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Bill > AB920

WI AB920

WI AB920
Automatic voter registration. (FE)

summary

Introduced
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the Elections Commission to use all feasible means to facilitate the registration of all eligible electors of this state and to maintain the registration of all eligible electors for so long as the electors remain eligible, except as the law specifically requires electors to take some action to continue their registrations. Under the bill, the commission must attempt to facilitate the initial registration of all eligible electors no later than July 1, 2029. To facilitate the initial registration, the bill directs the commission and the Department of Transportation to enter into an agreement so that DOT may transfer specified personally identifiable information in DOT’s records to the commission. The bill requires the commission to maintain the confidentiality of any information it obtains under the agreement and allows a driver’s license or identification card applicant to “opt out” of DOT’s transfer of this information to the commission. Once the commission obtains all the information required under current law to complete an elector’s registration, the commission adds the elector’s name to the statewide registration list. The bill also permits an individual whose name is added to the registration list or who wishes to permanently exclude his or her name from the list to file a request to have his or her name deleted or excluded from the list or to revoke a deletion or exclusion request previously made. A deletion or exclusion request or revocation of a deletion or exclusion request may be made in the manner prescribed by the commission. In addition, the bill directs the commission to notify an individual by first class postcard whenever the commission removes his or her name from the registration list or changes his or her status on the list from eligible to ineligible. The bill also directs the commission to report to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature, no later than July 1, 2028, its progress in initially implementing the registration system created by the bill. The report must contain an assessment of the feasibility and desirability of integration of registration information with information maintained by the Departments of Health Services, Children and Families, Workforce Development, Revenue, Safety and Professional Services, and Natural Resources; the University of Wisconsin System; and the Technical College System Board, as well as with the technical colleges in each technical college district. Under current law, a qualified elector with a current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by DOT may register to vote electronically on a secure Internet site maintained by the commission. To register electronically under current law, a qualified elector must also authorize DOT to forward a copy of his or her electronic signature to the commission. The authorization affirms that all information provided by the elector is correct and has the same effect as a written signature on a paper copy of the registration form. Finally, current law requires the commission and DOT to enter into an agreement that permits the commission to verify the necessary registration information instantly by accessing DOT’s electronic files. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes an automatic voter registration system by requiring the Elections Commission (EC) to actively facilitate and maintain the registration of all eligible electors in the state, aiming to complete initial registrations by July 1, 2029. To achieve this, the EC will partner with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to electronically transfer personally identifiable information from DOT's records, such as driver's license or identification card details, to the EC for voter registration purposes. Individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or ID card will be informed about this data transfer and will have the option to "opt out" of having their information shared with the EC. Once the EC has sufficient information to register an individual, they will be added to the statewide voter registration list, and the EC will send them a notice. The bill also allows individuals to request to be removed from the registration list or to revoke a previous removal request. Furthermore, the EC is directed to notify individuals by mail if their name is removed from the registration list or if their status changes from eligible to ineligible, unless they requested the removal or the change is due to death or duplicate registration. The EC must also report to the legislature by July 1, 2028, on its progress in implementing this system and assess the feasibility of integrating voter registration data with other state agencies and educational institutions. This initiative builds upon existing provisions that allow for electronic voter registration for those with a current driver's license or ID card, which already involves DOT forwarding electronic signatures and verifying registration information.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (31)

Last Action

Representative Sheehan added as a coauthor (on 02/20/2026)
(1 Companion Bills)

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