionary option to a required procedure. This modification ensures that voters have an opportunity to correct technical errors on their absentee ballot certificates, potentially preventing their votes from being automatically disqualified due to minor administrative mistakes. The bill aims to make the absentee voting process more voter-friendly by giving electors a chance to remedy certificate deficiencies before their ballot is rejected.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (29)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Sarah Keyeski (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Jamie Wall (D)*,
Bob Wirch (D)*,
Deb Andraca (D),
Margaret Arney (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Jodene Emerson (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Tara Johnson (D),
Scott Krug (R),
Darrin Madison (D),
Maureen McCarville (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Shelia Stubbs (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Representative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor (on 02/09/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb511 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB511.pdf |
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