Wisconsin Election Code

Chapter 5 – General Provisions; Ballots and Voting Systems

SUBCHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.01  Scope.
(1)  Construction of chs. 5 to 12. Except as otherwise provided, chs. 5 to 12 shall be construed to give effect to the will of the electors, if that can be ascertained from the proceedings, notwithstanding informality or failure to fully comply with some of their provisions.
(2)  General provisions of election laws apply. The general provisions of chs. 5 to 12 apply to all elections.
(3)  Plurality shall elect.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), in every election to choose any officer, each elector has one vote for each office unless clearly indicated otherwise. The person receiving the greatest number of legal votes for the office shall be declared elected, and the canvassers shall so determine and certify.
(b) In an election to fill a nonpartisan state office, if no names are certified to appear on the ballot, no person may be declared elected.
(4)  Tie vote.
(a) If 2 or more candidates for the same office receive the greatest, but an equal number of votes, the winner shall be chosen by lot in the presence of the board of canvassers charged with the responsibility to determine the election, or in the case of an election for state or national office or metropolitan sewerage commissioner, if the commissioner is elected under s. 200.09 (11) (am), in the presence of the chairperson of the elections commission or the chairperson’s designee.
(b) If, in a primary, 2 or more candidates receive an equal but not the greatest number of votes so that only one of those candidates with equal votes may advance to the final election, the choice shall similarly be made by drawing lots.
(c) The candidates may, if all those tied for the same office are present, draw for themselves. Upon refusal or absence of any of the candidates, the board of canvassers shall appoint a competent person to draw, and upon the results declare and certify the winner.
(d) If a question is submitted to the electors and an equal number of votes are cast for and against adoption, the question fails adoption.
(5)  Election of governor and lieutenant governor.
(a) In every general election to choose the governor and the lieutenant governor, each elector shall have a single vote applicable to both offices. The persons receiving the greatest number of legal votes cast jointly for them for governor and lieutenant governor shall be declared elected, and the canvassers shall so determine and certify.
(b) In case 2 or more slates have an equal and the highest number of votes for governor and lieutenant governor, the 2 houses of the legislature shall at the next annual session choose by joint ballot one of the slates so having an equal and the highest number of votes for governor and lieutenant governor.

NOTE: The supreme court has quite consistently construed the provisions of election statutes as directory rather than mandatory so as to preserve the will of the elector. Lanser v. Koconis, 62 Wis. 2d 86, 214 N.W.2d 425 (1974).
When 40 percent of registered voters were denied ballots in an election to remove a county seat, the election was set aside even though the outcome probably was not affected. McNally v. Tollander, 100 Wis. 2d 490, 302 N.W.2d 440 (1981).
Sub. (1) applies only after an election has been held and the will of the people manifested. City of Chippewa Falls v. Town Of Hallie, 231 Wis. 2d 85, 604 N.W.2d 300 (Ct. App. 1999), 99-0832.
Only substantial violations of the election law should operate to vacate an election. Carlson v. Oconto County Board of Canvassers, 2001 WI App 20, 240 Wis. 2d 438, 623 N.W.2d 195, 00-1788.

5.02  Definitions. In chs. 5 to 12, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1c) “Automatic tabulating equipment” means apparatus which automatically examines and counts votes recorded on ballots or voting machines and tabulates the results.
(1e) “Ballot” means a ballot label, sheet of paper or envelope on which votes are recorded. The term also includes a sheet or card, filmstrip or other device listing or containing information relative to offices, candidates and referenda which is placed, projected or composed on the board or screen inside a voting machine.
(1q) “Block” means an area which is the smallest geographic area used by the U.S. bureau of the census for data collection and tabulation.
(2) “County clerk” includes the executive director of the county board of election commissioners and their authorized representatives.
(3) “Educational officer” means the state superintendent and school board members.
(3m) “Elected official” means an individual who is elected to a national, state or local office.
(4) “Election” means every public primary and election.
(4c) “Election district” means a municipality that is not divided into wards, except as otherwise provided in s. 8.17 (1) (b).
(4e) “Election official” means an individual who is charged with any duties relating to the conduct of an election.
(4g) “Election registration official” means an election official assigned under s. 6.28 (1) (a) or 7.30 to register electors.
(4m) “Electronic voting system” means a system in which votes are recorded on ballots, and the votes are subsequently counted and tabulated by automatic tabulating equipment. The term also includes a voting machine on which votes are recorded and tabulated by electronic means.
(4s) “Federal election” means any election at which a national office appears on the ballot.
(5) “General election” means the election held in even-numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November to elect United States senators, representatives in congress, presidential electors, state senators, representatives to the assembly, district attorneys, state officers other than the state superintendent and judicial officers, and county officers other than supervisors and county executives.
(6) “Governing body” means the common council of a city, board of supervisors of a town or board of trustees of a village.
(6m) “Identification” means any of the following documents issued to an individual:
(a) One of the following documents that is unexpired or if expired has expired after the date of the most recent general election:
1. An operator’s license issued under ch. 343.
2. An identification card issued under s. 343.50.
3. An identification card issued by a U.S. uniformed service.
4. A U.S. passport.
(b) A certificate of U.S. naturalization that was issued not earlier than 2 years before the date of an election at which it is presented.
(c) An unexpired driving receipt under s. 343.11.
(d) An unexpired identification card receipt issued under s. 343.50.
(e) An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in this state.
(f) An unexpired identification card issued by a university or college in this state that is accredited, as defined in s. 39.30 (1) (d), or by a technical college in this state that is a member of and governed by the technical college system under ch. 38, that contains the date of issuance and signature of the individual to whom it is issued and that contains an expiration date indicating that the card expires no later than 2 years after the date of issuance if the individual establishes that he or she is enrolled as a student at the university or college on the date that the card is presented.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Now et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the prohibition on using expired, but otherwise qualifying, student IDs is unconstitutional.”
(g) An unexpired veterans identification card issued by the veterans health administration of the federal department of veterans affairs.
(7) “Judge” means a court of appeals judge or a judge of a circuit court.
(8) “Justice” means a justice of the supreme court.
(8m) “Labor organization” means any employee organization in which employees participate and which exists primarily for the purpose of engaging in collective bargaining with any employer concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, hours or conditions of employment, or the promotion and advancement of the professional or occupational standards and the welfare of its members and families and any organization established for the same purposes composed of individuals or affiliates of any such employee organization.
(9) “Local office” means any elective office other than a state or national office.
(10) “Municipal clerk” means the city clerk, town clerk, village clerk and the executive director of the city election commission and their authorized representatives. Where applicable, “municipal clerk” also includes the clerk of a school district.
(11) “Municipality” means city, town or village.
(12) “National office” means the offices of president and vice president of the United States, U.S. senator and representative in congress.
(12m) “Nickname” means a familiar or shortened form of a proper name by which an individual is commonly known.
(12n) “Overseas elector” means a U.S. citizen who is residing outside of the United States, who is not disqualified from voting under s. 6.03, who has attained or will attain the age of 18 by the date of an election at which the citizen proposes to vote, who was last domiciled in this state or whose parent was last domiciled in this state immediately prior to the parent’s departure from the United States, and who is not registered to vote or voting in any other state, territory, or possession.
(12s) “Partisan primary” means the primary held the 2nd Tuesday in August to nominate candidates to be voted for at the general election.
(13) “Political party” has the meaning given in s. 11.0101 (26).
(14) “Poll list” means the list which is compiled by election officials on election day showing the names and addresses of electors who actually cast votes in an election.
(15) “Polling place” means the actual location wherein the elector’s vote is cast.
(16) “Primary” means a primary election.
(16c) “Proof of identification” means identification that contains the name of the individual to whom the document was issued, which name conforms to the individual’s voter registration form, if the individual is required to register to vote, and that contains a photograph of the individual, except as authorized in s. 343.14 (3m) or 343.50 (4g).
(16g) “Qualified circulator” means a qualified elector of this state or any U.S. citizen age 18 or older who, if he or she were a resident of this state, would not be disqualified from voting under s. 6.03.
(16m) “Recognized political party” means a political party which qualifies for a separate ballot or column under s. 5.62 (1) (b) or (2).
(16s) “Referendum” means an election at which an advisory, validating or ratifying question is submitted to the electorate.
(17) “Registration list” means the list of electors who are properly registered to vote.
(19) “Special election” means any election, other than those described in subs. (5), (12s), (21), and (22), to fill vacancies or to conduct a referendum.
(20) “Special primary” means the primary held 4 weeks before the special election except when the special election is held on the same day as the general election the special primary shall be held on the same day as the general primary or if the special election is held concurrently with the spring election, the primary shall be held concurrently with the spring primary.
(20g) “Special purpose district” means any local governmental unit other than a county or municipality.
(20r) “Special referendum” means any referendum held at a special election which is not held concurrently with the elections described in sub. (5), (12s), (21), or (22).
(21) “Spring election” means the election held on the first Tuesday in April to elect judicial, educational and municipal officers, nonpartisan county officers and sewerage commissioners and to express preferences for the person to be the presidential candidate for each party in a year in which electors for president and vice president are to be elected.
(22) “Spring primary” means the nonpartisan primary held on the 3rd Tuesday in February to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at the spring election.
(23) “State office” means the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state superintendent, justice of the supreme court, court of appeals judge, circuit court judge, state senator, state representative to the assembly and district attorney.
(24) “State superintendent” means the state superintendent of public instruction.
(24g) “Voting device” means an apparatus other than a voting machine which the elector uses to record his or her votes on a ballot.
(24r) “Voting machine” means a machine which serves in lieu of a voting booth and which mechanically or electronically records the votes cast by electors, who depress levers or buttons located next to the choices listed on a ballot to cast their votes.
(24w) “Voting system” means:
(a) The total combination of mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment, including the software, hardware, and documentation required to program, control, and support the equipment, that is used to define ballots, to cast and count votes, to report or display election results, and to maintain and produce any audit trail information.
(b) The practices and associated documentation for any of the following purposes:
1. To identify equipment components and versions of such components.
2. To test the equipment during its development and maintenance.
3. To maintain records of equipment errors and defects.
4. To determine specific equipment changes to be made after the initial qualification of the equipment.
5. To make available any materials to an elector.
(25) “Ward” means a town, village or city subdivision created for the convenience of the electors therein and to facilitate the division of such municipalities into election districts of substantially equal population numbers along common boundaries observing the community of interest of existing neighborhoods and other settlements.
History: 1971 c. 211; 1971 c. 304 ss. 2, 29 (2); 1973 c. 280, 334; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 107, 187, 394; 1977 c. 427 ss. 3 to 14; 1977 c. 449; 1979 c. 32, 89, 221; 1979 c. 260 ss. 1m, 73 to 75; 1979 c. 311, 328; 1981 c. 4, 391; 1983 a. 484 ss. 5, 5c, 124m, 128; 1985 a. 303; 1985 a. 304 ss. 1m, 2, 155; 1987 a. 391 ss. 1 to 1r, 66w; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 5; 1993 a. 140, 184; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1995 a. 27 s. 9145 (1); 1995 a. 219; 1997 a. 35; 2001 a. 16, 109; 2003 a. 24, 265; 2005 a. 177, 451; 2007 a. 1; 2009 a. 397; 2011 a. 23, 32, 45, 75; 2013 a. 165; 2015 a. 117, 118, 261; 2017 a. 369.

5.025  Elections commission; definition. In chs. 5 to 10 and 12, “commission” means the elections commission.
History: 2015 a. 118 s. 2; Stats. 2015 s. 5.025.

5.05  Elections commission; powers and duties.
(1)  General authority. The elections commission shall have the responsibility for the administration of chs. 5 to 10 and 12 and other laws relating to elections and election campaigns, other than laws relating to campaign financing. Pursuant to such responsibility, the commission may:
(b) In the discharge of its duties and after providing notice to any party who is the subject of an investigation, subpoena and bring before it any person and require the production of any papers, books, or other records relevant to an investigation. Notwithstanding s. 885.01 (4), the issuance of a subpoena requires action by the commission at a meeting of the commission. In the discharge of its duties, the commission may cause the deposition of witnesses to be taken in the manner prescribed for taking depositions in civil actions in circuit court.
(c) Bring civil actions to require a forfeiture for any violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12. The commission may compromise and settle any civil action or potential action brought or authorized to be brought by it which, in the opinion of the commission, constitutes a minor violation, a violation caused by excusable neglect, or which for other good cause shown, should not in the public interest be prosecuted under such chapter. Notwithstanding s. 778.06, a civil action or proposed civil action authorized under this paragraph may be settled for such sum as may be agreed between the parties. Any settlement made by the commission shall be in such amount as to deprive the alleged violator of any benefit of his or her wrongdoing and may contain a penal component to serve as a deterrent to future violations. In settling civil actions or proposed civil actions, the commission shall treat comparable situations in a comparable manner and shall assure that any settlement bears a reasonable relationship to the severity of the offense or alleged offense. Except as otherwise provided in sub. (2m) (c) 15. and 16. and ss. 5.08 and 5.081, forfeiture actions brought by the commission shall be brought in the circuit court for the county where the defendant resides, or if the defendant is a nonresident of this state, in circuit court for the county wherein the violation is alleged to occur. For purposes of this paragraph, a person other than an individual resides within a county if the person’s principal place of operation is located within that county. Whenever the commission enters into a settlement agreement with an individual who is accused of a civil violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12 or who is investigated by the commission for a possible civil violation of one of those provisions, the commission shall reduce the agreement to writing, together with a statement of the commission’s findings and reasons for entering into the agreement and shall retain the agreement and statement in its office for inspection.
(d) Sue for injunctive relief, a writ of mandamus or prohibition, or other such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate to enforce any law regulating the conduct of elections or election campaigns, other than laws regulating campaign financing, or ensure its proper administration. No bond is required in such actions. Actions shall be brought in circuit court for the county where a violation occurs or may occur.
(e) Issue an order under s. 5.06, exempt a polling place from accessibility requirements under s. 5.25 (4) (a), exempt a municipality from the requirement to use voting machines or an electronic voting system under s. 5.40 (5m), approve an electronic data recording system for maintaining poll lists under s. 6.79, or authorize nonappointment of an individual who is nominated to serve as an election official under s. 7.30 (4) (e).
(f) Promulgate rules under ch. 227 applicable to all jurisdictions for the purpose of interpreting or implementing the laws regulating the conduct of elections or election campaigns, other than laws regulating campaign financing, or ensuring their proper administration.
(1e)  Actions by the commission. Any action by the commission, except an action relating to procedure of the commission, requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members.
(2m)  Enforcement.
(a) The commission shall investigate violations of laws administered by the commission and may prosecute alleged civil violations of those laws, directly or through its agents under this subsection, pursuant to all statutes granting or assigning that authority or responsibility to the commission. Prosecution of alleged criminal violations investigated by the commission may be brought only as provided in par. (c) 11., 14., 15., and 16. and s. 978.05 (1). For purposes of this subsection, the commission may only initiate an investigation of an alleged violation of chs. 5 to 10 and 12, other than an offense described under par. (c) 12., based on a sworn complaint filed with the commission, as provided under par. (c). Neither the commission nor any member or employee of the commission, including the commission administrator, may file a sworn complaint for purposes of this subsection.
(c)
2.
a. Any person may file a complaint with the commission alleging a violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12. No later than 5 days after receiving a complaint, the commission shall notify each person who or which the complaint alleges committed such a violation. Before voting on whether to take any action regarding the complaint, other than to dismiss, the commission shall give each person receiving a notice under this subd. 2. a. an opportunity to demonstrate to the commission, in writing and within 15 days after receiving the notice, that the commission should take no action against the person on the basis of the complaint. The commission may not conduct any investigation or take any other action under this subsection solely on the basis of a complaint by an unidentified complainant.
am. If the commission finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a complaint is frivolous, the commission may order the complainant to forfeit not more than the greater of $500 or the expenses incurred by the commission in investigating the complaint.
4. If the commission reviews a complaint and fails to find that there is a reasonable suspicion that a violation under subd. 2. has occurred or is occurring, the commission shall dismiss the complaint. If the commission believes that there is reasonable suspicion that a violation under subd. 2. has occurred or is occurring, the commission may by resolution authorize the commencement of an investigation. The resolution shall specifically set forth any matter that is authorized to be investigated. To assist in the investigation, the commission may elect to retain a special investigator. If the commission elects to retain a special investigator, the administrator of the commission shall submit to the commission the names of 3 qualified individuals to serve as a special investigator. The commission may retain one or more of the individuals. If the commission retains a special investigator to investigate a complaint against a person who is a resident of this state, the commission shall provide to the district attorney for the county in which the person resides a copy of the complaint and shall notify the district attorney that it has retained a special investigator to investigate the complaint. For purposes of this subdivision, a person other than an individual resides within a county if the person’s principal place of operation is located within that county. The commission shall enter into a written contract with any individual who is retained as a special investigator setting forth the terms of the engagement. A special investigator who is retained by the commission may request the commission to issue a subpoena to a specific person or to authorize the special investigator to request the circuit court of the county in which the specific person resides to issue a search warrant. The commission may grant the request by approving a motion to that effect at a meeting of the commission if the commission finds that such action is legally appropriate.
5. Each special investigator who is retained by the commission shall make periodic reports to the commission, as directed by the commission, but in no case may the interval for reporting exceed 30 days. If the commission authorizes the commission administrator to investigate any matter without retaining a special investigator, the administrator shall make periodic reports to the commission, as directed by the commission, but in no case may the reporting interval exceed 30 days. During the pendency of any investigation, the commission shall meet for the purpose of reviewing the progress of the investigation at least once every 90 days. The special investigator or the administrator shall report in person to the commission at that meeting concerning the progress of the investigation. If, after receiving a report, the commission does not vote to continue an investigation for an additional period not exceeding 90 days, the investigation is terminated at the end of the reporting interval. The commission shall not expend more than $25,000 to finance the cost of an investigation before receiving a report on the progress of the investigation and a recommendation to commit additional resources. The commission may vote to terminate an investigation at any time. If an investigation is terminated, any complaint from which the investigation arose is deemed to be dismissed by the commission. Unless an investigation is terminated by the commission, at the conclusion of each investigation, the administrator shall present to the commission one of the following:
a. A recommendation to make a finding that probable cause exists to believe that one or more violations under subd. 2. have occurred or are occurring, together with a recommended course of action.
b. A recommendation for further investigation of the matter together with facts supporting that course of action.
c. A recommendation to terminate the investigation due to lack of sufficient evidence to indicate that a violation under subd. 2 has occurred or is occurring.
6.
a. If the commission finds that there is probable cause to believe that a violation under subd. 2. has occurred or is occurring, the commission may authorize the commission administrator to file a civil complaint against the alleged violator. In such case, the administrator may request the assistance of special counsel to prosecute any action brought by the commission. If the administrator requests the assistance of special counsel with respect to any matter, the administrator shall submit to the commission the names of 3 qualified individuals to serve as special counsel. The commission may retain one of the individuals to act as special counsel. The staff of the commission shall provide assistance to the special counsel as may be required by the counsel to carry out his or her responsibilities.
b. The commission shall enter into a written contract with any individual who is retained as special counsel setting forth the terms of the engagement. The contract shall set forth the compensation to be paid such counsel by the state. The contract shall be executed on behalf of the state by the commission and the commission shall file the contract in the office of the secretary of state. The compensation shall be charged to the appropriation under s. 20.510 (1) (br).
7. No individual who is appointed or retained by the commission to serve as special counsel or as a special investigator is subject to approval under s. 20.930.
9. At the conclusion of its investigation, the commission shall, in preliminary written findings of fact and conclusions based thereon, make a determination of whether or not probable cause exists to believe that a violation under subd. 2. has occurred or is occurring. If the commission determines that no probable cause exists, it shall dismiss the complaint. Whenever the commission dismisses a complaint or a complaint is deemed to be dismissed under subd. 5., the commission shall immediately send written notice of the dismissal to the accused and to the party who made the complaint.
10. The commission shall inform the accused or his or her counsel of exculpatory evidence in its possession.
11. If the commission finds that there is probable cause to believe that a violation under subd. 2. has occurred or is occurring, the commission may, in lieu of civil prosecution of any matter by the commission, refer the matter to the district attorney for the county in which the alleged violator resides, or if the alleged violator is a nonresident, to the district attorney for the county where the matter arises, or if par. (i) applies, to the attorney general or a special prosecutor. For purposes of this subdivision, a person other than a natural person resides within a county if the person’s principal place of operation is located within that county.
12. The commission shall, by rule, prescribe categories of civil offenses which the commission will agree to compromise and settle without a formal investigation upon payment of specified amounts by the alleged offender. The commission may authorize the commission administrator to compromise and settle such alleged offenses in the name of the commission if the alleged offenses by an offender, in the aggregate, do not involve payment of more than $2,500.
13. If a special investigator or the commission administrator, in the course of an investigation authorized by the commission, discovers evidence that a violation under subd. 2. that was not within the scope of the authorized investigation has occurred or is occurring, the special investigator or the administrator may present that evidence to the commission. If the commission finds that there is a reasonable suspicion that a violation under subd. 2. that is not within the scope of the authorized investigation has occurred or is occurring, the commission may authorize the special investigator or the administrator to investigate the alleged violation or may elect to authorize a separate investigation of the alleged violation as provided in subd. 4.
14. If a special investigator or the commission administrator, in the course of an investigation authorized by the commission, discovers evidence of a potential violation of a law that is not administered by the commission arising from or in relation to the official functions of the subject of the investigation or any matter that involves elections, the special investigator or the administrator may present that evidence to the commission. The commission may thereupon refer the matter to the appropriate district attorney specified in subd. 11. or may refer the matter to the attorney general. The attorney general may then commence a civil or criminal prosecution relating to the matter.
15. Except as provided in subd. 17., if the commission refers a matter to the district attorney specified in subd. 11. for prosecution of a potential violation under subd. 2. or 14. and the district attorney informs the commission that he or she declines to prosecute any alleged civil or criminal violation related to any matter referred to the district attorney by the commission, or the district attorney fails to commence a prosecution of any civil or criminal violation related to any matter referred to the district attorney by the commission within 60 days of the date of the commission’s referral, the commission may refer the matter to the district attorney for another prosecutorial unit that is contiguous to the prosecutorial unit of the district attorney to whom the matter was originally referred. If there is more than one such prosecutorial unit, the chairperson of the commission shall determine the district attorney to whom the matter shall be referred by publicly drawing lots at a meeting of the commission. The district attorney may then commence a civil or criminal prosecution relating to the matter.
16. Except as provided in subd. 17., if the commission refers a matter to a district attorney under subd. 15. for prosecution of a potential violation under subd. 2. or 14. and the district attorney informs the commission that he or she declines to prosecute any alleged civil or criminal violation related to any matter referred to the district attorney by the commission, or the district attorney fails to commence a prosecution of any civil or criminal violation related to any matter referred to the district attorney by the commission within 60 days of the date of the commission’s referral, the commission may refer the matter to the attorney general. The attorney general may then commence a civil or criminal prosecution relating to the matter.
17. The commission is not authorized to act under subd. 15. or 16. if a special prosecutor is appointed under s. 978.045 in lieu of the district attorney specified in subd. 11.
18. Whenever the commission refers a matter to special counsel or to a district attorney or to the attorney general under this subsection, the special counsel, district attorney, or attorney general shall report to the commission concerning any action taken regarding the matter. The report shall be transmitted no later than 40 days after the date of the referral. If the matter is not disposed of during that period, the special counsel, district attorney, or attorney general shall file a subsequent report at the end of each 30-day period following the filing of the initial report until final disposition of the matter.
(d)
1. No individual who serves as the commission administrator may have been a lobbyist, as defined in s. 13.62 (11). No such individual may have served in a partisan state or local office.
2. No employee of the commission, while so employed, may become a candidate, as defined in s. 11.0101 (1), for a state or partisan local office. No individual who is retained by the commission to serve as a special investigator or as special counsel may, while so retained, become a candidate, as defined in s. 11.0101 (1), for any state or local office. A filing officer shall decline to accept nomination papers or a declaration of candidacy from any individual who does not qualify to become a candidate under this paragraph.
(e) No individual who serves as an employee of the commission and no individual who is retained by the commission to serve as a special investigator or a special counsel may, while so employed or retained, make a contribution to a candidate for state or local office. No individual who serves as an employee of the commission and no individual who is retained by the commission to serve as a special investigator or as special counsel, for 12 months prior to becoming so employed or retained, may have made a contribution to a candidate for a partisan state or local office. In this paragraph, contribution has the meaning given in s. 11.0101 (8).
(f) Pursuant to any investigation authorized under par. (c), the commission has the power:
1. To require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to questions relevant to the proceedings as the commission may prescribe, such submission to be made within such period and under oath or otherwise as the commission may determine.
2. To order testimony to be taken by deposition before any individual who is designated by the commission and has the power to administer oaths, and, in such instances, to compel testimony and the production of evidence in the same manner as authorized by sub. (1) (b).
4. To pay witnesses the same fees and mileage as are paid in like circumstances by the courts of this state.
5. To request and obtain from the department of revenue copies of state income or franchise tax returns and access to other appropriate information under s. 71.78 (4) regarding all persons who are the subject of such investigation.
(h) If the defendant in an action for a civil violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12 is a district attorney or a circuit judge or a candidate for either such office, the action shall be brought by the commission. If the defendant in an action for a civil violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12 is the attorney general or a candidate for that office, the commission may appoint special counsel to bring suit on behalf of the state.
(i) If the defendant in an action for a criminal violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12 is a district attorney or a circuit judge or a candidate for either such office, the action shall be brought by the attorney general. If the defendant in an action for a criminal violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12 is the attorney general or a candidate for that office, the commission may appoint a special prosecutor to conduct the prosecution on behalf of the state.
(j) Any special counsel or prosecutor who is appointed under par. (h) or (i) shall be independent of the attorney general and need not be a state employee at the time of his or her appointment.
(k) The commission’s power to initiate civil actions under this subsection for the enforcement of chs. 5 to 10 or 12 shall be the exclusive remedy for alleged civil violations of chs. 5 to 10 or 12.
(2q)  Supplemental funding for ongoing investigations. The commission may request supplemental funds to be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.510 (1) (be) for the purpose of continuing an ongoing investigation initiated under sub. (2m). A request under this subsection shall be filed with the secretary of administration and the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance in writing and shall contain a statement of the action requested, the purposes therefor, the statutory provision authorizing or directing the performance of the action, and information about the nature of the investigation for which the commission seeks supplemental funds, excluding the name of any individual or organization that is the subject of the investigation. If the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance do not notify the secretary of administration that the committee has scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the request within 14 working days after the commission filed the request, the secretary shall supplement the appropriation under s. 20.510 (1) (be) from the appropriation under s. 20.505 (1) (d) in an amount not to exceed the amount the commission requested. If, within 14 working days after the commission filed the request, the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance notify the secretary that the committee has scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the commission’s request under this subsection, the secretary may supplement the appropriation under s. 20.510 (1) (be) only with the committee’s approval. The committee and the secretary shall notify the commission of all their actions taken under this subsection.
(2w)  Elections commission. The elections commission has the responsibility for the administration of chs. 5 to 10 and 12.
(3d)  Administrator. The commission shall appoint an administrator in the manner provided under s. 15.61 (1) (b). The administrator shall be outside the classified service. The administrator shall appoint such other personnel as he or she requires to carry out the duties of the commission and may designate a commission employee to serve as the commission’s legal counsel. The administrator shall perform such duties as the commission assigns to him or her in the administration of chs. 5 to 10 and 12.
(3g)  Chief election officer. The commission administrator shall serve as the chief election officer of this state.
(4)  Employees. All employees of the commission shall be nonpartisan.
(5e)  Annual report. The commission shall submit an annual report under s. 15.04 (1) (d) and shall include in its annual report the names and duties of all individuals employed by the commission and a summary of its determinations and advisory opinions issued under sub. (6a). Except as authorized or required under sub. (5s) (f), the commission shall make sufficient alterations in the summaries to prevent disclosing the identities of individuals or organizations involved in the decisions or opinions. The commission shall identify in its report the statutory duties of the commission administrator, together with a description of the manner in which those duties are being fulfilled. Notwithstanding sub. (5s) and s. 12.13 (5), the commission shall also specify in its report the total number of investigations conducted by the commission since the last annual report and a description of the nature of each investigation. The commission shall make such further reports on the matters within its jurisdiction and such recommendations for further legislation as it deems desirable.
(5f)  Advice to commission. The joint committee on legislative organization shall be advisory to the commission on all matters relating to operation of the commission.
(5s)  Access to records. Records obtained or prepared by the commission in connection with an investigation, including the full text of any complaint received by the commission, are not subject to the right of inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1), except as follows:
(a) The commission shall permit inspection of records that are distributed or discussed in the course of a meeting or hearing by the commission in open session.
(am) The commission shall provide to the joint committee on finance records obtained or prepared by the commission in connection with an ongoing investigation when required under sub. (2q).
(b) Investigatory records of the commission may be made public in the course of a prosecution initiated under chs. 5 to 10 or 12.
(bm) The commission shall provide investigatory records to the state auditor and the employees of the legislative audit bureau to the extent necessary for the bureau to carry out its duties under s. 13.94.
(c) The commission shall provide information from investigation and hearing records that pertains to the location of individuals and assets of individuals as requested under s. 49.22 (2m) by the department of children and families or by a county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5).
(d) If the commission commences a civil prosecution of a person for an alleged violation of chs. 5 to 10 or 12 as the result of an investigation, the person who is the subject of the investigation may authorize the commission to make available for inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1) records of the investigation pertaining to that person if the records are available by law to the subject person and the commission shall then make those records available.
(e) The following records of the commission are open to public inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1):
1. Any record of the action of the commission authorizing the filing of a civil complaint under sub. (2m) (c) 6.
2. Any record of the action of the commission referring a matter to a district attorney or other prosecutor for investigation or prosecution.
3. Any record containing a finding that a complaint does not raise a reasonable suspicion that a violation of the law has occurred.
4. Any record containing a finding, following an investigation, that no probable cause exists to believe that a violation of the law has occurred.
(f) The commission shall make public formal and informal advisory opinions and records obtained in connection with requests for formal or informal advisory opinions relating to matters under the jurisdiction of the commission, including the identity of individuals requesting such opinions or organizations or governmental bodies on whose behalf they are requested.
(5t)  Guidance following binding court decisions. Within 2 months following the publication of a decision of a state or federal court that is binding on the commission and this state, the commission shall issue updated guidance or formal advisory opinions, commence the rule-making procedure to revise administrative rules promulgated by the commission, or request an opinion from the attorney general on the applicability of the court decision.
(6a)  Advisory opinions.
(a)
1. Any individual, either personally or on behalf of an organization or governmental body, may make a request of the commission in writing, electronically, or by telephone for a formal or informal advisory opinion regarding the propriety under chs. 5 to 10 or 12 of any matter to which the person is or may become a party. Any appointing officer, with the consent of a prospective appointee, may request of the commission a formal or informal advisory opinion regarding the propriety under chs. 5 to 10 or 12 of any matter to which the prospective appointee is or may become a party. The commission shall review a request for an advisory opinion and may issue a formal or informal written or electronic advisory opinion to the person making the request. Except as authorized or required for opinions specified in sub. (5s) (f), the commission’s deliberations and actions upon such requests shall be in meetings not open to the public. A member of the commission may, by written request, require the commission to review an advisory opinion.
2. To have legal force and effect, each formal and informal advisory opinion issued by the commission must be supported by specific legal authority under a statute or other law, or by specific case or common law authority. Each formal and informal advisory opinion shall include a citation to each statute or other law and each case or common law authority upon which the opinion is based, and shall specifically articulate or explain which parts of the cited authority are relevant to the commission’s conclusion and why they are relevant.
3. No person acting in good faith upon a formal or informal advisory opinion issued by the commission under this subsection is subject to criminal or civil prosecution for so acting, if the material facts are as stated in the opinion request.
4. At each regular meeting of the commission, the administrator shall review informal advisory opinions requested of and issued by the administrator and that relate to recurring issues or issues of first impression for which no formal advisory opinion has been issued. The commission may determine to issue a formal advisory opinion adopting or modifying the informal advisory opinion. If the commission disagrees with a formal or informal advisory opinion that has been issued by or on behalf of the commission, the commission may withdraw the opinion, issue a revised formal or informal advisory opinion, or request an opinion from the attorney general. No person acting after the date of the withdrawal or issuance of the revised advisory opinion is exempted from prosecution under this subsection if the opinion upon which the person’s action is based has been withdrawn or revised in relevant degree.
5. Except as authorized or required under sub. (5s) (f), no member or employee of the commission may make public the identity of the individual requesting a formal or informal advisory opinion or of individuals or organizations mentioned in the opinion.
(b)
1. The commission may authorize the commission administrator or his or her designee to issue an informal written advisory opinion or transmit an informal advisory opinion electronically on behalf of the commission, subject to such limitations as the commission deems appropriate. Every informal advisory opinion shall be consistent with applicable formal advisory opinions issued by the commission, statute or other law, and case law.
2. Any individual may request in writing, electronically, or by telephone an informal advisory opinion from the commission under this paragraph. The commission’s designee shall provide a written response, a written reference to an applicable statute or law, or a written reference to a formal advisory opinion of the commission to the individual, or shall refer the request to the commission for review and the issuance of a formal advisory opinion.
3. Any person receiving an informal advisory opinion under this paragraph may, at any time, request a formal advisory opinion from the commission on the same matter.
(c)
1. Any individual may request in writing, electronically, or by telephone a formal advisory opinion from the commission or the review or modification of a formal advisory opinion issued by the commission under this paragraph. The individual making the request shall include all pertinent facts relevant to the matter. The commission shall review a request for a formal advisory opinion and may issue a formal advisory opinion to the individual making the request. Except as authorized or required for opinions specified in sub. (5s) (f), the commission’s deliberations and actions upon such requests shall be in meetings not open to the public.
2. Any person requesting a formal advisory opinion under this paragraph may request a public or private hearing before the commission to discuss the opinion. The commission shall grant a request for a public or private hearing under this paragraph.
3. Promptly upon issuance of each formal advisory opinion, the commission shall publish the opinion together with the information specified under sub. (5s) (f) on the commission’s Internet site.
4. If the commission declines to issue a formal advisory opinion, it may refer the matter to the attorney general or to the standing legislative oversight committees.
(7)  Administrative meetings and conferences. The commission shall conduct regular information and training meetings at various locations in the state for county and municipal clerks and other election officials. Administrative meetings shall be designed to explain the election laws and the forms and rules of the commission, to promote uniform procedures and to assure that clerks and other officials are made aware of the integrity and importance of the vote of each citizen. The commission may conduct conferences relating to election laws, practice and procedure. The commission may charge persons attending the administrative meetings and conferences for its costs incurred in conducting the meetings and conferences at a rate not exceeding the per capita cost incurred by the commission.
(9)  Standing. The commission has standing to commence or intervene in any civil action or proceeding for the purpose of enforcing the laws regulating the conduct of elections or election campaigns, other than laws regulating campaign financing, or ensuring their proper administration.
(10)  State election administration plan. With the approval of the joint committee on finance as provided in this subsection, the commission shall adopt and modify as necessary a state plan that meets the requirements of P.L. 107-252 to enable participation by this state in federal financial assistance programs authorized under that law. The commission shall adopt the plan and any modifications only after publishing a class 1 notice under ch. 985 or posting on the Internet a statement describing the proposed plan or modification and receiving public comment thereon. After approval of the proposed plan or any modification of the plan by the commission, the commission shall submit the proposed plan or modification to the joint committee on finance for the approval of the committee. The commission may adopt the proposed plan or modification only if the committee approves the proposed plan or modification.
(11)  Aids to counties and municipalities. From the appropriations under s. 20.510 (1) (t) and (x), the commission may provide financial assistance to eligible counties and municipalities for election administration costs in accordance with the plan adopted under sub. (10). As a condition precedent to receipt of assistance under this subsection, the commission shall enter into an agreement with the county or municipality receiving the assistance specifying the intended use of the assistance and shall ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. Each agreement shall provide that if the federal government objects to the use of any assistance moneys provided to the county or municipality under the agreement, the county or municipality shall repay the amount of the assistance provided to the commission.
(12)  Voter education. The commission may conduct or prescribe requirements for educational programs to inform electors about voting procedures, voting rights, and voting technology. The commission shall conduct an educational program for the purpose of educating electors who cast paper ballots, ballots that are counted at a central counting location, and absentee ballots of the effect of casting excess votes for a single office.
(13)  Toll-free election information and requests.
(a) The commission shall maintain one or more toll-free telephone lines for electors to report possible voting fraud and voting rights violations, to obtain general election information, and to access information concerning their registration status, current polling place locations, and other information relevant to voting in elections.
(b) The commission may maintain a free access system under which an elector who votes under s. 6.96 or 6.97 may ascertain current information concerning whether the elector’s vote has been counted, and, if the vote will not be counted, the reason that it will not be counted.
(c) The commission shall maintain a freely accessible system under which a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), or an overseas elector who casts an absentee ballot may ascertain whether the ballot has been received by the appropriate municipal clerk.
(d) The commission shall designate and maintain at least one freely accessible means of electronic communication which shall be used for the following purposes:
1. To permit a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), or an overseas elector to request a voter registration application or an application for an absentee ballot at any election at which the elector is qualified to vote in this state.
2. To permit a military elector or an overseas elector under subd. 1. to designate whether the elector wishes to receive the applications under subd. 1. electronically or by mail.
3. To permit a municipal clerk to transmit to a military elector or an overseas elector under subd. 1. a registration application or absentee ballot application electronically or by mail, as directed by the elector under subd. 2., together with related voting, balloting, and election information.
(14)  Information from county and municipal clerks.
(a) The commission may request information from county and municipal clerks relating to election administration, performance of electronic voting systems and voting machines, and use of paper ballots in elections.
(b) The commission shall establish a subscription service whereby a person may electronically access the absentee ballot information provided under s. 6.33 (5) (a), including semiweekly updates of such information.
(c) On election night the commission shall provide a link on its Internet site to the posting of each county’s election returns on each county’s Internet site.
(15)  Registration list. The commission is responsible for the design and maintenance of the official registration list under s. 6.36. The commission shall require all municipalities to use the list in every election and may require any municipality to adhere to procedures established by the commission for proper maintenance of the list.
(16)  Policies and procedures.
(a) Annually, the commission shall adopt written policies and procedures in order to govern its internal operations and management and shall annually report such policies and procedures to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature under s. 13.172 (3).
(b) Notwithstanding par. (a), the commission may reconsider at any time any policy or procedure adopted as provided under par. (a). If, upon reconsideration, the commission revises a previously reported policy or procedure, the commission shall report the revision to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature under s. 13.172 (3).
(c) The commission may reconsider at any time any written directives or written guidance provided to the general public or to any person subject to the provisions of chs. 5 to 10 and 12 with regard to the enforcement and administration of those provisions.
(17)  Payments. The commission may accept payment by credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment mechanism for any amounts owed pursuant to the administration of chs. 5 to 10 or 12, and may charge a surcharge to the payer to recover charges associated with the acceptance of that electronic payment.
(18)  Electronic poll lists. The commission may facilitate the creation and maintenance of electronic poll lists for purposes of s. 6.79 including entering into contracts with vendors and establishing programs for development and testing.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 85, 93, 199; 1977 c. 29; 1977 c. 196 s. 131; 1977 c. 418, 427, 447; 1979 c. 32 s. 92 (8); 1979 c. 89, 154, 328; 1983 a. 27, 484, 524, 538; 1985 a. 303; 1985 a. 304 ss. 3, 155; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 109; 2003 a. 35, 265, 266, 327; 2005 a. 177; 2007 a. 1 ss. 2 to 19, 94, 99, 100, 103, 104, 107, 109, 111, 112, 114, 116, 127, 128; 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 28, 180; 2011 a. 75; 2013 a. 20, 166; 2015 a. 2, 117; 2015 a. 118 ss. 3 to 54, 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 365 s. 111; 2017 a. 366, 369.
Cross-reference: See also EL, Wis. adm. code.
Notice to the district attorney, attorney general, or governor is not a prerequisite to a civil forfeiture under sub. (1) (c). State Elections Board v. Hales, 149 Wis. 2d 306, 440 N.W.2d 579 (Ct. App. 1989).
A party being investigated by the board is not entitled under sub. (1) (b) to attend and participate in all depositions conducted by the board. Notice to the party being investigated under sub. (1) (b) is limited to the board’s exercise of its subpoena power and does not relate in any way to the conduct of depositions the board may wish to take. State ex rel. Block v. Circuit Court for Dane County, 2000 WI App 72, 234 Wis. 2d 183, 610 N.W.2d 213, 00-0507.
Unless otherwise stated in a specific statute, criminal and civil forfeiture provisions of the election, lobby, and ethics laws can be enforced by a district attorney independently of the board. A referral following an investigation by the board is not required. A district attorney may request prosecutorial or investigative assistance from the attorney general in connection with any duty of the district attorney under those laws. If there has been a referral to the district attorney by the board under sub. (2m) (c) 11., 14., or 15., the district attorney must retain ultimate supervisory authority over the matter referred unless a special prosecutor has been appointed in lieu of the district attorney. OAG 10-08.
The board and district attorneys possess joint and co-equal authority to investigate possible violations of the election, lobby, or ethics laws and to prosecute civil forfeiture actions under those laws. Unless otherwise stated in a specific statutory provision, the district attorney possesses the authority to prosecute criminal proceedings under those laws. The board has no statutory authority to prosecute criminal proceedings under those laws except as stated in sub. (2m) (i). OAG 10-08.
For the attorney general to prosecute violations of the election, lobby, and ethics laws there must be a specific statute authorizing the attorney general to independently initiate the prosecution of civil and criminal actions involving violations of those laws unless there is a referral to the attorney general by the board under sub. (2m) (c) 16. or unless the attorney general or an assistant attorney general has been appointed as special prosecutor to serve in lieu of the district attorney. OAG 10-08.

5.055  Election assistance commission standards board. The commission administrator shall, in consultation with the commission, appoint an individual to represent this state as a member of the federal election assistance commission standards board. The administrator shall also conduct and supervise a process for the selection of an election official by county and municipal clerks and boards of election commissioners to represent local election officials of this state as a member of the federal election assistance commission standards board. The administrator shall ensure that the members of the federal election assistance commission standards board representing this state shall at no time be members of the same political party. Upon appointment or election of any new member of the federal election assistance commission standards board representing this state, the administrator shall transmit a notice of that member’s appointment or election to the officer or agency designated by federal law.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 118.

5.056  Matching program with secretary of transportation. The commission administrator shall enter into the agreement with the secretary of transportation specified under s. 85.61 (1) to match personally identifiable information on the official registration list maintained by the commission under s. 6.36 (1) and the information specified in s. 6.34 (2m) with personally identifiable information maintained by the department of transportation.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 118, 261.

5.06  Compliance review; appeal.
(1)  Whenever any elector of a jurisdiction or district served by an election official believes that a decision or action of the official or the failure of the official to act with respect to any matter concerning nominations, qualifications of candidates, voting qualifications, including residence, ward division and numbering, recall, ballot preparation, election administration or conduct of elections is contrary to law, or the official has abused the discretion vested in him or her by law with respect to any such matter, the elector may file a written sworn complaint with the commission requesting that the official be required to conform his or her conduct to the law, be restrained from taking any action inconsistent with the law or be required to correct any action or decision inconsistent with the law or any abuse of the discretion vested in him or her by law. The complaint shall set forth such facts as are within the knowledge of the complainant to show probable cause to believe that a violation of law or abuse of discretion has occurred or will occur. The complaint may be accompanied by relevant supporting documents. The commission may conduct a hearing on the matter in the manner prescribed for treatment of contested cases under ch. 227 if it believes such action to be appropriate.
(2) No person who is authorized to file a complaint under sub. (1), other than the attorney general or a district attorney, may commence an action or proceeding to test the validity of any decision, action or failure to act on the part of any election official with respect to any matter specified in sub. (1) without first filing a complaint under sub. (1), nor prior to disposition of the complaint by the commission. A complaint is deemed disposed of if the commission fails to transmit an acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint within 5 business days from the date of its receipt or if the commission concludes its investigation without a formal decision.
(3) A complaint under this section shall be filed promptly so as not to prejudice the rights of any other party. In no case may a complaint relating to nominations, qualifications of candidates or ballot preparation be filed later than 10 days after the complainant knew or should have known that a violation of law or abuse of discretion occurred or was proposed to occur.
(4) The commission may, on its own motion, investigate and determine whether any election official, with respect to any matter concerning nominations, qualifications of candidates, voting qualifications, including residence, ward division and numbering, recall, ballot preparation, election administration or conduct of elections, has failed to comply with the law or abused the discretion vested in him or her by law or proposes to do so.
(5) Upon receipt of a complaint under sub. (1), or upon its own motion, the commission may order any election official to immediately transfer to its possession any original documents in the custody of the official which the commission finds to be necessary and relevant to permit review of compliance with the laws concerning nominations, qualifications of candidates, ward division and numbering, recall or ballot preparation or the proper administration of such laws.
(6) The commission may, after such investigation as it deems appropriate, summarily decide the matter before it and, by order, require any election official to conform his or her conduct to the law, restrain an official from taking any action inconsistent with the law or require an official to correct any action or decision inconsistent with the law. The commission shall immediately transmit a copy of the order to the official. An order issued under this subsection is effective immediately or at such later time as may be specified in the order.
(7) The commission may withdraw, modify or correct an order issued under sub. (6) within a timely period if it finds such action to be appropriate.
(8) Any election official or complainant who is aggrieved by an order issued under sub. (6) may appeal the decision of the commission to circuit court for the county where the official conducts business or the complainant resides no later than 30 days after issuance of the order. Pendency of an appeal does not stay the effect of an order unless the court so orders.
(9) The court may not conduct a de novo proceeding with respect to any findings of fact or factual matters upon which the commission has made a determination, or could have made a determination if the parties had properly presented the disputed matters to the commission for its consideration. The court shall summarily hear and determine all contested issues of law and shall affirm, reverse or modify the determination of the commission, according due weight to the experience, technical competence and specialized knowledge of the commission, pursuant to the applicable standards for review of agency decisions under s. 227.57.
(10) This section does not apply to matters arising in connection with a recount under s. 9.01.
History: 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 182 s. 57; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
The plaintiff’s failure to comply with the method of review prescribed by this section deprived the circuit court of jurisdiction to hear the plaintiff’s original action regarding election irregularities. Kuechmann v. LaCrosse School District, 170 Wis. 2d 218, 487 N.W.2d 639 (Ct. App. 1992).

5.061  Compliance with federal Help America Vote Act.
(1)  Whenever any person believes that a violation of Title III of P.L. 107-252 has occurred, is occurring, or is proposed to occur with respect to an election for national office in this state, that person may file a written, verified complaint with the commission.
(2) If the commission receives more than one complaint under sub. (1) relating to the same subject matter, the commission may consolidate the complaints for purposes of this section.
(3) A complainant under sub. (1) or any of the complainants in a consolidated complaint under sub. (2) may request a hearing and the matter shall then be treated as a contested case under ch. 227, except that the commission shall make a final determination with respect to the merits of the complaint and issue a decision within 89 days of the time that the complaint or the earliest of any complaints was filed, unless the complainant, or each of any complainants whose complaints are consolidated, consents to a specified longer period.
(4) If the commission finds the complaint to be without merit, it shall issue a decision dismissing the complaint. If the commission finds that the violation alleged in the complaint has occurred, is occurring, or is proposed to occur, the commission shall order appropriate relief, except that the commission shall not issue any order under this subsection affecting the right of any person to hold an elective office or affecting the canvass of an election on or after the date of that election.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.07  Action to compel compliance. Whenever a violation of the laws regulating the conduct of elections or election campaigns, other than a violation of the laws regulating campaign financing, occurs or is proposed to occur, the attorney general or the district attorney of the county where the violation occurs or is proposed to occur may sue for injunctive relief, a writ of mandamus or prohibition, or other such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate to compel compliance with the law. No bond is required in such actions.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1983 a. 484 s. 136m; Stats. 1983 s. 5.07; 1985 a. 304; 2015 a. 118.

5.08  Petition for enforcement. In addition to or in lieu of filing a complaint, any elector may file a verified petition alleging such facts as are within his or her knowledge to indicate that an election official has failed or is failing to comply with any law regulating the conduct of elections or election campaigns, other than a law regulating campaign financing, or proposes to act in a manner inconsistent with such a law, and requesting that an action be commenced for injunctive relief, a writ of mandamus or prohibition or other such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate to compel compliance with the law. The petition shall be filed with the district attorney for the county having jurisdiction to prosecute the alleged failure to comply under s. 978.05 (1) and (2). The district attorney may then commence the action or dismiss the petition. If the district attorney declines to act upon the petition or if the district attorney fails to act upon the petition within 15 days of the date of filing, the petitioner may file the same petition with the attorney general, who may then commence the action.
History: 1983 a. 484; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 118.

5.081  Petition for enforcement of voting rights. The attorney general shall accept a verified petition from any person alleging failure to comply with section 2 of the federal voting rights act, 42 USC 1973 (a) and (b). The attorney general may commence an action or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction on behalf of any elector of this state whose rights under 42 USC 1973 (a) and (b) are violated.
History: 1985 a. 312.

5.10  Presidential electors. Although the names of the electors do not appear on the ballot and no reference is made to them, a vote for the president and vice president named on the ballot is a vote for the electors of the candidates for whom an elector’s vote is cast. Under chs. 5 to 12, all references to the presidential election, the casting of votes and the canvassing of votes for president, or for president and vice president, mean votes for them through their pledged presidential electors.
History: 1973 c. 334 s. 2; Stats. 1973 s. 5.10; 1977 c. 26; 1979 c. 89, 311.

5.15  Division of municipalities into wards.
(1)
(a)
1. Every city, village, and town in this state shall by ordinance or resolution of its common council or village or town board, respectively, be divided into wards as provided in this section, except as authorized in sub. (2). The boundaries of the wards established under this section, and the number assigned to each ward, are intended to be as permanent as possible, and to this end each ward shall when created contain a population at a convenient point within the applicable population range under sub. (2) (b), with due consideration for the known trends of population increase or decrease within that part of the municipality in which the ward is located.
2. Once established, the boundaries of each ward shall remain unchanged until a further decennial federal census of population indicates that the population of a ward is then above or below the applicable population range, or until the ward boundaries are required to be changed to permit creation of supervisory or aldermanic districts of substantially equal population or to enhance the participation of members of a racial or language minority group in the political process and their ability to elect representatives of their choice, or until otherwise authorized or required under this section.
3. If the population of a ward has increased above the maximum of its population range or if the population of a ward must be decreased for a reason specified in subd. 2., the ward shall be divided into 2 or more wards in compliance with sub. (2) (b). If the population of a ward has decreased below the minimum of its population range or if the population of a ward must be increased for a reason specified in subd. 2., the ward shall, if possible, be combined with an adjoining ward, or the underpopulated ward and one adjoining ward shall be combined and together subdivided into 2 or more wards in compliance with sub. (2).
(b) Except as authorized in sub. (2) (a), within 60 days after the receipt of a tentative supervisory district plan and written statement, if any, from the county board of each county in which a municipality is located, the governing body of the municipality shall adjust its wards according to the schedule shown in sub. (2). All territory contained within the municipality, and only the territory so contained, on April 1 of the year of the federal decennial census shall be contained within a ward established under the division ordinance or resolution. Except as authorized in sub. (2), each ward shall consist of whole blocks, as utilized by the U.S. bureau of the census in the most recent federal decennial census. To suit the convenience of the voters residing therein each ward shall, as far as practicable, be kept compact and observe the community of interest of existing neighborhoods and other settlements. All territory within a ward shall be contiguous, except for island territory as defined in sub. (2) (f) 3. Enactment or adoption of a division ordinance or resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the governing body.
(c) The wards established by municipal governing bodies in a division ordinance or resolution enacted or adopted under this section shall govern the adjustment of supervisory districts under s. 59.10 (2) (a) and (3) (b) and of aldermanic districts under s. 62.08 (1) for the purpose of local elections beginning on January 1 of the 2nd year commencing after the year of the census until revised under this section on the basis of the results of the next decennial census of population unless adjusted under sub. (2) (f) 4. or 5., (6) (a), or (7), or unless a division is required to effect an act of the legislature redistricting legislative districts under article IV, section 3, of the constitution or redistricting congressional districts. The populations of wards under each decennial ward division shall be determined on the basis of the federal decennial census and any official corrections to the census issued on or before the date of adoption of the division ordinance or resolution to reflect the correct populations of the municipality and the blocks within the municipality on April 1 of the year of the census.
(d) Every ward shall be wholly contained within a single county.
(2)
(a) Except as required by par. (d), no city electing its common council at large in which the total population is less than 1,000, and no village or town in which the total population is less than 1,000 is required to be divided into wards under this section, but any such city, village or town may divide itself into wards if the creation of wards facilitates the administration of elections. No village or town located in a county having only one town is required to be divided into wards under this section.
(b) Except for wards created to effect an act of the legislature redistricting legislative districts under article IV, section 3, of the constitution or redistricting congressional districts and except as authorized under pars. (bm), (c), (e), and (f) and sub. (7), wards shall contain the following numbers of inhabitants:
1. In any city in which the population is at least 150,000, each ward shall contain not less than 1,000 nor more than 4,000 inhabitants.
2. In any city in which the population is at least 39,000 but less than 150,000, each ward shall contain not less than 800 nor more than 3,200 inhabitants.
3. In any city, village or town in which the population is at least 10,000 but less than 39,000, each ward shall contain not less than 600 nor more than 2,100 inhabitants.
4. In any city, village or town in which the population is less than 10,000, each ward shall contain not less than 300 nor more than 1,000 inhabitants.
(bm) Every city electing the members of its common council from aldermanic districts shall assemble the blocks wholly or partially contained within the city into wards that will enable the creation of aldermanic districts that are substantially equal in population. If a block is partly contained within the city, the city shall divide the block to form a ward containing the portion of the block that lies within the city.
(c) If the population of a block exceeds the maximum population for a ward otherwise specified in this subsection, such block shall be constituted a ward by itself, except that if the population of a block substantially exceeds the population of proposed aldermanic districts in a city so that, if the block were to constitute an aldermanic district, the populations of the aldermanic districts in the city would not be substantially equal, the city shall divide the block to permit assembly into wards that will enable creation of aldermanic districts that are substantially equal in population.
(cm) Any division of blocks under this section shall be based on the best evidence available. In this paragraph, “best evidence” includes, but is not limited to, the population of the block and other information received from the U.S. bureau of the census and such data as number of housing units, utility connections and vehicle registrations or a special census conducted locally. For each ward so established, the population estimate shall be correlated with the results of the most recent federal decennial census, so that the total population reported for all wards in the municipality agrees with the census results.
(d) Every municipality shall make a good faith effort to accommodate the tentative plan submitted by the county or counties in which it is located under s. 59.10 (2) (a) or (3) (b) 1., and shall divide itself into wards in such a manner that will permit the creation of county supervisory districts in accordance with the population requirements for the plan specified in s. 59.10 (2) (a) or (3) (b) 1.
(e) If territory is detached from a city, village or town after April 1 of the year of the federal decennial census, and the remaining portion of the ward to which it was attached falls below the prescribed minimum population for the applicable range, the remaining portion of the population may be constituted a ward by itself.
(f) Any city, village or town may establish a ward below the prescribed minimum population for the applicable range whenever the proposed ward is established under par. (a), (d) or (e) or whenever the proposed ward contains solely:
1. That part of a city or village situated in a county other than the county in which the major part of the municipality is located.
2. That part of a city, village or town belonging to a school district other than the school district to which the major part of the municipality belongs.
3. Island territory containing a resident population. In this subdivision, “island territory” means territory surrounded by water, or noncontiguous territory which is separated by the territory of another municipality or by water, or both, from the major part of the municipality to which it belongs.
4. New territory which becomes a part of a city, village or town after April 1 of the year of the federal decennial census.
5. Territory that lies between an actual municipal boundary that existed on April 1 of the year of a federal decennial census and an intersecting municipal boundary that deviates from the actual municipal boundary on that date if the deviating boundary was used by the U.S. bureau of the census to enumerate the population of the municipality in that census.
(g) If a block is affected by an annexation or detachment which establishes a municipal boundary that subdivides the block, the municipalities in which the block is contained shall incorporate only the portion of the block contained within their boundaries in their division ordinances or resolutions.
(4)
(a) Except as provided in par. (c), the division ordinance or resolution shall number all wards in the municipality with unique whole numbers in consecutive order, beginning with the number one, shall designate the polling place for each ward, and shall describe the boundaries of each ward consistent with the conventions set forth in s. 4.003. The ordinance or resolution shall be accompanied by a list of the block numbers used by the U.S. bureau of the census that are wholly or partly contained within each ward, with any block numbers partly contained within a ward identified, and a map of the municipality which illustrates the revised ward boundaries. If the legislature, in an act redistricting legislative districts under article IV, section 3, of the constitution, or in redistricting congressional districts, establishes a district boundary within a municipality that does not coincide with the boundary of a ward established under the ordinance or resolution of the municipality, the municipal governing body shall, no later than April 10 of the 2nd year following the year of the federal decennial census on which the act is based, amend the ordinance or resolution to the extent required to effect the act. The amended ordinance or resolution shall designate the polling place for any ward that is created to effect the legislative act. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to compel a county or city to alter or redraw supervisory or aldermanic districts.
(b) Within 5 days after adoption or enactment of an ordinance or resolution under this section or any amendment thereto, the municipal clerk shall transmit one copy of the ordinance or resolution or the amendment to the county clerk of each county in which the municipality is contained, accompanied by the list and map specified in par. (a), together with a report confirming the boundaries of the municipality and of all wards in the municipality. Within 5 days after notice to the municipal clerk of a judgment that has the effect of changing the municipal boundaries, the clerk shall file the same report. The municipal clerk shall ensure that each copy of the ordinance or resolution or amendment and each accompanying report identify the name of the municipality and the county or counties in which it is located.
(bg) No later than October 15 of each year following the year of a federal decennial census, each municipal clerk shall file a report with the county clerk of each county in which the municipality is contained confirming the boundaries of the municipality and of all wards in the municipality. The report shall be accompanied by a map of the municipality and a list of the block numbers of which the municipality and each ward within the municipality are comprised. Each report filed under this paragraph shall identify the name of the municipality and the county or counties in which it is located.
(br)
1. Except as provided in subd. 2., no later than January 15 and July 15 of each year, the county clerk shall transmit to the legislative technology services bureau a report confirming the boundaries of each municipality, ward, and supervisory district in the county together with a map of the county, in an electronic format approved by the legislative technology services bureau. Each report shall be current to the nearest January 1 or July 1 preceding the date of the report.
2. In each year following the year of a federal decennial census, the July report shall instead be transmitted no later than November 1 and shall be current to the date of the report. The November 1 report shall be accompanied by a list of the block numbers of which the county and each municipality and ward within the county are comprised.
(c) Wards that are created to effect an act of the legislature redistricting legislative districts or congressional districts and wards authorized under sub. (2) (bm), (c), (e), or (f) or (7) may be numbered with a combination of whole numbers and letters.
(5) When a town is divided into wards, the annual town meeting shall be held in a location authorized under s. 60.11 (3) (a).
(6)
(a) Following any municipality-wide special federal census of population, the governing body of the municipality in which the special census was held may, by ordinance or resolution, adjust the ward boundaries, but no ward line adjustment may cross the boundary of a congressional, assembly, or supervisory district. The municipal clerk shall transmit copies of the ordinance or resolution in compliance with sub. (4) (b).
(b) No later than 30 days before each election, the governing body of any municipality may by resolution combine 2 or more wards for voting purposes to facilitate using a common polling place. Whenever wards are so combined, the original ward numbers shall continue to be utilized for all official purposes. Except as otherwise authorized under this paragraph, every municipality having a population of 35,000 or more shall maintain separate returns for each ward so combined. In municipalities having a population of 35,000 or more, the governing body may provide in a resolution that returns for any ward having a population of 20 or less be combined with returns for any adjacent ward, if the total population of the combined wards does not exceed the applicable population range under sub. (2) (b)for wards in that municipality. In municipalities having a population of less than 35,000, the governing body may provide in the resolution that returns shall be maintained only for each group of combined wards at any election. Whenever a governing body provides that returns shall be maintained only for combined wards under this paragraph, the municipality shall report separate results for each separate ballot required under ss. 5.58 to 5.64. The municipal clerk shall transmit a copy of the resolution to the county clerk of each county in which the municipality is contained. In municipalities having a population of less than 35,000, the resolution shall remain in effect for each election until modified or rescinded, or until a new division is made under this section. Whenever needed for purposes of this paragraph, the municipal clerk shall determine the population of each ward in his or her municipality. If the population of a ward cannot be determined from census results, the clerk shall determine the population of the smallest unit encompassing the entire ward that can be determined from census results. The clerk shall then divide the land area of the ward by the land area of that unit. The clerk shall then multiply that result by the population of the unit to determine the population of the ward for purposes of this paragraph.
(7) If a new municipality is created or if part of a municipality is annexed to a city or village during a decennial period after April 1 of the year of the federal decennial census, the governing body of any municipality to which territory is attached or from which territory is detached, without regard to the time provisions of sub. (1) (b), may, by ordinance or resolution, create new wards or adjust the existing wards in that municipality to the extent required to reflect the change. If a municipality is consolidated with another municipality during a decennial period after April 1 of the year of the federal decennial census, the governing body of the consolidated municipality, without regard to the time provisions under sub. (1) (b), may, by ordinance or resolution, create new wards or adjust the existing wards of the municipality to the extent required to reflect the change. No ward line adjustment under this subsection may cross the boundary of a congressional, assembly, or supervisory district. Within 5 days after adoption of the ordinance or resolution, the municipal clerk shall transmit copies of the ordinance or resolution making the adjustment to the county clerk in compliance with sub. (4) (b).
(8) Until divided, all elections are held in the established wards.
History: 1971 c. 304 ss. 3 to 5, 29 (2); 1977 c. 26, 418, 427, 449; 1979 c. 260; 1981 c. 4 ss. 2 to 10, 18; 1981 c. 314; 1983 a. 29, 192, 442; 1983 a. 484 ss. 8e, 174; 1983 a. 538; 1985 a. 304 ss. 8 to 10, 12; 1987 a. 391; 1991 a. 5, 143, 315; 1993 a. 213; 1995 a. 201; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 149, 312; 2011 a. 39, 75; 2013 a. 155; 2015 a. 55; 2017 a. 360.
City and county apportionment is discussed. City of Janesville v. Rock County, 107 Wis. 2d 187, 319 N.W.2d 891 (Ct. App. 1982).
The court properly voided the city’s plan and adopted the county’s plan, even though the county did not adopt the plan within 60 days of receiving census data. County of La Crosse v. City of La Crosse, 108 Wis. 2d 560, 322 N.W.2d 531 (Ct. App. 1982).

5.18  Enforcement of division requirement. If any municipality fails to comply with s. 5.15, the county in which the municipality is located or any elector of the municipality may submit to the circuit court for any county in which the municipality is located within 14 days from the expiration of the 60-day period under s. 5.15 (1) (b) a proposed plan for the division of the municipality into wards in compliance with this section. If the circuit court finds that the existing division of the municipality into wards fails to comply with s. 5.15, it shall review the plan submitted by the petitioner and after reasonable notice to the municipality may promulgate the plan, or any other plan in compliance with s. 5.15, as a temporary ward plan for the municipality to remain in effect until superseded by a ward plan enacted or adopted by the governing body in compliance with s. 5.15.
History: 1985 a. 304 ss. 9, 11, 12; 2011 a. 39.

5.25  Polling places.
(1)  All elections under chs. 5 to 12 shall be held at the polling places provided in this section. The places chosen shall be public buildings, unless the use of a public building for this purpose is impracticable or the use of a nonpublic building better serves the needs of the electorate, as determined by the authority charged with the responsibility for establishing polling places under sub. (2).
(2) In cities over 500,000 population, polling shall be at the places established by the board of election commissioners. In all other cities and in villages and towns, polling shall be at the places established by the governing body.
(3) Polling places shall be established for each election at least 30 days before the election.
(4)
(a) Each polling place shall be accessible to all individuals with disabilities. The commission shall ensure that the voting system used at each polling place will permit all individuals with disabilities to vote without the need for assistance and with the same degree of privacy that is accorded to nondisabled electors voting at the same polling place. This paragraph does not apply to any individual who is disqualified from voting under s. 6.03 (1) (a).
(b) In any jurisdiction that is subject to the requirement under 42 USC 1973aa-1a to provide voting materials in any language other than English, the commission shall ensure that the voting system used at each polling place in that jurisdiction is in compliance with 42 USC 1973aa-1a.
(d) No later than June 30 of each odd-numbered year, the commission shall submit a report on impediments to voting faced by elderly and handicapped individuals to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature under s. 13.172 (3). In preparing its report under this paragraph, the commission shall consult with appropriate advocacy groups representing the elderly and handicapped populations.
(5)
(a) Except as authorized in par. (b), all electors within a ward shall vote at the same polling place.
(b) The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality in which an elderly or handicapped elector resides may reassign the elector to a polling place within the municipality other than the polling place serving the elector’s residence in order to permit the elector to utilize a polling place that is accessible to elderly or handicapped individuals.
(c) The electors of more than one ward in the same municipality may vote at a single polling place.
History: 1975 c. 275; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 89; 1983 a. 532; 1985 a. 304, 332; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 265; 2011 a. 75; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.35  Polling place requirements.
(1)  National flag. On election days, every polling place shall properly display the national flag during all hours the polls are open.
(2)  Voting booths. There shall be one voting booth for every 200 electors who voted at the last general election. The booths shall have a surface on which to write or work and be sufficiently enclosed to assure privacy for the elector and anyone lawfully assisting the elector while marking the elector’s ballot.
(3)  Ballot boxes. Where the voting procedure makes it necessary, there shall be a separate ballot box for each form of ballot at each polling place. There shall be a suitable lock and key for each, and an opening no larger than is sufficient to receive a single ballot or a single folded ballot if the box is used for deposit of paper ballots. If the electors of more than one ward use the same polling place, there shall be separate ballot boxes provided for the electors of each ward, unless combined ballot boxes are authorized in accordance with s. 5.15 (6) (b).
(4)  Layout; organization. All voting booths and machines shall be placed apart from other activities in the polling place, with their exteriors in full view of the election officials. Only the proper election officials, persons observing the proceedings under s. 7.41, persons assisting voters under s. 6.82 (2) and electors receiving, preparing or depositing their ballots or casting their votes on the machines are permitted in the voting area. Except where assistance is authorized, only one elector at a time is permitted in a voting booth or machine.
(5)  Activities restricted. No polling place may be situated so as to interfere with or distract election officials from carrying out their duties. The municipal clerk and election inspectors shall prevent interference with and distraction of electors at polling places.
(6)  Posting requirements.
(a) At each polling place in the state, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall post the following materials, positioned so that they may be readily observed by electors entering the polling place or waiting in line to vote:
1. The relevant portions of the voting instructions in the type B notice for the election as specified in s. 10.02 (3) and, for each referendum on the ballot, the text of the type C notice specified in s. 10.01 (2) (c).
2. A copy of the election fraud laws provided in s. 12.13 (1) and (3) (intro), (d), (f), (g), (k), (L), (o), (q), (r), (u), and (x), together with the applicable penalties provided in s. 12.60 (1).
2m. General information prescribed by the commission on federal laws relating to election fraud and misrepresentation in federal elections.
3. Two sample ballots prepared under s. 5.66 (2).
4. The date of the election and the hours during which the polling place is open.
4a. Instructions prescribed by the commission for electors for whom proof of identification is required under s. 6.79 (2) or for whom proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required under s. 6.55 (2).
4b. General information prescribed by the commission concerning voting rights under applicable state and federal laws, including the method of redress for any alleged violations of those rights.
5. Any other voting information directed to be posted by the commission.
(b) At each polling place in the state where a consolidated ballot under s. 5.655 is used or an electronic voting system is utilized at a partisan primary election incorporating a ballot upon which electors may mark votes for candidates of more than one recognized political party, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall prominently post a sign in the form prescribed by the commission warning electors in substance that on any ballot with votes cast for candidates of more than one recognized political party, no votes cast for any candidates for partisan office will be counted unless a preference for a party is made. If the elector designates a preference, only votes cast for candidates of that preference will be counted.
(c) At each polling place located in a municipality that is served by more than one polling place for an election, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall prominently post a map of the geographic area served by the polling place for that election. The posting shall clearly show the boundaries of the ward or wards served by the polling place for that election.
History: 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 260, 311, 355; 1981 c. 4, 20; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23, 32; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.36  Notice of voting by individuals with disabilities. Any individual with a disability may notify a municipal clerk that he or she intends to vote at a polling place on election day and may request that a specific type of accommodation be provided that will facilitate his or her voting.
History: 2003 a. 265.

5.37  Voting machine requirements.
(1)  Voting machines shall give every elector a reasonable opportunity to vote for any person for any office and on any proposition the elector is entitled to vote on, assure privacy to the elector so no one will know how the elector is voting or has voted, preclude the electors from voting for persons or propositions upon which they are not entitled to vote and from voting more than once for the same office or on the same proposition. Voting machines shall be constructed to lock so they cannot be manipulated, tampered with, or show the number of votes registered for any candidate or proposition while voting is in progress. The machines shall permit voting a split ticket and shall record each vote cast.
(2) When 2 or more wards or aldermanic districts are joined to use a voting machine, under s. 5.15 (6) (b), the machine shall be constructed to allow the electors to vote for all nominated candidates and issues for their aldermanic district or ward, but for no other.
(3) For presidential electors one device shall be provided to vote for all of one party’s electoral candidates at the same time. The device shall be opposite or adjacent to the names of the party’s candidates for president and vice president.
(4) Voting machines may be used at primary elections when they comply with subs. (1) and (2) and the following provisions: All candidates’ names entitled to appear on the ballots at the primary shall appear on the machine; the elector cannot vote for candidates of more than one party, whenever the restriction applies; the elector may secretly select the party for which he or she wishes to vote; the elector may vote for as many candidates for each office as he or she is lawfully entitled to vote for, but no more.
(5) Polling places may have more than one voting machine.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (1), (2); 1977 c. 107, 427; 1981 c. 314; 1983 a. 484; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 182; 2011 a. 23, 32.

5.40  Use of voting machines or systems.
(1)  Except as permitted in sub. (3) or as required in subs. (4) to (6), the governing body or board of election commissioners of every municipality with a population of 10,000 or more before July 1, 1995, or of 7,500 or more thereafter shall require the use of voting machines or electronic voting systems in every ward in the municipality at every election. Any other governing body or board of election commissioners may adopt and purchase voting machines or electronic voting systems for use in any ward in the municipality at any election.
(2) Only voting machines complying with s. 5.37 or electronic voting systems approved under s. 5.91 may be used in an election in this state.
(3) Notwithstanding sub. (1), any municipality may elect to utilize paper ballots and voting booths instead of voting machines or an electronic voting system:
(a) For any territory which is included in a portion of a congressional district, legislative district, county supervisory district, school district, technical college district, sewerage district or sanitary district contained within the municipality for so long as the number of electors residing in the territory does not exceed 100.
(b) Whenever the municipality is precluded under s. 7.23 (2) from clearing the recorders on a sufficient number of voting machines to serve the electors at the election.
(c) Whenever such action is authorized under s. 7.15 (6).
(d) Whenever the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners reassigns an elector to a polling place other than the one serving the elector’s residence under s. 5.25 (5) (b).
(4) Notwithstanding sub. (1), a municipality which utilizes voting machines at a polling place shall not utilize a voting machine to receive the ballot of an elector who receives assistance under s. 6.82 (1) (a) or whose vote is challenged under ss. 6.92 to 6.94.
(5) A municipality which utilizes voting machines at a polling place shall not utilize the machines to receive the vote of an elector who declares to the chief inspector that, due to physical disability, the elector is unable to depress a button or lever on a machine.
(5m) Notwithstanding sub. (1), the governing body of a municipality which uses voting machines or an electronic voting system may petition the commission for permission to use paper ballots and voting booths for a specific election, and the commission may grant such a request.
(6) A municipality which utilizes voting machines or an electronic voting system at a polling place may permit use of the machines or system by electors voting under s. 6.15 only as authorized under s. 6.15 (3).
(7) Whenever a municipality adopts and purchases voting machines or an electronic voting system, or adopts and purchases a different type of voting machine or electronic voting system from the type it was previously using, the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners shall promptly notify the county clerk or executive director of the county board of election commissioners and the administrator of the elections commission in writing.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 112; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 235, 311, 355; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1993 a. 399; 2003 a. 265; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 118 ss. 62, 266 (10).

SUBCHAPTER II – BALLOT FORM

5.51  General provisions.
(1)  The type face used on all paper ballots shall be easy to read.
(2) The paper used for ballots shall be 35 pounds per ream for sheets 24 inches by 36 inches. If a different size sheet is used, the weight per ream shall be proportioned accordingly, but shall meet this standard. This subsection does not apply to ballots used with electronic voting systems.
(3) All paper ballots shall be of sufficient width and length to provide space for all matter required to be printed on them. Except on ballots used with electronic voting systems, all ballot columns shall be separated by lines at least one-eighth inch in width.
(4) No stickers may be placed on a ballot by election officials except under s. 7.37 (6). Any other stickers applied by them shall not be counted.
(5) Each official ballot shall be printed on paper of uniform color. Different colors shall be used to distinguish office and referendum ballots and different colors may be used to distinguish separate ballots for different offices. Sample ballots shall be printed on a different color paper than the official ballots, and need not have the endorsement and certificate.
(6) All candidates’ names for the same office shall be placed, projected or composed on the ballot in the same size, style and color of type. The style and size of type shall conform substantially to the official ballot forms prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a).
(7) In partisan primary elections, all ballots shall be of uniform color and size, and the same type of paper shall be used for all ballots.
(8) Unless otherwise specifically provided, the form of all ballots shall conform to the ballot forms prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a).
History: 1979 c. 260, 311; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 484 s. 174; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 92; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.52  Multi-candidate elections. If more than one individual is to be elected to the same office from the same jurisdiction or district, the ballot shall provide at the top of the column or to the right of the row for that office: “Vote for not more than …. candidates.”.
History: 1985 a. 304.

5.53  Voting machine ballots.
(1)  Voting machine ballots shall be placed, projected or composed on a board or screen inside the machine, under s. 5.64 and may be arranged in either columns or rows. The type face shall be easy to read, and the type size may be no smaller than 8 point.
(2) Where separate ballots are provided for, the names or questions shall be placed in separate columns or rows upon the machines so they are voted on separately, except as otherwise provided for referenda under s. 5.64 (2) (c).
History: 1979 c. 260, 311; 1981 c. 377 ss. 4, 5; 1999 a. 182.

5.54  Notice to electors. Every ballot, except a voting machine ballot, shall bear substantially the following information on the face: “Notice to electors: This ballot may be invalid unless initialed by 2 election inspectors. If cast as an absentee ballot, the ballot must bear the initials of the municipal clerk or deputy clerk.”
History: 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 260. 311; 1983 a. 484 s. 172 (3); 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 2001 a. 16, 104.

5.55  Information. On every ballot, except a voting machine ballot, shall be printed “Official …. Ballot” or “Official …. Ballot for ….” followed by the designation of the polling place for which the ballot has been prepared, the date of the election, and the official endorsement and blank certificates. The number of the ward or wards or aldermanic district, if any, and the name of the municipality may be omitted in printing and stamped or written on the ballots at any location which is clearly visible at the option of the county clerk. Printed information and initials shall appear on the back and outside of the ballot.
History: 1985 a. 304; 1997 a. 250; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265.

5.56  Multiple columns and rows. Whenever the number of candidates for any office requires the use of more than one row or column on a voting machine or whenever the official or agency having the responsibility to determine ballot positions determines that the number of candidates for an office requires the use of more than one column on a ballot, the official or agency having such responsibility shall require that the rows or columns be rotated in such a manner that all rows are positioned on top, or all columns are positioned to the left, in an equal number of wards or election districts. If the number of wards and election districts in which voting for an office is conducted is not equally divisible, the position of the rows or columns in the remaining wards or election districts shall be determined by the official or agency by the drawing of lots. The number of columns or rows shall be determined at the same time that the positions of the candidates’ names are determined for each primary and election.
History: 1981 c. 377 s. 5.

5.58  Spring primary ballots.
(1a)  Generally. At spring primary elections the ballots under subs. (1b) to (2m), when necessary, shall be provided for each ward, except as authorized in s. 5.655. Only nonpartisan candidates nominated for office by nomination papers shall have their names placed on the official spring primary ballot under the proper office designation, but the ballots shall allow room for write-in candidates.
(1b)  Municipal; county supervisor ballots.
(am) There shall be separate ballots for municipal and county primaries, except as authorized in s. 5.655.
(bm) For all cities the official spring primary ballot shall be arranged by the municipal clerk, using the same method as that used by the commission under s. 5.60 (1) (b).
(cm) Towns and villages holding a primary under s. 8.05 shall arrange the ballot in accordance with the form prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a), which shall be the same form as provided in s. 5.60 (5) and (6), insofar as possible.
(1c)  Municipal judge. There shall be a separate ballot for municipal judges if they are elected under s. 755.01 (4), except as authorized in s. 5.655. Arrangement of the names on the ballot shall be determined by the county clerk or the executive director of the county board of election commissioners of the county having the largest portion of the population in the jurisdiction served by the judge.
(1g)  School district.
(a) There shall be a separate ballot for school district officers when so required, except as authorized in s. 5.655.
(b) In 1st class cities, the names of the candidates for the seat of the member elected at-large to the board of school directors shall be placed on the official city primary ballot and, except as authorized in s. 5.655, there shall be a separate ballot giving the names of the candidates for any seat to be filled on the board of school directors from any election district. All names of candidates for the at-large seat shall be placed in one or more separate columns or rows on the ballot.
(c) The arrangement of candidates for school board seats shall be determined by the school district clerk or the executive director of the city board of election commissioners by the drawing of lots not later than the 2nd Tuesday in January, or the next day if the first Tuesday is a holiday. The method of determining arrangement shall be the same as provided in s. 5.60 (1) (b). Sufficient space shall be provided on the ballot for write-in candidates.
(1r)  Town sanitary district commission. There shall be a separate ballot for members of the town sanitary district commission if commissioners are elected under s. 60.74 and the boundaries of the district are not coterminous with one or more towns, except as authorized in s. 5.655. Candidates for different seats shall be listed in separate columns or rows if more than one seat is contested in any election. Arrangement of the names on the ballot shall be determined by the town clerk of the town whose board of supervisors directs the election, in the same manner as provided in s. 5.60 (1) (b).
(2)  State superintendent of public instruction; judiciary; county executive; county comptroller; and county supervisors. There shall be one separate ballot for state superintendent, judicial officers, county executive under s. 59.17, and county supervisor, except as authorized in s. 5.655. In counties having a population of 750,000 or more, the ballot shall also include the office of comptroller and those offices under s. 8.11 (2) (b) and (2m). The arrangement of names of candidates for state superintendent, justice, court of appeals judge, and circuit court judge shall be determined by the commission in the manner specified in s. 5.60 (1) (b). Arrangement of the names of candidates for county executive, county comptroller, and county supervisor shall be determined by the county clerk or by the executive director of the county board of election commissioners in the manner specified in s. 5.60 (1) (b).
(2m)  Metropolitan sewerage commission. Except as authorized in s. 5.655, there shall be a separate ballot for members of the metropolitan sewerage commission if commissioners are elected under s. 200.09 (11) (am), with candidates for different seats listed in separate columns or rows if more than one seat is contested at any election. Arrangement of the names on the ballot shall be determined by the elections commission.
(3)  Names on spring ballot. Only 2 candidates for state superintendent, for any judicial office, for any elected seat on a metropolitan sewerage commission or town sanitary district commission, in counties having a population of 750,000 or more, only 2 candidates for the office of comptroller and only 2 candidates for member of the board of supervisors within each district, in counties having a population of less than 750,000 only 2 candidates for each member of the county board of supervisors from each district or numbered seat or only 4 candidates for each 2 members of the county board of supervisors from each district whenever 2 supervisors are elected to unnumbered seats from the same district, in 1st class cities only 2 candidates for any at-large seat and only 2 candidates from any election district to be elected to the board of school directors, in school districts electing school board members to numbered seats, or pursuant to an apportionment plan or district representation plan, only 2 school board candidates for each numbered seat or within each district, and twice as many candidates as are to be elected members of other school boards or other elective officers receiving the highest number of votes at the primary shall be nominees for the office at the spring election. Only their names shall appear on the official spring ballot.
History: 1971 c. 304 ss. 6 to 8, 29 (2); 1973 c. 134, 243; 1973 c. 334 s. 57 (2); 1973 c. 340; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 187, 272, 445, 449; 1979 c. 32, 221, 260; 1981 c. 20, 377; 1983 a. 484; 1983 a. 532 s. 36; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (56); 1985 a. 89, 225; 1985 a. 304 ss. 27, 27m, 155; 1989 a. 192, 290; 1991 a. 5; 1993 a. 266; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1995 a. 27 s. 9145 (1); 1995 a. 201, 219; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 24 ss. 3, 4; 2005 a. 149; 2011 a. 45, 62; 2015 a. 118 ss. 63, 64, 266 (10); 2017 a. 207.

5.60  Spring election ballots. At spring elections all of the following ballots, when necessary, shall be provided for each ward, except as authorized in s. 5.655:
(1)  State superintendent; judiciary; county executive; county comptroller; and county supervisors.
(ag) There shall be one separate ballot for state superintendent, judicial officers, county executive, county comptroller in counties having a population of 750,000 or more, and county supervisor, except as authorized in s. 5.655. For county supervisor, the ballot shall be prepared in accordance with ss. 5.58 (2) and 59.10 (3). Arrangement of the names of candidates for county executive, county comptroller, county supervisor, and municipal judge, if the judge is elected under s. 755.01 (4), shall be determined by the county clerk or the executive director of the county board of election commissioners determining ballot arrangement under s. 5.58 (1c), in the manner prescribed in par. (b).
(ar) The names of candidates for the same office shall be placed in the same column. No party designation may appear on the official ballot. Unless no candidate is certified to appear on the ballot for a state office, a space shall be provided on the ballot for electors to write in the name of a person for each office, regardless of whether there is a primary for that office.
(b) The elections commission shall certify the candidates’ names and designate the official ballot arrangement for candidates for state superintendent, justice, court of appeals judge, and for circuit judge and for metropolitan sewerage commission commissioners elected under s. 200.09 (11) (am). The arrangement of names of all candidates on the ballot whose nomination papers are filed with the elections commission shall be determined by the elections commission by the drawing of lots not later than the 2nd Tuesday in January, or the next day if the first Tuesday is a holiday. Whenever a primary is held for an office, a 2nd drawing of all candidates for that office shall be held by or under the supervision of the elections commission not later than the 3rd day following the completion of the primary canvass to determine the arrangement of candidates on the election ballot.
(c) When 2 or more judges of the same court are to be elected, the official ballot shall contain the names of all candidates, shall state the number of judges to be elected and the number of candidates for whom each elector may vote. Each candidacy shall show the branch being filled.
(2)  Municipal judge. If the election is under s. 755.01 (4), there shall be a separate ballot listing the names of all of the candidates, except as authorized in s. 5.655.
(3)  City.
(ag) Except as authorized in s. 5.655, there shall be a separate ballot giving the names of all candidates for city offices, printed in the same form as prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a). City election ballots may vary in form to conform to the law under which an election is held.
(am) No party designation shall appear on the official ballot for city offices.
(b) The city clerk or executive director of the city election commission shall arrange the official city ballot under s. 5.62 (4).
(4)  School district.
(a) There shall be a separate ballot for school district officers when so required, except as authorized in s. 5.655.
(b) In 1st class cities, the names of the candidates for the seat of the member elected at-large to the board of school directors shall be placed on the official city ballot and there shall be a separate ballot giving the names of the candidates for any seat to be filled on the board of school directors from any election district, except as authorized in s. 5.655. The names of candidates for the at-large seat shall be placed in the same column or row on the ballot.
(c) The arrangement of candidates for school board seats shall be determined by the school district clerk or the executive director of the city board of election commissioners by the drawing of lots not later than the 2nd Tuesday in January, or the next day if the first Tuesday is a holiday, if there is no primary, or not later than the 3rd day following the completion of the primary canvass if a primary is held. The method of determining arrangement shall be the same as provided in sub. (1) (b). Sufficient space shall be provided on the ballot for write-in candidates.
(4m)  Metropolitan sewerage commission. A separate ballot shall list the names of all candidates for metropolitan sewerage commission seats, if commissioners are elected under s. 200.09 (11) (am), except as authorized in s. 5.655. The names for the different seats shall be placed in separate columns or rows if more than one seat is contested at any election.
(5)  Village.
(ag) There shall be a separate ballot giving the names of all candidates for village offices, except as authorized in s. 5.655.
(ar) The offices to be filled shall be arranged on the official ballot in the order they are named in the statutes creating them. The names of the candidates shall be arranged by using the same method as that used by the commission under sub. (1) (b). Sufficient space shall be left under each office for write-in candidates.
(b) Only persons nominated under s. 8.05 shall be placed on the official ballots. If no nominations are made, the spaces for this office shall be left blank.
(6)  Town.
(a) Except as authorized in s. 5.655, there shall be a separate ballot giving the names of all candidates for elective town offices in the form prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a). There shall be 2 ballot forms. One ballot form shall be used for the election of supervisors to numbered seats and one ballot form shall be used for the election of supervisors to unnumbered seats. On the ballot used for the election of supervisors to unnumbered seats, all supervisor candidates shall be listed together and the voting instructions shall state “Vote for not more than…. [insert number of supervisors to be elected] candidates”. All towns shall elect their supervisors to unnumbered seats unless the annual town meeting adopts a plan to elect supervisors to numbered seats. The names of candidates for town office shall be arranged by using the same method as that used by the commission under sub. (1) (b). A space shall be provided under each office on the ballot for a write-in candidate.
(b) Only the names of individuals nominated under s. 8.05 may be placed on the official ballot. If no nominations for an office are made, the space for that office shall be left blank.
(6m)  Town sanitary district commission. Except as authorized in s. 5.655, a separate ballot shall list the names of all candidates for town sanitary district commission seats, if commissioners are elected under s. 60.74 and the boundaries of the district are not coterminous with the boundaries of one or more towns. The names for different seats shall be placed in separate columns or rows if more than one seat is contested at any election.
(7)  Referendum ballots. Except as authorized in s. 5.655, there shall be a separate ballot setting forth all propositions requiring a vote in the form and manner provided by s. 5.64.
(8)  Ballots for presidential vote.
(am) Except as authorized in s. 5.655, there shall be a separate ballot for each recognized political party filing a certification under s. 8.12 (1), listing the names of all potential candidates of that party determined under s. 8.12 and affording, in addition, an opportunity to the voter to nominate another potential candidate by write-in vote or to vote for an uninstructed delegation to the party convention. The order of presidential candidates on the ballot shall be determined by lot by or under the supervision of the commission. Each voter shall be given the ballots of all the parties participating in the presidential preference vote, but may vote on one ballot only.
(bm) Except as authorized in s. 5.655, a separate ballot shall be provided for use in each voting district.
(c) The official ballots for the presidential preference vote shall be securely fastened together at the bottom. The party receiving the greatest number of votes for governor at the preceding election shall have its ticket placed on top and the remaining party ballots shall follow in the same manner. A facsimile ballot notice shall be published as provided in s. 10.02.
History: 1971 c. 304 ss. 9 to 11, 29 (2); 1971 c. 336; 1973 c. 134; 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 187, 427, 445, 449; 1979 c. 221, 260, 355; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 484; 1983 a. 532 s. 36; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (56); 1985 a. 89, 225; 1985 a. 304 ss. 28, 155; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192, 290; 1993 a. 266; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1995 a. 201; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 24; 2005 a. 149; 2011 a. 45, 62; 2015 a. 118 ss. 65, 266 (10).
The national democratic party has a protected right of political association and may not be compelled to seat delegates chosen in an open primary in violation of the party’s rules. Democratic Party of U.S. v. Wisconsin, 450 U.S. 107 (1981).

5.62  Partisan primary ballots.
(1)
(a) At the partisan primary, the following ballot shall be provided for the nomination of candidates of recognized political parties for national, state and county offices and independent candidates for state office in each ward, in the same form as prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a), except as authorized in s. 5.655. The ballots shall be made up of the several party tickets with each party entitled to participate in the primary under par. (b) or sub. (2) having its own ballot, except as authorized in s. 5.655. The ballots shall be secured together at the bottom. The party ballot of the party receiving the most votes for president or governor at the last general election shall be on top with the other parties arranged in descending order based on their vote for president or governor at the last general election. The ballots of parties qualifying under sub. (2) shall be placed after the parties qualifying under par. (b), in the same order in which the parties filed petitions with the commission. Any ballot required under par. (b) 2. shall be placed next in order. At polling places where voting machines are used, each party shall be represented in one or more separate columns or rows on the ballot. At polling places where an electronic voting system is used other than an electronic voting machine, each party may be represented in separate columns or rows on the ballot.
(b)
1. Except as provided in subd. 2. and s. 5.64 (1) (e) 2., every recognized political party listed on the official ballot at the last gubernatorial election whose candidate for any statewide office received at least 1 percent of the total votes cast for that office and, if the last general election was also a presidential election, every recognized political party listed on the ballot at that election whose candidate for president received at least 1 percent of the total vote cast for that office shall have a separate primary ballot or one or more separate columns or rows on the primary ballot as prescribed in par. (a) and a separate column on the general election ballot in every ward and election district. An organization which was listed as “independent” at the last general election and whose candidate meets the same qualification shall receive the same ballot status upon petition of the chairperson and secretary of the organization to the commission requesting such status and specifying their party name, which may not duplicate the name of an existing party. A petition under this subdivision may be filed no later than 5 p.m. on April 1 in the year of each general election.
2. Subdivision 1. applies to a party within any assembly district or county at any partisan primary election only if at least one candidate of the party for any national, state or county office qualifies to have his or her name appear on the ballot under the name of that party within that assembly district or county. The county clerk or county board of election commissioners shall provide a combined separate ballot or one or more separate columns or rows on the ballot that will permit an elector to cast a vote for a write-in candidate for the nomination of any such party for each national, state and county office whenever that party qualifies to be represented on a separate primary ballot or in one or more separate columns or rows under subd. 1. but does not qualify under this subdivision. The ballot shall include the name of each party qualifying for a separate ballot or one or more separate columns or rows on the ballot under each office, with the names of the candidates for each such party appearing in the same order in which the ballots of the parties would appear under par. (a).
(2)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b) and s. 5.64 (1) (e) 2., any political organization may be represented on a separate primary ballot or in one or more separate columns or rows on the primary ballot as prescribed in sub. (1) (a) and in a separate column on the general election ballot in every ward and election district. To qualify for a separate ballot under this paragraph, the political organization shall, not later than 5 p.m. on April 1 in the year of the partisan primary, file with the commission a petition requesting separate ballot status. The petition shall be signed by at least 10,000 electors, including at least 1,000 electors residing in each of at least 3 separate congressional districts. The petition shall conform to the requirements of s. 8.40. No signature obtained before January 1 in the year of filing is valid. When the candidates of a political organization filing a valid petition fulfill the requirements prescribed by law, they shall appear on a separate ballot or one or more separate columns or rows on the ballot for the period ending with the following general election.
(b) Paragraph (a) applies to a party within any assembly district or county at any partisan primary election only if at least one candidate of the party for any national, state or county office qualifies to have his or her name appear on the ballot under the name of that party within that assembly district or county. The county clerk or county board of election commissioners shall provide a combined separate ballot or one or more separate columns or rows on the ballot that will permit an elector to cast a vote for a write-in candidate for the nomination of any such party for each national, state and county office whenever that party qualifies to be represented on a separate primary ballot or in one or more separate columns or rows under par. (a) but does not qualify under this paragraph. The ballot shall include the name of each party qualifying for a separate ballot or one or more separate columns or rows on the ballot under each office, with the names of the candidates for each such party appearing in the same order in which the ballots of the parties would appear under sub. (1) (a).
(3) The commission shall designate the official primary ballot arrangement for statewide offices and district attorney within each prosecutorial district by using the same procedure as provided in s. 5.60 (1) (b). On each ballot and on each separate column or row on the ballot, the candidates for office shall be listed together with the offices which they seek in the following order whenever these offices appear on the partisan primary ballot: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, U.S. senator, U.S. representative in congress, state senator, representative to the assembly, district attorney and the county offices.
(4)
(ag) The county clerk or county board of election commissioners shall designate the official primary ballot arrangement for all candidates filing nomination papers in that office.
(ar) Within a county the county clerk shall arrange the names of all candidates filing nomination papers with the clerk’s office using the same method as that used by the commission under s. 5.60 (1) (b).
(b) The county board of election commissioners in counties having a population of more than 750,000 shall prepare the official primary ballot. The commissioners shall arrange the names of all candidates for each office whose nomination papers are filed at the county level, using the same method as that used by the elections commission under s. 5.60 (1) (b).
History: 1971 c. 304 ss. 12, 29 (2); 1971 c. 336; 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 107, 427; 1979 c. 260, 311, 328; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 184; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 149; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 32, 75; 2013 a. 166 s. 77; 2013 a. 373; 2015 a. 118 ss. 66, 266 (10).
The filing of a proper petition by the requisite number of electors in a senate, assembly, or congressional district will qualify the political organization referred to in the petition as a party entitled to a separate ballot within the specific district only for all the state, congressional, legislative, and county offices for which an elector of that district may vote. The petition may be circulated commencing after any November general election and ending on the June 1 immediately prior to the next succeeding September primary. 61 Atty. Gen. 41.

5.64  General election ballots. 

At general elections all of the following ballots, when necessary, shall be provided for each ward:
(1)  Official ballot.
(ag) Except as authorized in s. 5.655, there shall be a separate ballot giving the names of all candidates for president and vice president and for statewide, congressional, legislative, and county offices in the same form as prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a).
(ar)
1. The ballot shall permit an elector to do any of the following:
b. Vote for individual candidates for each office.
c. Vote for a person whose name does not appear on the ballot for any office.
1m. When voting for president and vice president, the ballot shall permit an elector to vote only for the candidates on one ticket jointly or to write in the names of persons in both spaces.
2. When voting for governor and lieutenant governor, the ballot shall permit an elector to vote only for the candidates on one ticket jointly or write in the names of persons in both spaces.
(b) The names of the candidates for the offices of president and vice president that are certified under s. 8.16 (7) or that are contained in nomination papers filed under s. 8.20 shall appear on the ballot in the form prescribed in s. 7.08 (2) (a). The names of the candidates on the regular party tickets nominated at the primary or replacements appointed under s. 8.35 (2) shall appear in a separate column under the party designation. The columns shall be arranged from left to right according to rank, based on the number of votes received by each party’s candidate for president or governor at the last general election beginning with the party that received the most votes. To the right of the columns for parties qualifying under s. 5.62 (1) (b) shall be placed the columns for parties qualifying under s. 5.62 (2) in the same order in which the parties filed petitions with the commission. Any column required under par. (e) 2. shall be placed next in order. To the right of the party columns shall be a column for the names of independent candidates for each office, or more than one column if the first column does not provide sufficient space for the names of all such candidates.
(d) The offices shall be arranged beginning with president and vice president or governor and lieutenant governor, whenever these offices are filled, and then the remaining offices in the order designated under s. 5.62 (3).
(e)
1. Except as provided in subd. 2., each candidate’s name shall be placed in the column of the party by which nominated or if independent, in a column designated independent and all candidates for the same office shall appear within the same rows on the ballot. If a separate column is provided to write in the names of any party candidates under subd. 2., the column shall appear before the column designated independent with the spaces provided to write in the names of the candidates for each such party appearing in the same order in which the columns of their parties would appear under par. (b). Along with the names of the independent candidates shall appear the party or principle of the candidates, if any, in 5 words or less, as shown on their nomination papers. Independent candidates for the same county office shall be listed in the same manner in an order drawn by lot by or under supervision of the county clerk or board of election commissioners.
2. There shall be a separate column for the candidates of each party qualifying for that column under s. 5.62 (1) (b) or (2), except that if, within any assembly district or county, there are no candidates for any national, state or county office representing such a party who qualify to have their names appear on the ballot under the name of that party within that assembly district, the county clerk or board of election commissioners shall provide a combined separate column that will permit an elector to cast a vote for a write-in candidate of any such party for each national, state and county office whenever that party qualifies to be represented in a separate column but does not qualify under this subdivision. The ballot shall include the name of each party qualifying for a separate column under each office, with the names of the candidates for each such party appearing in the same order in which the columns of the parties would appear under par. (b).
(eg) In the case of balloting for the offices of president and vice president, the names of the candidates shall be placed in the column of the party that nominated them or if independent, in a column designated independent. In each column there shall be one choice for the elector to cast a ballot jointly for both offices.
(em) The names of the candidates for the offices of president and vice president certified under s. 8.16 (7) or filed under s. 8.20 shall appear on the ballot in the form prescribed in s. 7.08 (2) (a). The names of the presidential electors for the candidates supplied under ss. 8.18 (2) and 8.20 (2) (d) are not listed on the ballot but a vote for the candidates for president and vice president is a vote for them through their named presidential electors.
(es) The party candidates shall be arranged consecutively from top to bottom based on the number of votes received by their party’s candidate for governor at the last election beginning with the party that received the most votes. The independent president-vice president candidates shall be listed together in an order drawn by lot by or under supervision of the commission, following under the party candidates. Along with the names of the independent candidates shall appear the party or principle of the candidates, if any, in 5 words or less, as shown on their nomination papers. Following under the independent candidates, a space shall be left for writing in the names of a candidate for president and vice president.
(f) In the case of balloting for the office of governor and lieutenant governor, the names of the candidates shall be placed in the party column by which nominated or if independent, in a column designated independent. In each column there shall be one choice for the elector to cast a ballot jointly for both offices.
(g) Following under the independent candidates for each office, a space shall be provided for the elector to write in the name of a candidate of his or her choice for that office.
(2)  Referendum ballot.
(am) There shall be a separate ballot when any proposed constitutional amendment or any other measure or question is submitted to a vote of the people, except as authorized in s. 5.655. The ballot shall give a concise statement of each question in accordance with the act or resolution directing submission in the same form as prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a). The question may not be worded in such a manner as to require a negative vote to approve a proposition or an affirmative vote to disapprove a proposition. Unless otherwise expressly provided, this ballot form shall be used at all elections when questions are submitted to a vote of the people.
(c) The official referendum ballot prescribed under this subsection shall be utilized at every election, except that the format shall be altered to the extent provided or required by other laws establishing or authorizing referenda to be conducted. Except as authorized in s. 5.655, all referenda shall appear on a separate ballot, but more than one referendum question may appear on the same referendum ballot whenever the questions are numbered and all electors voting the ballot are entitled to vote upon all questions appearing thereon. When more than one state referendum is placed on the same ballot, the commission shall number the questions in chronological sequence. If the legislature submits questions on different dates, the commission shall number the questions sequentially based on the date on which the questions are submitted by the legislature. Except as authorized in s. 5.655, state and county referenda shall appear on a separate ballot from municipal or special district referenda. The form of all referendum ballots shall be substantially the same as that prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a).
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1977 c. 26, 427; 1979 c. 260; 1981 c. 79, 175, 377, 391; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 149; 2011 a. 23, 115; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.65  Special referendum ballots. Unless otherwise provided, ballots for special referenda shall conform to the format prescribed under s. 5.64 (2), insofar as applicable.
History: 1983 a. 484; 1999 a. 182.

5.655  Consolidated ballots.
(1)  Whenever a separate ballot is required to be used, a municipality may use a single ballot to facilitate the use of voting machines or an electronic voting system or, if the municipality employs paper ballots, may use a consolidated paper ballot that is authorized under sub. (2). If a municipality uses a single ballot in lieu of separate ballots, the ballot shall include a separate column or row for any office, referendum or party for which a separate ballot is required by law and the ballot shall be distributed only to electors who are eligible to vote for all of the offices and referenda appearing on the ballot.
(2) Whenever a municipality employing paper ballots is required to utilize separate ballots for certain offices, referenda or parties at an election, the municipality may, with the approval of the county clerk or board of election commissioners of each county in which there is located any portion of the municipality where one or more electors reside, substitute a single consolidated paper ballot or a ballot that is designed to be utilized with an electronic voting system, if the ballot contains all of the applicable information required to be provided for paper ballots at that election.
(3) The commission shall prescribe notices and instructions to be given to electors who use a ballot that is authorized under sub. (2) in lieu of any notices and instructions that are applicable only to municipalities employing separate paper ballots.
History: 1999 a. 182; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.66  Number of ballots.
(1)  For local elections, where necessary, municipal clerks shall have sufficient ballots printed or otherwise prepared whenever a voting system does not utilize printed ballots to assure a ballot for all electors or voting machines. For all other elections the municipal clerks shall certify to their county clerk, on the first day of the 2nd month preceding the month in which the primary is held, the approximate number of electors in the municipality. The county clerk shall total these estimates and order a sufficient supply to assure ballots for all electors and voting machines.
(2) The county clerk or board of election commissioners shall print a sufficient number of sample ballots. The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall print sample ballots whenever the municipality prepares ballots under s. 7.15 (2) (b) or (c). Sample ballots shall be printed on nonwhite colored paper and shall be overprinted “SAMPLE”. Voting machine sample ballots shall be a reduced size diagram of the face of the board or screen inside the voting machine with all candidates, issues and voting instructions as they will appear on the official ballot. Sample ballots to be used with an electronic voting system in which ballots that are distributed to electors are used shall be an actual size copy of the ballot. The clerk or board of election commissioners printing the ballots shall distribute the samples approximately as follows: 45 percent shall be kept in the clerk’s or board’s office and distributed to electors requesting them; 45 percent shall be sent to the municipalities, or, if the municipality prints ballots, 45 percent shall be sent to the county for distribution to the electors; and 10 percent shall be reserved to be sent to the polling places by municipalities in proportion to the number certified in sub. (1) and made available to electors at the polls on election day.
History: 1979 c. 260, 311, 355; 1983 a. 484; 1987 a. 391; 2001 a. 16.

5.68  Cost of elections.
(1)  The cost of acquisition of ballot boxes and voting booths, voting machines or electronic voting systems and regular maintenance thereof shall be borne by the municipalities in which the boxes, booths, machines or systems are used.
(2) Except as otherwise expressly provided, all costs for ballots, supplies, notices and any other materials necessary in preparing or conducting any election shall be paid for by the county or municipality whose clerk or board of election commissioners is responsible for providing them. If a ballot is prepared for a school, technical college, sewerage or sanitary district, the district shall pay for the cost of the ballot. If no other level of government is involved in a school, technical college, sewerage or sanitary district election, the district shall pay for all costs of the ballots, supplies, notices and other materials. If ballots, supplies, notices or other materials are used for elections within more than one unit of local government, the costs shall be proportionately divided between the units of local government involved in the election. In a 1st class city, all costs otherwise attributable to a school district shall be paid by the city.
(3) If voting machines are used or if an electronic voting system is used in which all candidates and referenda appear on the same ballot, the ballots for all national, state and county offices and for county and state referenda shall be prepared and paid for by the county wherein they are used. If the voting machine or electronic voting system ballot includes a municipal or school, technical college, sewerage or sanitary district ballot, the cost of that portion of the ballot shall be reimbursed to the county or paid for by the municipality or district, except as provided in a 1st class city school district under sub. (2).
(4) The cost of compensation of election officials and trainees shall be borne in the manner provided in s. 7.03.
(5) If a charge is made for the use of a polling place, the charge shall be paid by the municipality establishing the polling place under s. 5.25 (2) unless the polling place is used to conduct a special election that is called by a unit of government other than the state or the municipality establishing the polling place and the special election is not held concurrently with an election specified in s. 5.02 (5), (12s), (21), or (22). In such case the charge shall be paid by the unit of government that calls the special election.
(6) The clerk of each county or municipality shall submit an invoice to the clerk of each municipality or district which is responsible for payment of election costs under this section. The municipality or district shall make payment to the county or municipal treasurer.
History: 1979 c. 260, 311, 355; 1985 a. 304; 1993 a. 399; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 333, 451; 2011 a. 32; 2013 a. 165; 2015 a. 118.

5.72  Correcting ballot errors.
(1)  As soon as possible after ballots are delivered to the county clerk or to the municipal clerk if the municipality is preparing ballots under s. 7.15 (2), but not later than 3 weeks before any election relating to a state or national office or statewide referendum, the county or municipal clerk preparing the ballots shall submit one copy of each ballot to the commission for review of possible errors. If the contractor preparing the ballots supplies proofs in advance of ballot preparation, the clerk shall submit one copy of the proofs in lieu of actual ballots. If a voting machine ballot or other ballot combining local candidates or referenda with state or national candidates or referenda is used, the entire ballot shall be submitted, but if ballots intended for distribution to electors are used, only those ballots relating to state or national offices and statewide referenda need be submitted. This subsection does not require delay of ballot distribution or mailing of absentee ballots.
(2) The commission shall review ballots and proof copies submitted under sub. (1) and shall notify the county and municipal clerk of any error as soon as possible but in no event later than 7 days after submission. The clerk is not required to correct a ballot error upon receipt of notice of the error, unless ordered to do so under sub. (3) or s. 5.06 (6).
(3) Whenever an affidavit is filed by the commission or any elector alleging an error or omission in the preparation of a ballot, the circuit court for the county where the ballot is proposed to be used or its presiding judge, by order, may summarily require a county or municipal clerk to correct the error, or show cause why it should not be corrected and, by order, after the hearing, have the correction made.
History: 1979 c. 260; 1979 c. 311 s. 19; 1979 c. 355 ss. 9, 10; Stats. 1979 s. 5.72; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 484; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

SUBCHAPTER III – ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS

5.76  Adoption, experimentation or discontinuance of systems. The governing body or board of election commissioners of any municipality may by ordinance or resolution adopt, experiment with, or discontinue any electronic voting system authorized by this subchapter and approved under s. 5.91 for use in this state, and may purchase or lease materials or equipment for such system to be used in all or some of the wards within its jurisdiction, either exclusively in combination with mechanical voting machines, or in combination with paper ballots where such ballots are authorized to be used.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1985 a. 304.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 7, Wis. adm. code.

5.77  Applicable procedures.
(1)  So far as applicable, the procedure provided for voting paper ballots applies when an electronic voting system employing the use of ballots distributed to electors is used.
(2) So far as applicable, the procedure provided for voting with mechanical voting machines applies when an electronic voting system employing the use of electronic voting machines is used.
History: 1979 c. 311.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 7, Wis. adm. code.

5.78  Voting booths. At polling places where an electronic voting system employing the use of ballots distributed to electors is used, the municipality shall supply a sufficient number of voting booths for the use of electors as provided in s. 5.35 (2).
History: 1979 c. 311.

5.79  Instruction of electors. At polling places where an electronic voting system employing the use of ballots and voting devices is used, the election officials shall offer each elector instruction in the operation of the voting device and ballot before the elector enters the voting booth. No instructions may be given after the elector has entered the voting booth, except as authorized under s. 6.82 (2). All instructions shall be given by election officials in such a manner that they may be observed by other persons in the polling place.
History: 1979 c. 311; 2001 a. 16.

5.80  Demonstrator electronic voting system. When an electronic voting system is used in a forthcoming election, the municipal clerk may provide, for the purpose of instructing electors in the election, one or more demonstrator electronic voting systems using the names of fictitious candidates or fictitious questions for placement in any public building within the municipality in which the election occurs. If such placement of a demonstrator takes place it shall be made available at least 30 days before the election.
History: 1979 c. 311.

5.81  Ballot information; arrangement; absentee ballots.
(1)  Whenever the statutes provide for the use of separate ballots or columns or rows for offices, parties or referenda, and an electronic voting system in which ballots are distributed to electors is used at a polling place, a single ballot may be used for all offices, referenda and parties. The ballot information, whether placed on the ballot or on the voting device, shall, as far as practicable, be grouped and ordered in the same manner as provided for other ballots under this chapter, except that the information on the ballot need not be in separate columns or rows.
(3) If a municipality utilizes an electronic voting system in which ballots distributed to electors are employed, absentee ballots may consist of ballots utilized with the system or paper ballots and envelopes voted in person in the office of the municipal clerk or voted by mail.
(4) In partisan primary elections, if a ballot contains the names of candidates of more than one party, it shall provide a space for electors to designate a party preference. Failure to designate a preference does not invalidate any votes cast by an elector, except as provided in s. 7.50 (1) (d).
History: 1979 c. 311; 1985 a. 304; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16; 2011 a. 32.

5.82  Write-in ballots. If the ballot employed by a municipality does not provide a space for write-in votes, the municipality shall provide a separate write-in ballot, which may be in the form of a paper ballot, to permit electors to write in the names of persons whose names are not on the ballot whenever write-in votes are authorized.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1987 a. 391; 2001 a. 16.

5.83  Preparation for use of voting devices; comparison of ballots. Where voting devices are used at a polling place, the municipal clerk shall cause the voting devices to be put in order, set, adjusted and made ready for voting when delivered to the polling place. Before the opening of the polls the inspectors shall compare the ballots used in the voting devices with the sample ballots furnished and see that the names, numbers and letters thereon agree and shall certify thereto on forms provided by the commission.
History: 1979 c. 311; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.84  Testing of equipment; requirements for programs and ballots.
(1)  Where any municipality employs an electronic voting system which utilizes automatic tabulating equipment, either at the polling place or at a central counting location, the municipal clerk shall, on any day not more than 10 days prior to the election day on which the equipment is to be utilized, have the equipment tested to ascertain that it will correctly count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures. Public notice of the time and place of the test shall be given by the clerk at least 48 hours prior to the test by publication of a class 1 notice under ch. 985 in one or more newspapers published within the municipality if a newspaper is published therein, otherwise in a newspaper of general circulation therein. The test shall be open to the public. The test shall be conducted by processing a preaudited group of ballots so marked as to record a predetermined number of valid votes for each candidate and on each referendum. The test shall include for each office one or more ballots which have votes in excess of the number allowed by law and, for a partisan primary election, one or more ballots which have votes cast for candidates of more than one recognized political party, in order to test the ability of the automatic tabulating equipment to reject such votes. If any error is detected, the municipal clerk shall ascertain the cause and correct the error. The clerk shall make an errorless count before the automatic tabulating equipment is approved by the clerk for use in the election.
(2) Before beginning the ballot count at each polling place or at the central counting location, the election officials shall witness a test of the automatic tabulating equipment by engaging the printing mechanism and securing a printed result showing a zero count for every candidate and referendum. After the completion of the count, the ballots and programs used shall be sealed and retained under the custody of the municipal clerk in a secure location.
History: 1979 c. 311; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 92.

5.85  Receiving, counting, tallying and return of ballots.
(1)  At any polling place at which an electronic voting system is utilized, the following procedures for receiving, counting, tallying and return of the ballots shall be used. Whenever paper ballots are utilized at a polling place in combination with ballots employed in an electronic voting system, the paper ballots shall be deposited in a separate ballot box or boxes, according to the types of ballots used. For the purpose of transporting the ballots or the record of the votes cast, the municipal clerk shall provide a secure container for each polling place. At each polling place, the applicable portions of the procedure prescribed for initiating the canvass under s. 7.51 (1) and (2) shall be performed, except that no count of the ballots, except write-in votes and paper ballots used for absentee voting and other purposes authorized by law, may be performed at a polling place if a central counting location is designated for the counting of ballots at that polling place by the municipality.
(2)
(a) The election officials shall examine the ballots or record of votes cast for write-in votes and shall count and tabulate the write-in votes. The election officials shall count write-in votes as provided in s. 7.50 (2) (d). When an electronic voting system is used in which ballots are distributed to electors, before separating the remaining ballots from their respective covering envelopes, the election officials shall examine the ballots for write-in votes. When an elector has cast a write-in vote, the election officials shall compare the write-in vote with the votes on the ballot to determine whether the write-in vote results in an overvote for any office. In case of an overvote for any office, the election officials shall follow the procedure in par. (b).
(b)
1. In case of an overvote for any office, the election officials may either use the override function of the electronic voting system in order to eliminate the votes for the overvoted office, which shall be noted on the inspector’s statement, or make a true duplicate ballot of all votes on the ballot except for the office that is overvoted in the manner described in this subdivision. If the election officials make a true duplicate ballot, they shall use an official ballot of that kind used by the elector who voted the original ballot, and one of the marking devices, so as to transfer all votes of the elector except for the office overvoted to an official ballot of that kind used in the ward at that election. Unless election officials are selected under s. 7.30 (4) (c) without regard to party affiliation, whenever election officials of both of the 2 major political parties are present, the election officials acting under this subdivision shall consist in each case of at least one election official of each of the parties.
2. On any original ballot upon which there is an overvote and for which a duplicate ballot is made under subd. 1., the election officials shall, in the space on the ballot for official endorsement, identify the ballot as an “Overvoted Ballot” and write a serial number. On any duplicate ballot produced under subd. 1., the election officials shall, in the space on the ballot for official endorsement, identify the ballot as a “Duplicate Overvoted Ballot” and write a serial number. The election officials shall place the same serial number on each “Overvoted Ballot” and its corresponding “Duplicate Overvoted Ballot,” commencing with number “1″ and continuing consecutively for each of the ballots for which a “Duplicate Overvoted Ballot” is produced in that ward or election district. The election officials shall initial the “Duplicate Overvoted Ballot” ballots and shall place them in the container for return of the ballots. The “Overvoted Ballot” ballots and their envelopes shall be placed in the “Original Ballots” envelope.
(c) Ballots bearing write-in votes marked in the place designated for write-in votes, bearing the initials of an election official, not resulting in an overvote, and otherwise complying with the election laws as to marking shall be counted, tallied, and their votes recorded on a tally sheet provided by the municipal clerk. Ballots and ballot envelopes shall be separated and all ballots except any that are defective or overvoted shall be placed separately in the container for return of the ballots, along with the ballots marked “Duplicate Overvoted Ballots.”
(3) The election officials shall examine the ballots to determine if any is damaged or defective so that it cannot be counted by the automatic tabulating equipment. If any ballot is damaged or defective so that it cannot be properly counted by the automatic tabulating equipment, the election officials, in the presence of witnesses, shall make a true duplicate ballot of all votes on that ballot by using one of the marking devices so as to transfer all votes of the elector to an official ballot of that kind used by the elector who voted the original ballot in that election. Unless election officials are selected under s. 7.30 (4) (c) without regard to party affiliation, whenever election officials of both of the 2 major political parties are present, the election officials acting under this subsection shall consist in each case of at least one official of each of the parties. On any damaged or defective original ballot, the election officials shall, in the space on the ballot for official endorsement, identify the ballot as a “Damaged Ballot” and write a serial number. On the duplicate ballot produced under this subsection, the election officials shall, in the space for official endorsement, identify the ballot as a “Duplicate Damaged Ballot” and write a serial number. The election officials shall place the same serial number on each “Damaged Ballot” and its corresponding “Duplicate Damaged Ballot,” commencing with number “1″ and continuing consecutively for each of the ballots for which a “Duplicate Damaged Ballot” is produced in the ward or election district. The election officials shall initial the “Duplicate Damaged Ballot” ballots, and shall place them in the container for return of the ballots. The officials shall place “Damaged Ballot” ballots and their envelopes in the “Original Ballots” envelope.
(4) The original ballots shall be preserved with the duplicate ballots and delivered by the inspectors to the municipal clerk. The officials shall then make out a slip indicating the number of electors voting in person, number of absentee ballots deposited in the ballot box, and the total number of electors of each ward served by the polling place who voted at the election, which shall be signed by all the inspectors.
(5) If the municipality has designated a central counting location to be used to count ballots under s. 7.51 (1), the inspectors shall count and deposit the paper ballots in the container. The inspectors shall then place the slip made out under sub. (4) in the container. The inspectors shall also place the tally sheet recording the write-in votes and other votes cast on paper ballots, and all other ballots, or the record of the votes cast on an electronic voting system where no ballots are distributed to electors, in the container and shall thereupon immediately seal the container with an adhesive seal provided by the municipal clerk for the purpose in such manner that the seal completely covers the opening in the container, and each of the inspectors shall sign the seal. The “Defective Ballots” envelope, and “Original Ballots” envelope each shall be securely sealed and the flap or end thereof of each signed by the inspectors and returned to the central counting location with the box for return of the ballots, enclosed ballots and returns. Thereupon, the municipal clerk or 2 of the election officials shall forthwith and by the most direct route transport the container and envelopes to the central counting location designated by the municipal clerk. Unless election officials are selected under s. 7.30 (4) (c) without regard to party affiliation, the election officials shall consist in each case of at least one election official of each of the 2 major political parties, whenever officials of both parties are present.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1989 a. 192; 1997 a. 127; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 149; 2013 a. 179; 2015 a. 261.

5.86  Proceedings at central counting locations.
(1)  All proceedings at each central counting location shall be under the direction of the municipal clerk or an election official designated by the clerk unless the central counting location is at the county seat and the municipal clerk delegates the responsibility to supervise the location to the county clerk, in which case the proceedings shall be under the direction of the county clerk or an election official designated by the county clerk. Unless election officials are selected under s. 7.30 (4) (c) without regard to party affiliation, the employees at each central counting location, other than any specially trained technicians who are required for the operation of the automatic tabulating equipment, shall be equally divided between members of the 2 major political parties under s. 7.30 (2) (a) and all duties performed by the employees shall be by teams consisting of an equal number of members of each political party whenever sufficient persons from each party are available.
(2) At each central counting location, a team of election officials designated by the clerk or other election official having charge of the location under sub. (1) shall check the container returned containing the ballots to determine that all seals are intact, and thereupon shall open the container, check the inspectors’ slip and compare the number of ballots so delivered against the total number of electors of each ward served by the polling place who voted, remove the ballots or record of the votes cast and deliver them to the technicians operating the automatic tabulating equipment. Any discrepancies between the number of ballots and total number of electors shall be noted on a sheet furnished for that purpose and signed by the election officials.
(3) Upon completion of the central count at a county seat, the county clerk shall return any ballots, statements, tally sheets, or envelopes relating solely to a municipal election to the appropriate municipal clerk and any ballots, statements, tally sheets, or envelopes relating solely to a school district election to the school district clerk. In addition, the county clerk shall report the results of the central count of votes for each office or referendum by ward or by combined wards authorized under s. 5.15 (6) (b) to the municipal clerk of the municipality where the votes are cast.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1985 a. 304; 1997 a. 127; 2001 a. 109; 2011 a. 115.

5.87  Tabulating votes.
(1)  If a central counting location is not utilized, the procedure for tabulating the votes by the automatic tabulating equipment shall be under the direction of the chief inspector and shall conform to the requirements of the automatic tabulating equipment. If any ballot is not accepted by the automatic tabulating equipment, the election officials shall make a duplicate ballot to replace that ballot in the manner prescribed in s. 5.85 (3). All proceedings at the polling place and at any central counting location shall be open to the public, but no person, except those employed and authorized for the purpose, may touch any ballot, container, envelope, return or equipment.
(2) The commission shall, by rule, prescribe uniform standards for determining the validity of votes cast or attempted to be cast with each electronic voting system approved for use in this state under s. 5.91. The rules shall apply only to situations that may arise in which the validity of a vote or attempted vote cast by an elector utilizing a particular system cannot be determined under s. 7.50.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1983 a. 484; 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.89  Official return. The return produced by the automatic tabulating equipment shall be appended to the tally sheet by the canvassers. The return constitutes a part of the official return for the ward or election district. The municipal clerk shall check the totals shown by the return and, if it appears that there is an obvious discrepancy with respect to the number of votes cast in any ward or election district, the clerk shall have the ballots for that ward or election district publicly retabulated to correct the return. Upon completion of the count, the return is open to the public.
History: 1979 c. 311.

5.90  Recounts.
(1)  Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, recounts of votes cast on an electronic voting system shall be conducted in the manner prescribed in s. 9.01. Except as provided in this subsection, sub. (2), and s. 9.01 (1) (b) 8s., if the ballots are distributed to the electors, the board of canvassers shall recount the ballots with automatic tabulating equipment. The board of canvassers shall test the automatic tabulating equipment to be used prior to the recount as provided in s. 5.84, and then the official ballots or the record of the votes cast shall be recounted on the automatic tabulating equipment. In addition, the board of canvassers shall check the ballots for the presence or absence of the initials and other distinguishing marks, shall examine the ballots marked “Rejected”, “Defective”, “Overvoted”, and “Objected to” to determine the propriety of such labels, and shall compare the “Duplicate Overvoted Ballots” and “Duplicate Damaged Ballots” with their respective originals to determine the correctness of the duplicates. Unless a court orders a recount to be conducted by another method under sub. (2), the board of canvassers may determine to conduct the recount of a specific election by hand and may determine to conduct the recount by hand for only certain wards or election districts. If electronic voting machines are used, the board of canvassers shall perform the recount using the permanent paper record of the votes cast by each elector, as generated by the machines.
(2) Any candidate, or any elector when for a referendum, may, by the close of business on the next business day after the last day for filing a petition for a recount under s. 9.01, petition the circuit court for an order requiring ballots under sub. (1) to be counted by hand or by another method approved by the court. The petitioner in such an action bears the burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence that due to an irregularity, defect, or mistake committed during the voting or canvassing process the results of a recount using automatic tabulating equipment will produce incorrect recount results and that there is a substantial probability that recounting the ballots by hand or another method will produce a more correct result and change the outcome of the election.
(3) A court with whom a petition under sub. (2) is filed shall hear the matter as expeditiously as possible, without a jury. The court may order a recount of the ballots by hand or another method only if it determines that the petitioner has established by clear and convincing evidence that due to an irregularity, defect, or mistake committed during the voting or canvassing process the results of a recount using automatic tabulating equipment will produce incorrect recount results and that there is a substantial probability that recounting the ballots by hand or another method will produce a more correct result and change the outcome of the election. Nothing in this section affects the right of a candidate or elector aggrieved by the recount to appeal to circuit court under s. 9.01 (6) upon completion of the recount.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1987 a. 391; 2005 a. 92, 451; 2007 a. 96; 2013 a. 176; 2015 a. 261.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 7, Wis. adm. code.

5.905  Software components.
(1)  In this section, “software component” includes vote-counting source code, table structures, modules, program narratives and other human-readable computer instructions used to count votes with an electronic voting system.
(2) The commission shall determine which software components of an electronic voting system it considers to be necessary to enable review and verification of the accuracy of the automatic tabulating equipment used to record and tally the votes cast with the system. The commission shall require each vendor of an electronic voting system that is approved under s. 5.91 to place those software components in escrow with the commission within 90 days of the date of approval of the system and within 10 days of the date of any subsequent change in the components. The commission shall secure and maintain those software components in strict confidence except as authorized in this section. Unless authorized under this section, the commission shall withhold access to those software components from any person who requests access under s. 19.35 (1).
(3) The commission shall promulgate rules to ensure the security, review and verification of software components used with each electronic voting system approved by the commission. The verification procedure shall include a determination that the software components correspond to the instructions actually used by the system to count votes.
(4) If a valid petition for a recount is filed under s. 9.01 in an election at which an electronic voting system was used to record and tally the votes cast, each party to the recount may designate one or more persons who are authorized to receive access to the software components that were used to record and tally the votes in the election. The commission shall grant access to the software components to each designated person if, before receiving access, the person enters into a written agreement with the commission that obligates the person to exercise the highest degree of reasonable care to maintain the confidentially of all proprietary information to which the person is provided access, unless otherwise permitted in a contract entered into under sub. (5).
(5) A county or municipality may contract with the vendor of an electronic voting system to permit a greater degree of access to software components used with the system than is required under sub. (4).
History: 2005 a. 92; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

5.91  Requisites for approval of ballots, devices and equipment. No ballot, voting device, automatic tabulating equipment, or related equipment and materials to be used in an electronic voting system may be utilized in this state unless it is certified by the commission. The commission may revoke its certification of any ballot, device, equipment, or materials at any time for cause. The commission may certify any such voting device, automatic tabulating equipment, or related equipment or materials regardless of whether any such item is approved by the federal election assistance commission, but the commission may not certify any ballot, device, equipment, or material to be used in an electronic voting system unless it fulfills the following requirements:
(1) It enables an elector to vote in secrecy and to select the party for which an elector will vote in secrecy at a partisan primary election.
(3) Except in primary elections, it enables an elector to vote for a ticket selected in part from the nominees of one party, and in part from the nominees of other parties, and in part from independent candidates and in part of candidates whose names are written in by the elector.
(4) It enables an elector to vote for a ticket of his or her own selection for any person for any office for whom he or she may desire to vote whenever write-in votes are permitted.
(5) It accommodates all referenda to be submitted to the electors in the form provided by law.
(6) The voting device or machine permits an elector in a primary election to vote for the candidates of the recognized political party of his or her choice, and the automatic tabulating equipment or machine rejects any ballot on which votes are cast in the primary of more than one recognized political party, except where a party designation is made or where an elector casts write-in votes for candidates of more than one party on a ballot that is distributed to the elector.
(7) It permits an elector to vote at an election for all persons and offices for whom and for which the elector is lawfully entitled to vote; to vote for as many persons for an office as the elector is entitled to vote for; to vote for or against any question upon which the elector is entitled to vote; and it rejects all choices recorded on a ballot for an office or a measure if the number of choices exceeds the number which an elector is entitled to vote for on such office or on such measure, except where an elector casts excess write-in votes upon a ballot that is distributed to the elector.
(8) It permits an elector, at a presidential or gubernatorial election, by one action to vote for the candidates of a party for president and vice president or for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.
(9) It prevents an elector from voting for the same person more than once for the same office, except where an elector casts excess write-in votes upon a ballot that is distributed to the elector.
(10) It is suitably designed for the purpose used, of durable construction, and is usable safely, securely, efficiently and accurately in the conduct of elections and counting of ballots.
(11) It records correctly and counts accurately every vote properly cast and maintains a cumulative tally of the total votes cast that is retrievable in the event of a power outage, evacuation or malfunction so that the records of votes cast prior to the time that the problem occurs is preserved.
(12) It minimizes the possibility of disenfranchisement of electors as the result of failure to understand the method of operation or utilization or malfunction of the ballot, voting device, automatic tabulating equipment or related equipment or materials.
(13) The automatic tabulating equipment authorized for use in connection with the system includes a mechanism which makes the operator aware of whether the equipment is malfunctioning in such a way that an inaccurate tabulation of the votes could be obtained.
(14) It does not employ any mechanism by which a ballot is punched or punctured to record the votes cast by an elector.
(15) It permits an elector to privately verify the votes selected by the elector before casting his or her ballot.
(16) It provides an elector with the opportunity to change his or her votes and to correct any error or to obtain a replacement for a spoiled ballot prior to casting his or her ballot.
(17) Unless the ballot is counted at a central counting location, it includes a mechanism for notifying an elector who attempts to cast an excess number of votes for a single office that his or her votes for that office will not be counted, and provides the elector with an opportunity to correct his or her ballot or to receive and cast a replacement ballot.
(18) If the device consists of an electronic voting machine, it generates a complete, permanent paper record showing all votes cast by each elector, that is verifiable by the elector, by either visual or nonvisual means as appropriate, before the elector leaves the voting area, and that enables a manual count or recount of each vote cast by the elector.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 92; 2011 a. 23, 32; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 365 s. 111.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 7, Wis. adm. code.

5.92  Bond may be required. Before entering into a contract for the purchase or lease of an electronic voting system or any ballots, voting devices, automatic tabulating equipment or related equipment or materials to be used in connection with a system, any municipality may require the vendor or lessor to provide a performance bond with a licensed surety company as surety, guaranteeing the supply of additional equipment, parts or materials, provision of adequate computer programming, preventive maintenance or emergency repair services, training of election officials and other municipal employees or provision of public educational materials for a specified period, or guaranteeing the security of the computer programs or other equipment or materials to be utilized with the system to prevent election fraud, or such other guarantees as the municipality determines to be appropriate.
History: 1979 c. 311.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 7, Wis. adm. code.

5.93  Administration. The commission shall promulgate reasonable rules for the administration of this subchapter.
History: 1979 c. 311; 1985 a. 332 s. 251 (1); 2015 a. 118.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 7, Wis. adm. code.

5.94  Sample ballots; publication. When an electronic voting system employing a ballot that is distributed to electors is used, the county and municipal clerk of the county and municipality in which the polling place designated for use of the system is located shall cause to be published, in the type B notices, a true actual-size copy of the ballot containing the names of offices and candidates and statements of measures to be voted on, as nearly as possible, in the form in which they will appear on the official ballot on election day. The notice may be published as a newspaper insert. Municipal clerks may post the notice if the remainder of the type B notice is posted.
History: 1979 c. 311; 2001 a. 16.

5.95  Elector information. The commission shall prescribe information to electors in municipalities and counties using various types of electronic voting systems to be published in lieu of the information specified in s. 10.02 (3) in type B notices whenever the type B notice information is inapplicable.
History: 1979 c. 311; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

Return to Top

Chapter 6 – The Electors

SUBCHAPTER I – WHO MAY VOTE

6.02  Qualifications, general.
(1)  Every U.S. citizen age 18 or older who has resided in an election district or ward for 28 consecutive days before any election where the citizen offers to vote is an eligible elector.
(2) Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older who moves within this state later than 28 days before an election shall vote at his or her previous ward or election district if the person is otherwise qualified. If the elector can comply with the 28-day residence requirement at the new address and is otherwise qualified, he or she may vote in the new ward or election district.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1971 c. 336 s. 37; 1975 c. 85 ss. 5, 66 (3); 1977 c. 394; 1991 a. 316; 2011 a. 23.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
An eligible elector and a qualified elector are identical. Ch. 6 applies to annexation referendum elector qualifications under s. 66.021 (6). Washington v. Altoona, 73 Wis. 2d 250, 243 N.W.2d 404.
Durational residence requirements. Clifford. 1973 WLR 914.

6.03  Disqualification of electors.
(1)  The following persons shall not be allowed to vote in any election and any attempt to vote shall be rejected:
(a) Any person who is incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process or who is under guardianship, unless the court has determined that the person is competent to exercise the right to vote.
(b) Any person convicted of treason, felony or bribery, unless the person’s right to vote is restored through a pardon or under s. 304.078 (3).
(2) No person shall be allowed to vote in any election in which the person has made or become interested, directly or indirectly, in any bet or wager depending upon the result of the election.
(3) No person may be denied the right to register to vote or the right to vote by reason that the person is alleged to be incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process unless the person has been adjudicated incompetent in this state. If a determination of incompetency of the person has already been made, or if a determination of limited incompetency has been made that does not include a specific finding that the subject is competent to exercise the right to vote, and a guardian has been appointed as a result of any such determination, then no determination of incapacity of understanding the objective of the elective process is required unless the guardianship is terminated or modified under s. 54.64.
History: 1973 c. 284; 1977 c. 26, 394; 1979 c. 110; 1991 a. 316; 2003 a. 121; 2005 a. 149, 387; 2007 a. 97; 2015 a. 197 s. 51.
Disenfranchisement of felons does not deny them equal protection. Richardson v. Ramirez, 418 U.S. 24.

6.05  Election day age determines elector’s rights. Any person who will be 18 years old on or before election day is entitled to vote if the person complies with this chapter.
History: 1971 c. 336 s. 37; 1981 c. 390 s. 252; 1991 a. 316.

6.06  Information for uniformed service members. The commission is the agency designated by this state under 42 USC 1973ff-1 to provide information regarding voter registration and absentee balloting procedures to absent members of the uniformed services and overseas voters with respect to elections for national office.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

6.10  Elector residence. Residence as a qualification for voting shall be governed by the following standards:
(1) The residence of a person is the place where the person’s habitation is fixed, without any present intent to move, and to which, when absent, the person intends to return.
(2) When a married person’s family resides at one place and that person’s business is conducted at another place, the former place establishes the residence. If the family place is temporary or for transient purposes, it is not the residence.
(3) When an elector moves his or her residence from one ward or municipality to another ward or municipality within the state at least 28 days before the election, the elector may vote in and be considered a resident of the new ward or municipality where residing upon registering at the proper polling place or other registration location in the new ward or municipality under s. 6.55 (2) or 6.86 (3) (a) 2. If the elector moves his or her residence later than 28 days before an election, the elector shall vote in the elector’s former ward or municipality if otherwise qualified to vote there.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(4) The residence of an unmarried person sleeping in one ward and boarding in another is the place where the person sleeps. The residence of an unmarried person in a transient vocation, a teacher or a student who boards at different places for part of the week, month, or year, if one of the places is the residence of the person’s parents, is the place of the parents’ residence unless through registration or similar act the person elects to establish a residence elsewhere. If the person has no parents and if the person has not registered elsewhere, the person’s residence shall be at the place that the person considered his or her residence in preference to any other for at least 28 consecutive days before an election. If this place is within the municipality, the person is entitled to all the privileges and subject to all the duties of other citizens having their residence there, including voting.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(5) A person shall not lose residence when the person leaves home and goes into another state or county, town, village or ward of this state for temporary purposes with an intent to return.
(6) As prescribed by article III of the constitution, no person loses residence in this state while absent from this state on business for the United States or this state; and no member of the armed forces of the United States gains a residence in this state because of being stationed within this state.
(7) A guest at a national or a state soldiers’ home in this state, a guest at a home for the aged supported by benevolence, or a patient of any county home or other charitable institution, resides in the municipality where the home is located and within the ward where the guest or patient sleeps, unless before becoming a guest or patient at the home the guest or patient elects to maintain his or her prior residence as his or her voting residence.
(7m)
(a) The residence of a person who is detained, or committed and institutionalized, under s. 51.20, 971.14, or 971.17 or ch. 980 shall be determined by applying the standards under sub. (1) to whichever of the following dates is applicable to the circumstances of the person:
1. For a person detained or committed under s. 51.20, the date that the person was detained under s. 51.20 (2) or, if the person was not detained under s. 51.20 (2), the date that the person was committed under s. 51.20 (13).
2. For a person committed under s. 971.14 or 971.17, the date of the offense or alleged offense that resulted in the person’s commitment.
3. For a person detained or committed under ch. 980, the date that the person committed the sexually violent offense that resulted in the sentence, placement, or commitment that was in effect when the state filed a petition under s. 980.02 against the person.
(b) That the person’s habitation was fixed at the place established under par. (a) before he or she was detained or committed shall be considered prima facie evidence that the person intends to return to that place. The prima facie evidence of intent to return to the place determined under par. (a) may be rebutted by presenting information that indicates that the person is not likely to return to that place if the person’s detention or commitment is terminated.
(8) No person gains a residence in any ward or election district of this state while there for temporary purposes only.
(9) No person loses the right to vote at the person’s place of residence while receiving public assistance or unemployment insurance even if the legal settlement for assistance is elsewhere.
(10) If a person moves to another state with an intent to make a permanent residence there, or, if while there the person exercises the right to vote as a citizen of that state by voting, the person loses Wisconsin residence.
(11) Neither an intent to acquire a new residence without removal, nor a removal without intent, shall affect residence.
(12) Student status shall not be a consideration in determining residence for the purpose of establishing voter eligibility.
(13) A military elector under s. 6.22 (1) (b) who is the spouse or dependent of another military elector may elect to take as his or her residence either the individual’s most recent residence in this state or the residence of the individual’s spouse or the individual providing his or her support.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1975 c. 85, 94, 199; 1977 c. 26; 1979 c. 260; 1983 a. 192, 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1991 a. 316; 1997 a. 39; 2001 a. 16, 51; 2011 a. 23; 2015 a. 261.
Voter residency and absentee voting is discussed. 60 Atty. Gen. 214.
Voting residency of family members of military personnel stationed in Wisconsin is discussed. 61 Atty. Gen. 269.
Upon marriage to a Wisconsin serviceman, a nonresident wife may take the Wisconsin voting residence of her husband. 61 Atty. Gen. 365.

6.15  New residents; presidential voting.
(1)  Qualifications. Any person who was or who is an eligible elector under ss. 6.02 and 6.03, except that he or she has been a resident of this state for less than 28 consecutive days prior to the date of the presidential election, is entitled to vote for the president and vice president but for no other offices. The fact that the person was not registered to vote in the state from which he or she moved does not prevent voting in this state if the elector is otherwise qualified.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(2) Procedure at clerk’s office. Any person qualifying under sub. (1) need not register to vote, but shall apply for and cast his or her ballot as follows:
(a) The elector’s request for the application form may be made in person to the municipal clerk of the municipality where the person resides. Application may be made not sooner than 27 days nor later than 5 p.m. on the day before the election, or may be made at the proper polling place in the ward or election district in which the elector resides. If an elector makes application before election day, the application form shall be returned to the municipal clerk after the affidavit has been signed in the presence of the clerk or any officer authorized by law to administer oaths. The affidavit shall be in substantially the following form:
STATE OF WISCONSIN
County of ….
I, …., do solemnly swear that I am a citizen of the United States; that prior to establishing Wisconsin residence, my legal residence was in the …. (town) (village) (city) of …., state of …., residing at …. (street address); that on the day of the next presidential election, I shall be at least 18 years of age and that I have been a legal resident of the state of Wisconsin since …., …. (year), residing at …. (street address), in the […. ward of the …. aldermanic district of] the (town) (village) (city) of …., county of ….; that I have resided in the state less than 28 consecutive days, that I am qualified to vote for president and vice president at the election to be held November …., …. (year), that I am not voting at any other place in this election and that I hereby make application for an official presidential ballot, in accordance with section 6.15 of the Wisconsin statutes.
Signed ….
P.O. Address ….
Subscribed and sworn to before me this …. day of …., …. (year)
….(Name)
….(Title)
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(b) The clerk shall provide with the application form a card which the elector shall fill in and return with the application to the municipal clerk. The card shall state that the elector intends to vote for president and vice president in Wisconsin and that his or her voting privileges should be canceled at his or her previous residence. The card shall be in substantially the following form:
…. (Full Name – print or type)
It is my intent to vote for president and vice president in Wisconsin, under section 6.15, Wisconsin Statutes.
( ) I am not registered to vote at my previous address.
( ) I am registered to vote at my previous address and I hereby authorize the cancellation of my previous voting privileges at that address:
…. (Street), …. (Town, village, city), …. (State) …. (Zip)
Signature ….
Present Address ….
(bm) Except as authorized in s. 6.79 (7), when making application in person at the office of the municipal clerk, each applicant shall present proof of identification. If any document presented by the applicant is not proof of residence under s. 6.34, the applicant shall also present proof of residence under s. 6.34. The clerk shall verify that the name on the proof of identification presented by the elector conforms to the name on the elector’s application, shall verify that any photograph appearing on that document reasonably resembles the elector, and shall enter the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence, the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document, and, if the identifying document includes a number that applies only to the individual holding that document, the last 4 digits of that number on the application form. If the number on the identifying document submitted by the elector has 6 or fewer digits, the clerk shall enter only the last 2 digits of that number.
(c) The municipal clerk upon receipt of the application form and voting privileges cancellation card shall immediately forward the card to the proper official of the applicant’s prior residence.
(d)
1r. Upon proper completion of the application and cancellation card, the municipal clerk shall permit the elector to cast his or her ballot for president and vice president. The elector shall then mark the ballot in the clerk’s presence in a manner that will not disclose his or her vote. The elector shall then fold the ballot so as to conceal his or her vote. The clerk or elector shall then place the ballot in an envelope furnished by the clerk.
2. The clerk shall enclose the envelope containing the ballot in a carrier envelope, securely seal it, and endorse it with his or her name, title and the words, “This envelope contains the vote for president and vice president of a new resident and shall be opened only at the polls during polling hours on election day”. The clerk shall keep the envelope in his or her office until the clerk delivers it to the inspectors, as provided in sub. (4).
3. The clerk shall keep open to public inspection a list of all new residents who have voted under this section. The list shall give the name, address and application date of each elector.
(3) Procedure at polling place. An eligible elector may appear at the polling place for the ward or election district where he or she resides and make application for a ballot under sub. (2). Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an elector who casts a ballot under this subsection shall follow the same procedure required for casting a ballot at the municipal clerk’s office under sub. (2). The inspectors shall perform the duties of the municipal clerk, except that the inspectors shall return the cancellation card under sub. (2) (b) to the municipal clerk and the clerk shall forward the card as provided in sub. (2) (c) if required. Upon proper completion of the application and cancellation card and verification of the proof of identification and proof of residence, whenever required, as provided in sub. (2) (bm), the inspectors shall permit the elector to cast his or her ballot for president and vice president. The elector shall mark the ballot and, unless the ballot is utilized with an electronic voting system, the elector shall fold the ballot, and deposit the ballot into the ballot box or give it to the inspector. The inspector shall deposit it directly into the ballot box. Voting machines or ballots utilized with electronic voting systems may only be used by electors voting under this section if they permit voting for president and vice president only.
(4) Delivery and deposit of ballots.
(a) Clerks holding new resident ballots shall deliver them to the election inspectors in the proper ward or election district where the new residents reside or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers when it convenes under s. 7.52 (1), as provided by s. 6.88 for absentee ballots.
(b) During polling hours, the inspectors shall open each carrier envelope, announce the elector’s name, check the affidavit for proper execution, and check the voting qualifications for the ward, if any. In municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers shall perform this function at a meeting of the board of absentee ballot canvassers.
(c) The inspectors or board of absentee ballot canvassers shall open the inner envelope without examination of the ballot other than is necessary to see that the issuing clerk has endorsed it.
(d) Upon satisfactory completion of the procedure under pars. (b) and (c) the inspectors or board of absentee ballot canvassers shall deposit the ballot in the ballot box. The inspectors or board of absentee ballot canvassers shall enter the name of each elector voting under this section on the poll list with an indication that the elector is voting under this section or on a separate list maintained for the purpose under s. 6.79 (2) (c).
(e) If the person is not a qualified elector in the ward or municipality, or if the envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, the inspectors shall reject the vote. Rejected ballots shall be processed the same as rejected absentee ballots, under s. 6.88 (3) (b).
(5) Challenge of vote. Any new resident’s vote may be challenged for cause in the manner provided in ss. 6.92 to 6.95.
(6) Death of elector. When it appears by due proof to the inspectors or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, when it appears by due proof to the board of absentee ballot canvassers that a person voting at an election has died before the date of the election, the inspectors or board of absentee ballot canvassers shall return the ballot with defective ballots to the issuing official.
History: 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 311; 1981 c. 391; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1997 a. 250; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16, 104; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 182.
2011 Wisconsin Act 23, which created requirements that voters present photo identification in order to vote at a polling place or obtain an absentee ballot, does not violate either section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, or the U.S. Constitution. Frank v. Walker, 768 F.3d 744 (2014).

6.18  Former residents. If ineligible to qualify as an elector in the state to which the elector has moved, any former qualified Wisconsin elector may vote an absentee ballot in the ward of the elector’s prior residence in any presidential election occurring within 24 months after leaving Wisconsin by requesting an application form and returning it, properly executed, to the municipal clerk of the elector’s prior Wisconsin residence. When requesting an application form for an absentee ballot, the applicant shall specify the applicant’s eligibility for only the presidential ballot. Unless the applicant is exempted from providing proof of identification under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 2. or 3., or the applicant is a military or overseas elector, the elector shall enclose a copy of his or her proof of identification or any authorized substitute document with his or her application. The municipal clerk shall verify that the name on the proof of identification conforms to the name on the application. The clerk shall not issue a ballot to an elector who is required to enclose a copy of proof of identification or an authorized substitute document with his or her application unless the copy is enclosed and the proof is verified by the clerk. The application form shall require the following information and be in substantially the following form:
This form shall be returned to the municipal clerk’s office. Application must be received in sufficient time for ballots to be mailed and returned prior to any presidential election at which applicant wishes to vote. Complete all statements in full.
APPLICATION FOR PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTOR’S ABSENTEE BALLOT
(To be voted at the Presidential Election
on November …., …. (year)
I, …. hereby swear or affirm that I am a citizen of the United States, formerly residing at …. in the …. ward …. aldermanic district (city, town, village) of …., County of …. for 28 consecutive days prior to leaving the State of Wisconsin. I, …. do solemnly swear or affirm that I do not qualify to register or vote under the laws of the State of ….(State you now reside in) where I am presently residing. A citizen must be a resident of: State ….(Insert time) County ….(Insert time) City, Town or Village ….(Insert time), in order to be eligible to register or vote therein. I further swear or affirm that my legal residence was established in the State of ….(the State where you now reside) on …. Month …. Day …. Year.
Signed ….
Address ….(Present address)
….(City) ….(State)
Subscribed and sworn to before me this …. day of …. …. (year)
….(Notary Public, or other officer authorized to administer oaths.)
….(County)
My Commission expires
MAIL BALLOT TO:
NAME ….
ADDRESS ….
CITY …. STATE …. ZIP CODE ….
Penalties for Violations. Whoever swears falsely to any absent elector affidavit under this section may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both. Whoever intentionally votes more than once in an election may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 3 years and 6 months or both.
….(Municipal Clerk)
….(Municipality)
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (1), (2); 1975 c. 85 ss. 9, 66 (3); 1991 a. 316; 1997 a. 250; 2001 a. 107, 109; 2003 a. 321, 327; 2011 a. 23, 227.
2011 Wisconsin Act 23, which created requirements that voters present photo identification in order to vote at a polling place or obtain an absentee ballot, does not violate either section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, or the U.S. Constitution. Frank v. Walker, 768 F.3d 744 (2014).

6.20  Absent electors. Any qualified elector of this state who registers may vote by absentee ballot under ss. 6.84 to 6.89.
History: 1985 a. 304; 2003 a. 265.

6.21  Deceased electors. When by due proof it appears to the inspectors or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, when by due proof it appears to the board of absentee ballot canvassers that a person casting an absentee ballot at an election has died before the date of the election, the inspectors or board of absentee ballot canvassers shall return the ballot with defective ballots to the issuing official. The casting of the ballot of a deceased elector does not invalidate the election.
History: 1985 a. 304; 2005 a. 451.

6.22  Absentee voting for military electors.
(1)  Definitions. In this section, except as otherwise provided:
(a) “Member of the merchant marine” means an individual, other than a member of a uniformed service or an individual employed, enrolled or maintained on the Great Lakes or the inland waterways, who is any of the following:
1. Employed as an officer or crew member of a vessel documented under the laws of the United States, or a vessel owned by the United States, or a vessel of foreign-flag registry under charter to or control of the United States.
2. Enrolled with the United States for employment or training for employment, or maintained by the United States for emergency relief service, as an officer or crew member of any such vessel.
(b) “Military elector” means any of the following:
1. Members of a uniformed service.
2. Members of the merchant marine of the United States.
3. Civilian employees of the United States and civilians officially attached to a uniformed service who are serving outside the United States.
4. Peace corps volunteers.
5. Spouses and dependents of those listed in the above categories residing with or accompanying them.
(c) “Uniformed service” means the U.S. army, navy, air force, marine corps or coast guard, the commissioned corps of the federal public health service or the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration.
(2) Application and voting procedure.
(a) A military elector shall vote in the ward or election district for the address of his or her residence prior to becoming a military elector, except that:
1. A military elector voting in this state who is the spouse of another military elector and who did not maintain a residence in this state prior to becoming a military elector shall vote in the ward or election district for the address of his or her spouse.
2. A military elector voting in this state who is the dependent of another military elector and who did not maintain a residence in this state prior to becoming a military elector shall vote in the ward or election district for the address of the individual providing his or her support.
3. A military elector who is the spouse of another military elector and whose most recent residence in this state was different than the residence of his or her spouse prior to becoming a military elector may vote in the ward or election district for the address of his or her former residence or the ward or election district for the address of his or her spouse.
4. A military elector who is the dependent of another military elector and whose most recent residence in this state was different than the residence of the individual providing his or her support prior to becoming a military elector may vote in the ward or election district for the address of his or her former residence or the ward or election district for the address of the individual providing his or her support.
(b) A military elector shall make and subscribe to the certification under s. 6.87 (2) before a witness who is an adult.
(c) A federal postcard registration and absentee ballot request form may be used to apply for an absentee ballot under this section if the form is completed in such a manner that the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners with whom it is filed is able to determine all of the following:
1. That the applicant is qualified to vote in the ward or election district where he or she seeks to vote under par. (a).
2. That the applicant qualifies to receive an absentee ballot under this section.
(d) If an applicant uses a federal form under par. (c) to request an absentee ballot for all elections, the application shall so state.
(e) A military elector may file an application for an absentee ballot by means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s. 6.86 (1) (ac). Upon receipt of a valid application, the municipal clerk shall send the elector an absentee ballot or, if the elector is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), and the elector so requests, shall transmit an absentee ballot to the elector by means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s. 6.87 (3) (d).
(3) Registration exempt. Military electors are not required to register as a prerequisite to voting in any election.
(4) Instructions and handling.
(a) Upon receiving a timely request for an absentee ballot under par. (b) by an individual who qualifies as a military elector, the municipal clerk shall send or, if the individual is a military elector as defined in s. 6.34 (1), shall transmit to the elector upon the elector’s request an absentee ballot for all elections that occur in the municipality or portion thereof where the elector resides in the same calendar year in which the request is received, unless the individual otherwise requests.
(b) A military elector’s application may be received at any time. The municipal clerk shall not send or transmit a ballot for an election if the application is received later than 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding that election. The municipal clerk shall send or transmit a ballot, as soon as available, to each military elector who files a timely request for a ballot.
(c) A military elector may indicate an alternate address on his or her absentee ballot application. If the elector’s ballot is returned as undeliverable prior to the deadline for return of absentee ballots under s. 6.87 (6), and the elector remains eligible to receive absentee ballots under this section, the municipal clerk shall immediately send or, if the elector is a military elector as defined in s. 6.34 (1), transmit an absentee ballot to the elector at the alternate address.
(d) The commission shall prescribe the instructions for marking and returning ballots and the municipal clerk shall enclose instructions with each ballot and shall also enclose supplemental instructions for local elections. The envelope, return envelope and instructions may not contain the name of any candidate appearing on the enclosed ballots other than that of the municipal clerk affixed in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
(e) Whenever the material is mailed, the material shall be prepared and mailed to make use of the federal free postage laws. If the material does not qualify for mailing without postage under federal free postage laws, the municipal clerk shall pay the postage required for mailing to the military elector. If the return envelope qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws, the clerk shall affix the appropriate legend required by U.S. postal regulations. Otherwise the municipal clerk shall pay the postage required for return when the ballot is mailed from within the United States. If the ballot is not mailed by the military elector from within the United States the military elector shall provide return postage.
(f) If the municipal clerk is reliably informed that an individual who requests an absentee ballot under this section is no longer a military elector or no longer resides in the municipality, or if the elector so requests, the clerk shall discontinue sending or transmitting absentee ballots to the elector under this subsection. If a military elector who has requested an absentee ballot changes his or her residence from the municipality where a request is filed to another municipality in this state, the municipal clerk of the municipality who received the request shall notify the clerk of the municipality to which the elector’s residence is changed of the date of the request. The municipal clerk who is so notified shall treat the request as having been made to him or her.
(h) The municipal clerk shall notify a military elector of any action under par. (f) that is not taken at the elector’s request within 5 days of taking that action, if possible.
(5) Voting procedure. Except as authorized in s. 6.25, the ballot shall be marked and returned, deposited and recorded in the same manner as other absentee ballots. In addition, the certification under s. 6.87 (2) shall have a statement of the elector’s birth date. Failure to return any unused ballots in a primary election does not invalidate the ballot on which the elector casts his or her votes.
(6) Military elector list. Each municipal clerk shall keep an up-to-date list of all eligible military electors who reside in the municipality in the format prescribed by the commission. The list shall contain the name, latest-known military residence and military mailing address of each military elector. The list shall indicate whether each elector whose name appears on the list is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), and has so certified under s. 6.865 (3m). All persons over 18 years of age or who will be 18 years old prior to an election shall be listed and remain on the list for the duration of their tour of duty. The list shall be kept current through all possible means. Each clerk shall exercise reasonable care to avoid duplication of names or listing anyone who is not eligible to vote. Each clerk shall distribute one copy of the list to the each polling place in the municipality for use on election day.
(7) Extension of privilege. This section applies to all military electors for 28 days after the date of discharge from a uniformed service or termination of services or employment of individuals specified in sub. (1) (b) 1. to 4.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1971 c. 336 s. 37; 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 85 ss. 10, 66 (3); 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 89, 311; 1981 c. 391; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1995 a. 313; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 149, 451; 2011 a. 23, 75; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 369.

6.24  Federal overseas voting.
(1)  Definition. In this section, except as otherwise provided, “overseas elector” means a U.S. citizen who is not disqualified from voting under s. 6.03, who has attained or will attain the age of 18 by the date of an election at which the citizen proposes to vote and who does not qualify as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, but who was last domiciled in this state or whose parent was last domiciled in this state immediately prior to the parent’s departure from the United States, and who is not registered to vote or voting in any other state, territory or possession.
(2) Eligibility. An overseas elector may vote in any election for national office, including the partisan primary and presidential preference primary and any special primary or election. Such elector may not vote in an election for state or local office unless the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10. An overseas elector shall vote in the ward or election district in which the elector was last domiciled or in which the elector’s parent was last domiciled prior to departure from the United States.
(3) Registration. The overseas elector shall register in the municipality where he or she was last domiciled or where the overseas elector’s parent was last domiciled on a form prescribed by the commission designed to ascertain the elector’s qualifications under this section. The commission shall ensure that the form is substantially similar to the original form under s. 6.33 (1), insofar as applicable. Registration shall be accomplished in accordance with s. 6.30 (4) or (5).
(4) Requests.
(a) An overseas elector who is properly registered may request an absentee ballot in writing under ss. 6.86 to 6.89.
(b) A federal postcard registration and absentee ballot request form may be used to apply for an absentee ballot under par. (a) if the form is completed in such manner that the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners with whom it is filed is able to determine all of the following:
1. That the applicant is an overseas elector under sub. (1).
2. That the applicant qualifies to vote in the ward or election district where he or she seeks to vote under sub. (2).
(c) Upon receipt of a timely application from an individual who qualifies as an overseas elector and who has registered to vote in a municipality under sub. (3), the municipal clerk of the municipality shall send, or if the individual is an overseas elector, shall transmit, an absentee ballot to the individual upon the individual’s request for all subsequent elections for national office to be held during the year in which the ballot is requested, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, unless the individual otherwise requests or until the individual no longer qualifies as an overseas elector of the municipality. The clerk shall not send an absentee ballot for an election if the overseas elector’s name appeared on the registration list in eligible status for a previous election following the date of the application but no longer appears on the list in eligible status. The municipal clerk shall ensure that the envelope containing the absentee ballot is clearly marked as not forwardable. If an overseas elector who files an application under this subsection no longer resides at the same address that is indicated on the application form, the elector shall so notify the municipal clerk.
(d) An overseas elector, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, who is not registered may request both a registration form and an absentee ballot at the same time, and the municipal clerk shall send or transmit the ballot automatically if the registration form is received within the time prescribed in s. 6.28 (1). The commission shall prescribe a special certificate form for the envelope in which the absentee ballot for such overseas electors is contained, which shall be substantially similar to that provided under s. 6.87 (2). The overseas elector shall make and subscribe to the special certificate form before a witness who is an adult.
(e) An overseas elector, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, may file an application for an absentee ballot by means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s. 6.86 (1) (ac). Upon receipt of a valid application, the municipal clerk shall send the elector an absentee ballot or, if the elector so requests, shall transmit an absentee ballot to the elector by means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission in the manner prescribed in s. 6.87 (3) (d).
(5) Ballots. The commission shall prescribe a special ballot for use under this section whenever necessary. Official ballots prescribed for use in the presidential preference primary may also be used. The ballot shall be designed to comply with the requirements prescribed under ss. 5.60 (8), 5.62, and 5.64 (1) insofar as applicable. All ballots shall be limited to national offices only.
(6) Instructions and handling. The municipal clerk shall send a ballot, as soon as available, to each overseas elector by whom a request has been made. The commission shall prescribe the instructions for marking and returning ballots and the municipal clerk shall enclose such instructions with each ballot. The envelope, return envelope and instructions may not contain the name of any candidate appearing on the enclosed ballots other than that of the municipal clerk affixed in the fulfillment of his or her duties. Except as authorized in s. 6.87 (3), the municipal clerk shall mail the material, with sufficient postage to ensure that the elector receives the ballot, unless the material qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws. If the return envelope qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws, the clerk shall affix the appropriate legend required by U.S. postal regulations. Otherwise, the municipal clerk shall pay the postage required for return when the ballot is mailed from within the United States. If the ballot is not mailed by the overseas elector from within the United States, the overseas elector shall provide return postage.
(7) Voting procedure. Except as authorized under s. 6.25, the ballot shall be marked and returned, deposited and recorded in the same manner as other absentee ballots. In addition, the certificate shall have a statement of the elector’s birth date. Failure to return the unused ballots in a primary election does not invalidate the ballot on which the elector casts his or her votes.
History: 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 260, 311; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1995 a. 313; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 182 ss. 68 to 75m, 224; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 24, 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23, 45, 75; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 369.

6.25  Write-in absentee ballot.
(1)
(a) Any individual who qualifies as a military elector under s. 6.22 (1) (b) and who transmits an application for an official absentee ballot for any election, including a primary election, no later than the latest time specified for the elector in s. 6.86 (1) (b) may, in lieu of the official ballot, cast a federal write-in absentee ballot prescribed under 42 USC 1973ff-2 for any candidate for an office listed on the official ballot or for all of the candidates of any recognized political party for the offices listed on the official ballot at that election if the federal write-in absentee ballot is received by the appropriate municipal clerk no later than the applicable time prescribed in s. 6.87 (6).
(b) Any individual who qualifies as an overseas elector, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, and who transmits an application for an official absentee ballot for an election, including a primary election, no later than the latest time specified for an elector in s. 6.86 (1) (b) may, in lieu of the official ballot, cast a federal write-in absentee ballot prescribed under 42 USC 1973ff-2 for any candidate or for all candidates of any recognized political party listed on the official ballot at that election, if the federal write-in absentee ballot is received by the appropriate municipal clerk no later than the applicable time prescribed in s. 6.87 (6).
(c) A completed and signed federal write-in absentee ballot submitted by a qualified elector under par. (a) serves as an application for an absentee ballot and need not be accompanied by a separate application.
(4) A write-in absentee ballot issued under sub. (1) is valid only if the elector submitting the ballot does not submit an official ballot within the time prescribed in s. 6.87 (6) and, if the elector is an overseas elector, the elector resides outside the United States.
History: 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 2011 a. 75; 2013 a. 165; 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 369.

SUBCHAPTER II – REGISTRATION
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 3, Wis. adm. code.

6.27  Elector registration required. Each elector shall register under this chapter before voting in any election, except as authorized under ss. 6.15, 6.18, and 6.22.
History: 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 260, 355; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 2003 a. 265.

6.275  Registration and voting statistics.
(1)  Except as provided in par. (f), no later than 30 days after each primary and election at which a state or national office is filled or a statewide referendum is held, including any special election, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall submit electronically a report to the commission and the county clerk or board of election commissioners of each county in which the municipality is located specifying:
(a) The total number of electors residing in that county who voted in the municipality in that primary or election.
(b) The total number of electors of the municipality residing in that county who were preregistered on the deadline specified in s. 6.28 (1) (a), including valid mail registrations which are postmarked by that day and valid electronic registrations entered under s. 6.30 (5).
(c) The total number of electors of the municipality residing in that county who registered after the close of registration and prior to the day of the primary or election under ss. 6.29 and 6.86 (3) (a) 2.
(d) The total number of electors of the municipality residing in that county who registered on the day of the primary or election under ss. 6.55 and 6.86 (3) (a) 2.
(e) The total number of electors of the municipality voting absentee ballots at the primary or election.
(f) The total number of postcards sent by the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners under s. 6.56 (3), the total number of such postcards returned to the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners because the elector did not reside at the address given on the postcard, the total number of electors whose status was changed from eligible to ineligible on the registration list as a result of the audit under s. 6.56 (3), and the number of individuals referred to the district attorney under s. 6.56 (3). The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall provide the information described under this paragraph to the elections commission and the county clerk or county board of election commissioners at the earliest practicable time after, but no later than 90 days after, each primary and election at which a state or national office is filled or a statewide referendum is held, including any special election. The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall update the information described under this paragraph on a monthly basis and shall submit, on a monthly basis, any such updated information to the elections commission and the county clerk or county board of election commissioners.
(2) Upon receipt of each report filed under this section, the commission shall, within 7 days of receiving the report, publish the information on its Internet site. The commission shall update the information published under this subsection on a monthly basis.
History: 1979 c. 260; 1979 c. 355 ss. 12 to 14; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 51; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2013 a. 148; 2015 a. 118, 261; 2017 a. 366.

6.276  Federal absentee voting statistics.
(1)  In this section, “military elector” has the meaning given in s. 6.34 (1).
(2) Within 30 days after each general election, each municipal clerk shall transmit to the commission a report of the number of absentee ballots transmitted by the clerk to absent military electors and overseas electors for that election and the combined number of those ballots that were cast by those electors in that election.
(3) Within 90 days after each general election, the commission shall compile the information contained in the reports received from municipal clerks under sub. (2) and transmit the information to the federal Election Assistance Commission.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2017 a. 369.

6.28  Where and when to register.
(1)  Registration deadline; locations.
(a) Except as authorized in ss. 6.29, 6.55 (2), and 6.86 (3) (a) 2., registration in person for an election closes at 5 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday preceding the election. Registrations made by mail under s. 6.30 (4) must be delivered to the office of the municipal clerk or postmarked no later than the 3rd Wednesday preceding the election. Electronic registration under s. 6.30 (5) for an election closes at 11:59 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday preceding the election. The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners may assign election registration officials to register electors who apply for an in-person absentee ballot under s. 6.86 (1) (b) or to register electors at a polling place on election day or at a residential care facility, as defined under s. 6.875 (1) (bm).
(b) All applications for registration corrections and additions may be made throughout the year at the office of the city board of election commissioners, at the office of the municipal clerk, at the office of the county clerk, or at other locations provided by the board of election commissioners or the common council in cities over 500,000 population or by either or both the municipal clerk, or the common council, village or town board in all other municipalities. An elector who wishes to obtain a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2)shall register at the office of the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides.
(4) At the office of the county clerk. Any person shall be given an opportunity to register to vote at the office of the county clerk for the county in which the person’s residence is located. An applicant may complete the required registration form under s. 6.33. Unless the county clerk performs registration functions for the municipality where the elector resides under s. 6.33 (5) (b), the county clerk shall forward the form submitted by an elector to the appropriate municipal clerk, or to the board of election commissioners in cities over 500,000 population within 5 days of receipt. The clerk shall forward the form immediately whenever registration closes within 5 days of receipt.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 166, 225, 334; 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 378, 394, 447; 1979 c. 32; 1981 c. 44 s. 3; 1981 c. 202 s. 23; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1991 a. 221; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 38, 51; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2009 a. 302; 2011 a. 240; 2015 a. 261.

6.29  Late registration in person.
(1)  No names may be added to a registration list for any election after the close of registration, except as authorized under this section or s. 6.55 (2) or 6.86 (3) (a) 2. Any person whose name is not on the registration list but who is otherwise a qualified elector is entitled to vote at the election upon compliance with this section, if the person complies with all other requirements for voting at the polling place.
(2)
(a) Any qualified elector of a municipality who has not previously filed a registration form or whose name does not appear on the registration list of the municipality may register after the close of registration but not later than 5 p.m. or the close of business, whichever is later, on the Friday before an election at the office of the municipal clerk and at the office of the clerk’s agent if the clerk delegates responsibility for electronic maintenance of the registration list to an agent under s. 6.33 (5) (b). The elector shall complete, in the manner provided under s. 6.33 (2), a registration form containing all information required under s. 6.33 (1). The registration form shall also contain the following certification: “I, …., hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, I am a qualified elector, having resided at … for at least 28 consecutive days immediately preceding this election, and I have not voted at this election”. The elector shall also provide proof of residence under s. 6.34.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(am) The commission shall provide to each municipal clerk a list prepared for use at each municipal clerk’s office showing the name and address of each person whose name appears on the list provided by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20m) as ineligible to vote on the date of the election, whose address is located in the municipality, and whose name does not appear on the registration list for that municipality. Prior to permitting an elector to register to vote under this subsection, the municipal clerk shall review the list. If the name of an elector who wishes to register to vote appears on the list, the municipal clerk shall inform the elector that the elector is ineligible to register to vote. If the elector maintains that he or she is eligible to vote in the election, the municipal clerk shall permit the elector to register to vote but shall mark the elector’s registration form as “ineligible to vote per Department of Corrections.” If the elector wishes to vote, the municipal clerk shall challenge the elector’s ballot in the same manner as provided for inspectors who challenge ballots under s. 6.79 (2) (dm).
(b) Upon the filing of the registration form required by this section, the municipal clerk or clerk’s agent under s. 6.33 (5) (b) shall enter the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence, the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document, and, if the identifying document includes a number that applies only to the individual holding that document, the last 4 digits of that number on the registration form. If the number on the identifying document submitted by the elector has 6 or fewer digits, the clerk shall enter only the last 2 digits of that number. The municipal clerk or clerk’s agent under s. 6.33 (5) (b) shall issue a certificate containing the name and address of the elector addressed to the inspectors of the proper ward or election district directing that the elector be permitted to cast his or her vote if the elector complies with all requirements for voting at the polling place. The certificate shall be numbered serially, prepared in duplicate and one copy preserved in the office of the municipal clerk.
(c) At the time he or she appears at the correct polling place, the elector shall deliver any certificate issued under par. (b) to the inspectors. If the elector applies for and obtains an absentee ballot, any certificate shall be annexed to and mailed with the absentee ballot to the office of the municipal clerk.
(d) The inspectors shall record the names of electors who present certificates in person or for whom certificates are presented with absentee ballots under this section on the list maintained under s. 6.56 (1). These names shall then be added to the registration list if the electors are qualified.
History: 1977 c. 394; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 51; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 96; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 182; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

6.30  How to register.
(1)  In person. An elector shall apply for registration in person, except as provided under subs. (4) and (5) and s. 6.86 (3) (a) 2.
(4) By mail. Any eligible elector may register by mail on a form prescribed by the commission and provided by each municipality. The form shall be designed to obtain the information required in s. 6.33 (1). The form shall contain a certification by the elector that all statements are true and correct. The form shall be prepostpaid for return when mailed at any point within the United States. The form shall be available in the municipal clerk’s office and may be distributed by any elector of the municipality. The clerk shall mail a registration form to any elector upon written or oral request.
(5) By electronic application. An eligible elector who holds a current and valid operator’s license issued under ch. 343 or a current and valid identification card issued under s. 343.50 may register electronically in the manner prescribed by the commission. The commission shall maintain on the Internet a secure registration form that enables the elector to enter the information required under s. 6.33 (1) electronically. An elector who registers electronically under this subsection must authorize the commission to obtain from the department of transportation an electronic copy of the elector’s signature, which signature shall constitute an affirmance that all information provided by the elector is correct and shall have the same effect as if the elector had signed the application personally. The commission shall include on the registration form a place for the elector to give this authorization. Upon submittal of the electronic application, the commission shall obtain from the department of transportation a copy of the electronic signature of the elector. The commission shall maintain the application on file and shall notify the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality where the elector resides of its receipt of each completed application. The commission shall also permit any elector who has a current and valid operator’s license issued to the elector under ch. 343 or a current and valid identification card issued under s. 343.50 to make changes in his or her registration at the same Internet site that is used by electors for original registration under this subsection. An elector shall attest to the correctness of any changes in the same manner as provided in this subsection for information entered on an application for original registration.
History: 1971 c. 249; 1975 c. 85 ss. 12, 65; 1975 c. 199, 200, 275, 422; 1977 c. 283, 394; 1983 a. 484; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 51; 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 261.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 3, Wis. adm. code.

6.32  Verification of certain registrations.
(1)  Upon receipt of a registration form that is submitted by mail under s. 6.30 (4) or by electronic application under s. 6.30 (5), the commission or municipal clerk shall examine the form for sufficiency.
(2) If the form is insufficient to accomplish registration or the commission or clerk knows or has reliable information that the proposed elector is not qualified, the commission or clerk shall notify the proposed elector within 5 days, if possible, and request that the elector appear at the clerk’s office or another registration location to complete a proper registration or substantiate the information presented.
(3) If the form is submitted later than the close of registration, the commission or clerk shall make a good faith effort to notify the elector that he or she may register at the clerk’s office under s. 6.29 or at the proper polling place or other location designated under s. 6.55 (2).
(4) If the form is sufficient to accomplish registration and the commission or clerk has no reliable information to indicate that the proposed elector is not qualified, the commission or clerk shall enter the elector’s name on the registration list and transmit a 1st class letter or postcard to the registrant, specifying the elector’s ward or aldermanic district, or both, if any, and polling place. The letter or postcard shall be sent within 10 days of receipt of the form. If the letter or postcard is returned, or if the commission or clerk is informed of a different address than the one specified by the elector, the commission or clerk shall change the status of the elector on the list from eligible to ineligible. The letter or postcard shall be marked in accordance with postal regulations to ensure that it will be returned to the commission or clerk if the elector does not reside at the address given on the letter or postcard.
History: 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 260; 1983 a. 484; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2015 a. 261.

6.325  Disqualification of electors. No person may be disqualified as an elector unless the municipal clerk, board of election commissioners or a challenging elector under s. 6.48 demonstrates beyond a reasonable doubt that the person does not qualify as an elector or is not properly registered. If it appears that the challenged elector is registered at a residence in this state other than the one where the elector now resides, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall, before permitting the elector to vote, require the elector to properly register and shall notify the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners at the former residence. The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners may require naturalized applicants to show their naturalization certificates.
History: 1983 a. 484 s. 37; 1985 a. 304; 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 261.

6.33  Registration forms; manner of completing.
(1)  The commission shall prescribe the format, size, and shape of registration forms. All nonelectronic forms shall be printed and each item of information shall be of uniform font size, as prescribed by the commission. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, electronic forms shall contain the same information as nonelectronic forms. The municipal clerk shall supply sufficient forms to meet voter registration needs. The commission shall design the form to obtain from each elector information as to name; date; residence location; location of previous residence immediately before moving to current residence location; citizenship; date of birth; age; the number of a current and valid operator’s license issued to the elector under ch. 343 or the last 4 digits of the elector’s social security account number; whether the elector has resided within the ward or election district for the number of consecutive days specified in s. 6.02 (1); whether the elector has been convicted of a felony for which he or she has not been pardoned, and if so, whether the elector is incarcerated, or on parole, probation, or extended supervision; whether the elector is disqualified on any other ground from voting; and whether the elector is currently registered to vote at any other location. The commission shall include on the nonelectronic form a space for the elector’s signature and on the electronic form the authorization specified under s. 6.30 (5). Below the space for the signature or authorization, respectively, the commission shall include the following statement: “Falsification of information on this form is punishable under Wisconsin law as a Class I felony.” The commission shall include on the form a space to enter the name of any inspector, municipal clerk, or deputy clerk under s. 6.55 (2) who obtains the form and a space for the inspector, clerk, or deputy clerk to sign his or her name, affirming that the inspector, clerk, or deputy clerk has accepted the form. The commission shall include on the form a space for entry of the ward and aldermanic district, if any, where the elector resides and any other information required to determine the offices and referenda for which the elector is certified to vote. The commission shall also include on the form a space where the clerk may record an indication of whether the form is received by mail or by electronic application, a space where the clerk shall record an indication of the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence under s. 6.34 or an indication that the elector’s information in lieu of proof of residence was verified under s. 6.34 (2m), the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document, and, if the identifying document includes a number that applies only to the individual holding that document, that number. The commission shall also include on the form a space where the clerk, for any elector who possesses a valid voting identification card issued to the person under s. 6.47 (3), may record the identification serial number appearing on the voting identification card. Each county clerk shall obtain sufficient registration forms for completion by an elector who desires to register to vote at the office of the county clerk under s. 6.28 (4).
(2)
(a) All information may be recorded by any person, except that the clerk shall record the ward and aldermanic district, if any, other geographic information under sub. (1), the indication of whether the registration is received by mail, and the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence under s. 6.34. Except as provided in s. 6.30 (5), each elector shall sign his or her own name unless the elector is unable to sign his or her name due to physical disability. In such case, the elector may authorize another elector to sign the form on his or her behalf. If the elector so authorizes, the elector signing the form shall attest to a statement that the application is made upon request and by authorization of a named elector who is unable to sign the form due to physical disability.
(b) Except as provided in s. 6.86 (3) (a) 2., the registration form shall be signed by the registering elector before the clerk, issuing officer or election registration official. The form shall contain a certification by the registering elector that all statements are true and correct.
(4) When an individual’s registration is changed from eligible to ineligible status, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall enter the date and reason for change on the registration list.
(5)
(a)
1. Except as provided in par. (b) and this paragraph, whenever a municipal clerk receives a valid registration or valid change of a name or address under an existing registration or changes a registration from eligible to ineligible status the municipal clerk or the clerk’s designee shall promptly enter electronically on the list maintained by the commission under s. 6.36 (1) the information required under that subsection.
2. Except as provided in par. (b) and this paragraph, whenever a municipal clerk mails an absentee ballot to an elector or receives an in-person absentee ballot application or an absentee ballot the municipal clerk shall, no later than 48 hours after mailing an absentee ballot or receiving an in-person absentee ballot application or an absentee ballot, enter electronically on the list maintained by the commission under s. 6.36 (1) the information required under that subsection or submit the information to the clerk’s designee who shall, no later than 24 hours after receiving the information from the clerk, enter electronically on the list maintained by the commission under s. 6.36 (1) the information required under that subsection. If a deadline under this subdivision falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.
3. Except as provided in par. (b) and this paragraph, the municipal clerk or the clerk’s designee shall update any entries that change on the date of an election other than a general election within 30 days after the date of that election, and shall update any entries that change on the date of a general election within 45 days after the date of that election. The commission administrator may, upon request of a municipal clerk permit the clerk to update entries that change on the date of a general election within 60 days after that election.
4. The municipal clerk shall provide to the commission information that is confidential under s. 6.47 (2) in such manner as the commission prescribes.
(b) The municipal clerk of any municipality may, by mutual consent, designate any other municipal clerk or any county clerk as the clerk’s agent to carry out the functions of the municipal clerk under this section for that municipality. The municipal clerk shall notify the county clerk of each county in which the municipality is located and the commission of any such designation in writing. The municipal clerk may, by similar notice to the clerk’s agent at least 14 days prior to the effective date of any change, discontinue the designation. If the municipal clerk designates another municipal clerk or a county clerk as his or her agent, the municipal clerk shall immediately forward all registration changes filed with the clerk and voting record information obtained by the clerk to the clerk’s agent for electronic entry on the registration list.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (1), (2); 1971 c. 336 s. 37; 1975 c. 85 ss. 15, 16, 17, 66 (3); 1975 c. 94 s. 91; 1977 c. 378, 394, 447; 1979 c. 32; 1981 c. 44 s. 3; 1981 c. 202 s. 23; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 51; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 96; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 182; 2015 a. 118 ss. 72, 266 (10); 2015 a. 261.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 3.02, Wis. adm. code.

6.34  Proof of residence required.
(1)  In this section, “military elector” means a member of a uniformed service on active duty who, by reason of that duty, is absent from the residence where the member is otherwise qualified to vote; a member of the merchant marine, as defined in s. 6.22 (1) (a), who by reason of service in the merchant marine, is absent from the residence where the member is otherwise qualified to vote; or the spouse or dependent of any such member who, by reason of the duty or service of the member, is absent from the residence where the spouse or dependent is otherwise qualified to vote.
(2) Except as provided in sub. (2m), upon completion of a registration form prescribed under s. 6.33, each eligible elector who is required to register under s. 6.27, who is not a military elector or an overseas elector, shall provide an identifying document that establishes proof of residence under sub. (3). If the elector registered by mail or by electronic application, the identifying document may not be a residential lease.
(2m) An elector who registers by electronic application under s. 6.30 (5) is not required to provide proof of residence under sub. (2) if, at the time of registration, the elector provides the number of a current and valid operator’s license issued under ch. 343, or the number of a current and valid identification card issued under s. 343.50, together with the elector’s name and date of birth and the commission is able to verify the information specified under sub. (3) (b) using the system maintained under sub. (4).
(3)
(a) An identifying document used to establish proof of an elector’s residence under sub. (2) shall contain the information required under par. (b) and is limited to one of the following:
1. A current and valid operator’s license issued under ch. 343.
2. A current and valid identification card issued under s. 343.50.
3. Subject to s. 66.0438, any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit.
4. An official identification card or license issued by an employer in the normal course of business that contains a photograph of the cardholder or license holder, but not including a business card.
5. A real property tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election.
6. Except as provided in sub. (2), a residential lease.
7. Any of the following documents without the address specified in par. (b):
a. A university, college, or technical college identification card that contains a photograph of the cardholder together with a fee payment receipt issued to the cardholder by the university, college, or technical college dated no earlier than 9 months before the date of the election at which the receipt is presented.
b. An identification card issued by a university, college, or technical college that contains a photograph of the cardholder if the university, college, or technical college that issued the card provides a certified and current list of students who reside in housing sponsored by the university, college, or technical college and who are U.S. citizens to the municipal clerk prior to the election showing the current address of the students and if the municipal clerk, election registration official, or inspector verifies that the student presenting the card is included on the list.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the requirement that “dorm lists” to be used as proof of residence include citizenship information is unconstitutional.”
8. A utility bill for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before the day registration is made.
9. A bank statement.
10. A paycheck.
11. A check or other document issued by a unit of government.
12. For an occupant of a residential care facility, as defined in s. 6.875 (1) (bm), for the purpose of registering at the facility, a contract or intake document prepared by the residential care facility that specifies that the occupant currently resides in the facility. The contract or intake document may also identify the room or unit in which the occupant resides.
13. An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in this state.
(b) Except as provided in par. (a) 7., the identifying documents prescribed in par. (a) shall contain all of the following in order to be considered proof of residence:
1. A current and complete name, including both the given and family name.
2. A current and complete residential address, including a numbered street address, if any, and the name of a municipality.
(c) Identifying documents specified in par. (a) which are valid for use during a specified period must be valid on the day that an elector makes application for registration in order to constitute proof of residence.
(4) The commission shall maintain a system that electronically verifies, on an instant basis, information specified under sub. (3) (b) from the information submitted in lieu of proof of residence under sub. (2m), using the information maintained by the department of transportation pursuant to the commission’s agreement with the secretary of transportation under s. 85.61 (1). If a prospective elector enters information specified under sub. (3) (b) 2. into the system that does not match such information maintained by the department of transportation, the system shall redirect the elector to the department of transportation’s Internet site so that the elector may update his or her information with the department of transportation.
History: 2005 a. 451 ss. 40, 43, 44; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 182; 2015 a. 261, 374; 2017 a. 226; 2017 a. 365 s. 111; 2017 a. 369.

6.35  Filing registration forms.
(1)  Under the direction of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners, the original registration forms shall be filed in one of the following ways, except as provided in subs. (1m) and (2):
(a) In alphabetical order of the electors’ names.
(b) In alphabetical order according to street names, in numerical order on each street and in alphabetical order of the electors’ names at each address on the street.
(1m) Original registration forms of electors who have obtained a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) shall be filed in alphabetical order after the forms of the other electors.
(2) The commission shall prescribe, by rule, the procedure and methods by which municipal clerks and boards of election commissioners shall maintain records of registrations that are entered electronically under s. 6.30 (5).
(3) Original registration forms shall be maintained in the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners at all times.
History: 1971 c. 249; 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1971 c. 336; 1975 c. 85; 1977 c. 394; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 49; 2003 a. 265, 326; 2015 a. 261.

6.36  Official registration list.
(1)
(a) The commission shall compile and maintain electronically an official registration list. The list shall contain all of the following:
1. The name and address of each registered elector in the state.
2. The elector’s date of birth.
3. The ward and aldermanic district of the elector, if any.
4. For each elector, a unique registration identification number assigned by the commission.
5. The number of a valid operator’s license issued to the elector under ch. 343, if any, or the last 4 digits of the elector’s social security account number, if any.
6. Any identification serial number issued to the elector under s. 6.47 (3).
7. The date of any election in which the elector votes.
8. An indication of whether the elector is an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.24 (1).
9. Any information relating to the elector that appears on the current list transmitted to the commission by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20m).
10. An indication of any accommodation required under s. 5.25 (4) (a) to permit voting by the elector.
11. An indication of the method by which the elector’s registration form was received.
12. An indication of whether the elector was required under s. 6.34 to provide proof of residence and, if so, the type of identifying document submitted as proof of residence, the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document, and, if the identifying document included a number that applies only to the individual holding that document, up to the last 4 digits of that number. If the number on the identifying document submitted by the elector had 6 or fewer digits, the list under this paragraph may not contain more than the last 2 digits of that number.
13. A separate column indicating the date on which an elector applied to vote by in-person absentee ballot.
14. Separate columns indicating the date on which the clerk mailed an absentee ballot to an elector and the date on which the elector returned the absentee ballot.
15. A separate column indicating the polling location associated with each elector’s address and ward or aldermanic district, if any.
16. A separate column indicating the mailing address for the municipal clerk associated with each polling location identified under subd. 15.
(ae)
1. The chief election officer shall enter into a membership agreement with Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc., for the purpose of maintaining the official registration list under this section. Prior to entering into an agreement under this subdivision, the chief election officer shall ensure that the agreement satisfies all of the following conditions:
a. It safeguards the confidentiality of information or data in the registration list that may be subject to transfer under the agreement and to which access is restricted under par. (b) 1. a.
b. It prohibits the sale or distribution of the information or data in the registration list to a 3rd-party vendor and it prohibits any other action not associated with administration of or compliance with the agreement.
c. It does not affect the exemption for this state under the national voter registration act.
d. It allows the state to make contact with electors by electronic mail, whenever possible.
2. If the chief election officer enters into an agreement under subd. 1., the chief election officer shall comply with the terms of the agreement, including the transmission of information and data related to the registration of electors in this state to the Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc., for processing and sharing with other member states and governmental units.
(am) The list under par. (a) may contain such other information as may be determined by the commission to facilitate administration of elector registration requirements.
(b)
1. The list shall be open to public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) and shall be electronically accessible by any person, except that:
a. Except as provided in pars. (ae), (bm), and (bn), no person other than an employee of the commission, a county clerk, a deputy county clerk, an executive director of a county board of election commissioners, a deputy designated by the executive director, a municipal clerk, a deputy municipal clerk, an executive director of a city board of election commissioners, or a deputy designated by the executive director may view the date of birth, operator’s license number, or social security account number of an elector, the address of an elector to whom an identification serial number is issued under s. 6.47 (3), or any indication of an accommodation required under s. 5.25 (4) (a) to permit voting by an elector.
b. No person other than an employee of the commission, a municipal clerk, or an election official who is authorized by a municipal clerk may make a change in the list.
2. The list shall be electronically accessible by name and shall also be accessible in alphabetical order of the electors’ names for the entire state and for each county, municipality, ward, and combination of wards authorized under s. 5.15 (6) (b).
(bm) The commission or any municipal clerk or board of election commissioners may transfer any information in the registration list to which access is restricted under par. (b) 1. a. to a law enforcement agency, as defined in s. 165.77 (1) (b), to be used for law enforcement purposes.
(bn) The commission may transfer any information in the registration list to which access is restricted under par. (b) 1. a. to a subunit of the state government of another state to be used for official purposes.
(c) The list shall be designed in such a way that the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of any municipality and any election official who is authorized by the clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners may, by electronic transmission, add entries to or change entries on the list for any elector who resides in, or who the list identifies as residing in, that municipality and no other municipality.
(d) Upon receipt of official notification by the appropriate election administrative authority of another state, territory, or possession that an elector whose name appears on the list has registered to vote in that state, territory, or possession, the commission or the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector formerly resided shall change the elector’s registration from eligible to ineligible status.
(e) If the commission adds the name of any elector to the list, the commission shall promptly notify the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides. If the commission changes the registration of any elector from eligible to ineligible status, the commission shall promptly notify the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides or, if the elector has changed his or her residence from one municipality to another municipality in this state, shall promptly notify the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resided prior to the change. Notification shall be made in writing or by electronic transmission. If the commission changes the registration of any elector from eligible to ineligible status, the commission shall make an entry on the list giving the date of and the reason for the change.
(f) The commission shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the list is maintained in a manner that precludes unauthorized persons from making alterations to the list.
(2)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), each registration list prepared for use as a poll list at a polling place or for purposes of canvassing absentee ballots at an election shall contain the full name and address of each registered elector; a blank column for the entry of the serial number of the electors when they vote or the poll list number used by the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers in canvassing absentee ballots; an indication next to the name of each elector for whom proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required; a space for entry of the type of and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence when proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required; a space for entry of the elector’s signature, or if another person signed the elector’s registration form for the elector by reason of the elector’s physical disability, the word “exempt”; and a form of certificate bearing the certification of the commission administrator stating that the list is a true and complete registration list of the municipality or the ward or wards for which the list is prepared. The commission shall, by rule, prescribe the space and location for entry of each elector’s signature on the poll list which shall provide for entry of the signature without changing the orientation of the poll list from the orientation used by the election officials.
(b) If an elector obtains a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2), the registration list shall be prepared such that the address of the elector does not appear on copies of the list that are used at polling places.
(c) The list shall contain, next to the name of each elector, an indication of whether proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required for the elector to be permitted to vote. If proof of residence is provided, the type of identifying document submitted by the elector and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document, or an indication that the information provided by the elector in lieu of proof of residence was verified under s. 6.34 (2m), shall be entered on the list in the space provided. Except as provided in s. 6.34 (2m), proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector and the elector registers by mail or by electronic application and has not previously voted in an election in this state.
(3) The original registration forms shall be controlling whenever discrepancies occur in entering information from the forms under s. 6.33 (5).
(4) The names and identification serial numbers of electors who have obtained a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) shall appear separately after the remainder of the list. These names and serial numbers shall be arranged alphabetically by last name.
(6) The commission shall establish by rule the fee for obtaining a copy of the official registration list, or a portion of the list, including access to the subscription service established under s. 5.05 (14) (b). The amount of the fee shall be set, after consultation with county and municipal election officials, at an amount estimated to cover both the cost of reproduction and the cost of maintaining the list at the state and local level. The rules shall require that revenues from fees received be shared between the state and municipalities or their designees under s. 6.33 (5) (b), and shall specify a method for such allocation.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1975 c. 85; 1977 c. 394 ss. 21, 22, 53; 1999 a. 49; 2003 a. 265, 327; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1, 52, 96; 2011 a. 23, 75; 2013 a. 182; 2015 a. 118 ss. 73 to 75, 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 366.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 3.50, Wis. adm. code.

6.45  Access to registration list.
(1)  After the deadline for revision of the registration list, the municipal clerk shall make copies of the list for election use.
(1m) The registration list and any supplemental lists which are prepared at polling places or other registration locations under s. 6.55, shall be open to public inspection. Under the regulations prescribed by the municipal clerk, any person may copy the registration list at the office of the clerk. A registration list maintained at a polling place may be examined by any person who is observing the proceedings under s. 7.41 when such use does not interfere with the conduct of the election. This subsection does not apply to information that is confidential under s. 6.47.
(2) The municipal clerk shall furnish upon request to each candidate who has filed nomination papers for an office which represents at least part of the residents of the municipality one copy of the current registration list for those areas for which he or she is a candidate for a fee not to exceed the cost of reproduction. The clerk shall exclude information that is confidential under s. 6.47 (2) from copies of the list, except as authorized under s. 6.47 (8).
History: 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 394 s. 53; 1983 a. 484; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 38; 2013 a. 166.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 3.50, Wis. adm. code.

6.46  Poll lists; copying.
(1)  Poll lists shall be preserved by the municipal clerk until destruction or other disposition is authorized under s. 7.23.
(2) Poll lists shall be open to public inspection, except as provided in s. 6.47. The municipal clerk shall furnish upon request to each candidate who has filed nomination papers for an office which represents at least part of the municipality one copy of the current poll list for those areas for which he or she is a candidate for a fee not to exceed the cost of reproduction. If a copying machine is not accessible, the clerk shall remove the lists from the office for the purposes of copying, and return them immediately thereafter. The clerk shall exclude information that is confidential under s. 6.47 (2) from copies of the list, except as authorized under s. 6.47 (8).
History: 1975 c. 85, 199; 1999 a. 49.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 3.50, Wis. adm. code.

6.47  Confidentiality of information relating to victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
(1)  In this section:
(ag) “Domestic abuse victim service provider” means an organization that is certified by the department of children and families as eligible to receive grants under s. 49.165 (2) and whose name is included on the list provided by the commission under s. 7.08 (10).
(am) “Eligible individual” means:
1. An individual who has been granted a protective order that is in effect.
2. An individual who files an affidavit with the municipal clerk of the municipality where the individual resides, on a form prescribed by the commission, that is signed by a sheriff, the chief of a police department, or a district attorney or the authorized representative of a sheriff, chief, or district attorney and directed to the municipal clerk, and that verifies that a person has been charged with or convicted of an offense relating to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking in which the individual was a victim and reasonably continues to be threatened by that person.
3. An individual who resides in a shelter.
4. An individual who submits a dated statement to the municipal clerk that includes the individual’s full name, that is signed by an authorized representative of a domestic abuse victim service provider or a sexual assault victim service provider, and that indicates that the individual received services from the provider within the 24-month period ending on the date of the statement.
5. An individual who is a participant in the program established in s. 165.68.
(b) “Offense relating to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking” means an offense specified in s. 940.19, 940.20 (1m), 940.201, 940.22, 940.225, 940.235, 940.32, 947.013, 948.02, 948.025, 948.06, 948.085, 948.09, or 948.095.
(c) “Protected individual” means an individual whose name and address is confidential under sub. (2).
(d) “Protective order” means a temporary restraining order or an injunction issued under s. 813.12 or 813.125.
(dm) “Sexual assault victim service provider” means an organization that is certified by the department of justice as eligible to receive grants under s. 165.93 (2) and whose name is included on the list provided by the commission under s. 7.08 (10).
(e) “Shelter” means a place where at least 4 unrelated individuals reside that provides residential shelter to individuals whose personal security is or may be threatened by family members or other persons with whom the individuals have had contact.
(2) Except as authorized in sub. (8), the commission, each municipal clerk, each agent designated under s. 6.33 (5) (b), and each election official shall withhold from public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) the name and address of any eligible individual whose name appears on a poll list or registration list if the individual provides the municipal clerk with a valid written request to protect the individual’s confidentiality. To be valid, a request under this subsection must be accompanied by a copy of a protective order that is in effect, an affidavit under sub. (1) (am) 2. that is dated within 30 days of the date of the request, confirmation from the department of justice that the person is a program participant, as provided under s. 165.68 (4) (c), a statement signed by the operator or an authorized agent of the operator of a shelter that is dated within 30 days of the date of the request and that indicates that the operator operates the shelter and that the individual making the request resides in the shelter, or a statement signed by an authorized representative of a domestic abuse victim service provider or a sexual assault victim service provider under sub. (1) (am) 4. that is dated within 30 days of the date of the request. A physically disabled individual who appears personally at the office of the municipal clerk accompanied by another elector of this state may designate that elector to make a request under this subsection on his or her behalf.
(3) Upon receiving a valid written request from an elector under sub. (2), the municipal clerk shall issue to the elector a voting identification card on a form prescribed by the commission that shall contain the name of the elector’s municipality of residence and, in the case of a town, the county in which the town is located, the elector’s name, the ward in which the elector resides, if any, and a unique identification serial number issued by the commission. The number issued to an elector under this subsection shall not be changed for so long as the elector continues to qualify for a listing under sub. (2).
(4)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b) and sub. (5), a confidential listing under sub. (2) expires on the date that a protective order expires, the date that the protected individual ceases to reside in a shelter, the date that updated information is received from a sheriff, the chief of a police department, or a district attorney or the authorized representative of a sheriff, chief, or district attorney, or at the end of the 24-month period that follows creation or renewal of the listing under sub. (2), whichever is earlier.
(b) A confidential listing under sub. (2) that is issued to a program participant expires on the date the individual’s participation in the program expires pursuant to s. 165.68 (3) (b) 4. a. or on the date the individual cancels his or her participation in the program pursuant to s. 165.68 (3) (b) 4. f. or is disenrolled from the program pursuant to s. 165.68 (3) (b) 4. e.
(5)
(a) The municipal clerk shall cancel a confidential listing under sub. (2) if:
1. The clerk receives notification from a sheriff, chief of police, or district attorney or the authorized representative of a sheriff, chief, or district attorney under sub. (10).
2. The name of the protected individual is legally changed.
3. The protected individual changes his or her address without notifying the municipal clerk.
4. The municipal clerk finds that the protected individual provided false information to the clerk for the purpose of obtaining a confidential listing under sub. (2).
(b) An individual whose confidential listing is canceled under par. (a) may file a new request and qualify under sub. (2) to obtain a renewal of the listing.
(6) Upon expiration of a confidential listing on a registration list under sub. (2), the municipal clerk shall change the registration of the protected individual to ineligible status unless the individual files a new request and qualifies under sub. (2) to obtain a renewal of the listing or unless the individual applies for and qualifies to obtain a nonconfidential voter registration. Except as authorized in sub. (8), the municipal clerk shall withhold from public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) the name and address of any individual whose registration is changed under this subsection if the individual qualified for a confidential listing at the time of that listing.
(7)
(a) If the municipal clerk has notice that a confidential listing under sub. (2) is scheduled to expire, the municipal clerk shall provide 30 days’ notice to the protected individual of the scheduled expiration of the listing.
(b) If notice to a protected individual is not provided under par. (a), the municipal clerk shall provide notice to the subject individual upon changing a listed individual to ineligible status under sub. (6).
(8) The municipal clerk shall provide access to a name and address under sub. (2):
(a) To a law enforcement officer for official purposes.
(b) To a state or local governmental officer pursuant to a specific law that necessitates obtaining the name or address.
(c) Pursuant to a court order citing a reason that access to the name or address should be provided.
(e) At the request of a protected individual, for purposes of permitting that individual to sign a petition under s. 59.05 (2).
(9) No person who obtains access to a name or address under sub. (8) may disclose the name or address to any person other than a public employee for the same purpose for which the information was obtained.
(10) If a sheriff, chief of a police department, or district attorney has signed or the authorized representative of a sheriff, chief, or district attorney has signed an affidavit under sub. (1) (am) 2. and the sheriff, chief, district attorney or authorized representative later obtains information that the person who was charged with an offense relating to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking is no longer so charged or that the person’s judgment of conviction has been vacated, and the charge or conviction was the sole basis for the affidavit, the sheriff, chief, district attorney or authorized representative shall provide written notice of that information to the municipal clerk to whom the affidavit was directed.
History: 1999 a. 49, 186; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 253, 277, 278; 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 180; 2013 a. 362; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 356, 372; 2017 a. 144.

6.48  Challenging registration.
(1)  General procedure.
(a) Any registered elector of a municipality may challenge the registration of any other registered elector by submitting to the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners in cities of more than 500,000 population an affidavit stating that the elector is not qualified to vote and the reasons therefor. The clerk or director, upon receipt of the affidavit, shall mail a notification of the challenge to the challenged elector, at his or her registered address.
(b) The challenged and challenging electors shall appear before the municipal clerk within one week of notification or arrange under sub. (2) to appear before the board of election commissioners. The challenging elector shall make an affidavit answering any questions necessary to determine the challenged elector’s qualifications. Judgment rests with the municipal clerk and decisions shall be rendered as soon as heard. If the clerk cannot resolve the issue or has reservations as to the answers, the clerk may require the challenging elector to take the oath under s. 6.925. If the challenged elector appears and contests any answer of the challenging elector, the clerk may require the challenged elector to take the oath under s. 6.94 and to answer any question necessary to determine the challenged elector’s qualifications. If the challenging elector appears before the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners but the challenged elector fails to appear, such clerk or board may make the decision without consulting the challenged elector. If the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners does not sustain the challenge, the challenged elector’s registration remains valid.
(c) If the challenging elector fails to appear before the municipal clerk within one week or in cities of more than 500,000 population fails to appear before the board of election commissioners under sub. (2) to answer questions and take the oath under s. 6.925, such clerk or board shall cancel the challenge.
(d) If the clerk determines that the challenged elector is not qualified, the clerk shall change the challenged elector’s registration from eligible to ineligible status on the registration list and notify the inspectors for the ward or election district where the elector was registered.
(2) Special procedure in populous cities.
(a) In cities of more than 500,000 population, objections may be made before the board of election commissioners which shall sit on the last Wednesday before each election from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to hear objections then made or deferred under sub. (1). If all the objections cannot then be determined, the commissioners shall sit during the same hours the next day.
(b) Upon appearing in person, objectors shall be examined, under oath, by the commissioners and testimony taken. Judgment rests with the board of election commissioners and decisions shall be rendered as soon as heard. All cases are heard and decided summarily. The commissioners shall determine whether the person objected to is qualified. If they determine that a person is not qualified, the executive director of the board of election commissioners shall change the elector from eligible to ineligible status on the registration list and shall notify the proper ward officials of the change immediately.
(3) Challenge based on incompetency. Section 6.03 (3) applies to any challenge which is made to registration based on an allegation that an elector is incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process and thereby ineligible for registration.
(4) Disqualification. The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners may not disqualify an elector under this section except upon the grounds and in accordance with the procedure specified in s. 6.325.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 110; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 2003 a. 265.

6.50  Revision of registration list.
(1)  No later than June 15 following each general election, the commission shall examine the registration records for each municipality and identify each elector who has not voted within the previous 4 years if qualified to do so during that entire period and shall mail a notice to the elector in substantially the following form:
“NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF
REGISTRATION
You are hereby notified that your voter registration will be suspended, according to state law, for failure to vote within the previous 4-year period, unless you apply for continuation of your registration within 30 days. You may continue your registration by signing the statement below and returning it to the office of the municipal clerk …. (mailing address and telephone number of office of municipal clerk or board of election commissioners) by mail or in person.
APPLICATION FOR CONTINUATION
OF REGISTRATION
I hereby certify that I still reside at the address at which I am registered and apply for continuation of registration.
Signed ….
Present Address ….
If you have changed your residence within this municipality or changed your name, please contact the office of the municipal clerk …. (mailing address and telephone number of office of municipal clerk or board of election commissioners) to complete a change of name or address form.
[Office of clerk or board of election commissioners
Address
Telephone]”.
(2) If an elector to whom a notice of suspension was mailed under sub. (1) has not applied for continuation of registration within 30 days of the date of mailing, the commission shall change the registration status of that elector from eligible to ineligible on the day that falls 30 days after the date of mailing.
(2g) The commission may delegate to a municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality the responsibility to change the registration status of electors when required under sub. (2).
(2r) As soon as practicable, but no later than August 1 following the completion of the process under subs. (1) and (2), the commission shall publish on its Internet site the following information obtained through that process:
(a) The number of notices mailed under sub. (1).
(b) The number of notices described under par. (a) that were returned to the commission as undeliverable.
(c) The number of notices described under par. (a) that were returned requesting continuation of registration.
(d) The number of notices described under par. (a) that were returned requesting cancellation of registration.
(e) The number of notices described under par. (a) that were returned with an indication that the named elector is deceased.
(f) The number of notices described under par. (a) that were not returned.
(g) The number of electors who received notices under sub. (1) and whose status changed from eligible to ineligible.
(h) Any other information requested by the legislature or that the commission considers relevant.
(3) Upon receipt of reliable information that a registered elector has changed his or her residence to a location outside of the municipality, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall notify the elector by mailing a notice by 1st class mail to the elector’s registration address stating the source of the information. All municipal departments and agencies receiving information that a registered elector has changed his or her residence shall notify the clerk or board of election commissioners. If the elector no longer resides in the municipality or fails to apply for continuation of registration within 30 days of the date the notice is mailed, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall change the elector’s registration from eligible to ineligible status. Upon receipt of reliable information that a registered elector has changed his or her residence within the municipality, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall change the elector’s registration and mail the elector a notice of the change. This subsection does not restrict the right of an elector to challenge any registration under s. 6.325, 6.48, 6.925, 6.93, or 7.52 (5).
(4) The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall change the registration of deceased electors from eligible to ineligible status by means of checking vital statistics reports. No notice need be sent of registration changes made under this subsection.
(5) The registration of any elector whose address is listed at a building which has been condemned for human habitation by the municipality under s. 66.0413 (1) (j) shall be investigated by the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners. If the clerk or board of election commissioners can find no reason why the registration of such an elector should not be changed from eligible to ineligible status, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall change the elector’s registration status. If the elector has left a forwarding address with the U.S. postal service, a notice of change in status shall be mailed by the clerk or board of election commissioners to the forwarding address.
(6) The municipal clerk, upon authorization by an elector, shall change the elector’s registration from eligible to ineligible status.
(7) When an elector’s registration is changed from eligible to ineligible status, the commission, municipal clerk, or board of election commissioners shall make an entry on the registration list, giving the date of and reason for the change.
(8) Any municipal governing body may direct the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners to arrange with the U.S. postal service pursuant to applicable federal regulations, to receive change of address information with respect to individuals residing within the municipality for revision of the elector registration list. If required by the U.S. postal service, the governing body may create a registration commission consisting of the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners and 2 other electors of the municipality appointed by the clerk or executive director for the purpose of making application for address changes and processing the information received. The municipal clerk or executive director shall act as chairperson of the commission. Any authorization under this subsection shall be for a definite period or until the municipal governing body otherwise determines. The procedure shall apply uniformly to the entire municipality whenever used. The procedure shall provide for receipt of complete change of address information on an automatic basis, or not less often than once every 2 years during the 60 days preceding the close of registration for the partisan primary. If a municipality adopts the procedure for obtaining address corrections under this subsection, it need not comply with the procedure for mailing address verification cards under subs. (1) and (2).
(10) Any qualified elector whose registration is changed from eligible to ineligible status under this section may reregister as provided under s. 6.28 (1), 6.29 (2), or 6.55 (2), or, if the elector has a current and valid operator’s license issued to the elector under ch. 343 or a current and valid identification card issued under s. 343.50, may reregister under s. 6.30 (5).
History: 1971 c. 242; 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1971 c. 336 s. 37; 1973 c. 164; 1975 c. 85, 199, 200; 1977 c. 394 ss. 27, 53; 1979 c. 260; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 2003 a. 265, 326; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 75; 2013 a. 149; 2015 a. 118 ss. 76, 77, 266 (10); 2015 a. 261.

6.54  Failure to register; rights. No name may be added to the registration list after the close of registration, but any person whose name is not on the registration list but who is otherwise a qualified elector is entitled to vote at the election upon compliance with s. 6.29 or 6.55.
History: 1985 a. 304 s. 60.

6.55  Polling place registration; voting by certification.
(2)
(a) Except where the procedure under par. (c) or (cm) is employed, any person who qualifies as an elector in the ward or election district where he or she desires to vote, but has not previously filed a registration form, or was registered at another location, may request permission to vote at the polling place for that ward or election district, or at an alternate polling place assigned under s. 5.25 (5) (b). When a proper request is made, the inspector shall require the person to execute a registration form prescribed by the commission. The registration form shall be completed in the manner provided under s. 6.33 (2) and shall contain all information required under s. 6.33 (1), together with the following certification:
“I, …., hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, I am a qualified elector, having resided at …. for at least 28 consecutive days immediately preceding this election, and I have not voted at this election.”
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(b) Upon executing the registration form under par. (a), the elector shall provide proof of residence under s. 6.34. The signing by the elector executing the registration form shall be in the presence of the election registration official or inspector. Upon receipt of the registration form, the official or inspector shall enter both the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document, and, if the identifying document includes a number that applies only to the individual holding that document, that number in the space provided on the form. The official or inspector shall then print his or her name on and sign the form, indicating that the official or inspector has accepted the form. Upon compliance with this procedure, the elector shall be permitted to cast his or her vote, if the elector complies with all other requirements for voting at the polling place.
(c)
1. As an alternative to registration at the polling place under pars. (a) and (b), the board of election commissioners, or the governing body of any municipality, may by resolution require a person who qualifies as an elector and who is not registered and desires to register on the day of an election to do so at another readily accessible location in the same building as the polling place serving the elector’s residence or at an alternate polling place assigned under s. 5.25 (5) (b), instead of at the polling place serving the elector’s residence. In such case, the municipal clerk shall prominently post a notice of the registration location at the polling place. An eligible elector who desires to register shall execute a registration form as prescribed under par. (a) and provide proof of residence as provided under s. 6.34. The signing by the person executing the registration form shall be in the presence of the municipal clerk, deputy clerk, or election registration official. Upon receipt of the registration form, the municipal clerk, deputy clerk, or election registration official shall enter the type of identifying document submitted by the elector as proof of residence, the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document, and, if the identifying document includes a number that applies only to the individual holding that document, the last 4 digits of that number in the space provided on the form. If the number on the identifying document submitted by the elector has 6 or fewer digits, the clerk shall enter only the last 2 digits of that number. The municipal clerk, the deputy clerk, or the election registration official shall then print his or her name and sign the form, indicating that the clerk, deputy clerk, or official has accepted the form. Upon proper completion of registration, the municipal clerk, deputy clerk, or election registration official shall serially number the registration and give one copy to the person for presentation at the polling place serving the person’s residence or an alternate polling place assigned under s. 5.25 (5) (b).
2. Upon compliance with the procedures under subd. 1., the municipal clerk or deputy clerk shall issue a certificate addressed to the inspectors of the proper polling place directing that the elector be permitted to cast his or her vote if the elector complies with all requirements for voting at the polling place. The clerk shall enter the name and address of the elector on the face of the certificate. The certificate shall be numbered serially and prepared in duplicate. The municipal clerk shall preserve one copy in his or her office.
3. The elector, at the time he or she appears to vote at the polling place, shall deliver the certificate issued under subd. 2. to the inspectors.
(cm) If an elector who is not registered wishes to obtain a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2), the elector shall register at the office of the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides. Upon completion of registration, the municipal clerk or a deputy clerk shall serially number the registration form and issue a voting identification card to the elector under s. 6.47 (3). The elector may vote at the polling place serving his or her residence by presenting the identification card or by providing his or her name and identification serial number to the inspectors.
(cs) The commission shall provide to each municipal clerk a list prepared for use at each polling place showing the name and address of each person whose name appears on the list provided by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20m) as ineligible to vote on the date of the election, whose address is located in the area served by that polling place, and whose name does not appear on the poll list for that polling place. Prior to permitting an elector to register to vote under this subsection or s. 6.86 (3) (a) 2., the inspectors or election registration officials shall review the list. If the name of an elector who wishes to register to vote appears on the list, the inspectors or election registration officials shall inform the elector or the elector’s agent that the elector is ineligible to register to vote. If the elector or the elector’s agent maintains that the elector is eligible to vote in the election, the inspectors or election registration officials shall permit the elector to register but shall mark the elector’s registration form as “ineligible to vote per Department of Corrections.” If the elector wishes to vote, the inspectors shall require the elector to vote by ballot and shall challenge the ballot as provided in s. 6.79 (2) (dm).
(d) A registered elector who has changed his or her name but resides at the same address, and has not previously provided notice of the change to the municipal clerk, shall notify the inspector of the change before voting. The inspector shall then notify the municipal clerk at the time when materials are returned under s. 6.56 (1). If an elector has changed both a name and address, the elector shall register at the polling place or other registration location under pars. (a) and (b).
(3)
(a) Any qualified elector in the ward or election district where the elector desires to vote whose name does not appear on the registration list but who claims to be registered to vote in the election may request permission to vote at the polling place for that ward or election district. When the request is made, the inspector shall require the person to give his or her name and address. If the elector is not at the polling place which serves the ward or election district where the elector resides, the inspector shall provide the elector with directions to the correct polling place. If the elector is at the correct polling place, the elector shall complete registration as provided in sub. (2).
(b) Prior to permitting an elector to vote under this subsection, the inspectors shall review the list provided by the commission under sub. (2) (cs). If the name of the elector appears on the list, the inspectors shall inform the elector that he or she is ineligible to vote at the election. If the elector maintains that he or she is eligible to vote in the election, the inspectors shall permit the elector to vote, but shall require the elector to vote by ballot, and shall challenge the ballot as provided in s. 6.79 (2) (dm).
(5) Any person who violates this section may be punished as provided in ss. 12.13 (3) (g) and 12.60 (1) (b).
(6) Any of the registration duties of inspectors under sub. (2) may be carried out in the municipality by the municipal clerk. The municipal clerk, however, may not carry out the registration duties of the inspectors under sub. (2) if the municipal clerk is a candidate on the ballot for that election day.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 222; 1975 c. 85, 93, 199, 200; 1977 c. 394, 427; 1979 c. 311; 1981 c. 44 s. 3; 1981 c. 202 s. 23; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1999 a. 49, 186; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 96; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 182; 2015 a. 39; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 365 s. 110.

6.56  Verification of voters not appearing on list.
(1)  The list containing the names of persons voting under ss. 6.29 and 6.55 (2) shall be returned together with all forms and certificates to the municipal clerk.
(3) Upon receipt of the list under sub. (1), the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall make an audit of all electors registering to vote at the polling place or other registration location under s. 6.55 (2) and all electors registering by agent on election day under s. 6.86 (3) (a) 2. unless the clerk or board of election commissioners receives notice from the elections commission under sub. (7) that the elections commission will perform the audit. The audit shall be made by 1st class postcard. The postcard shall be marked in accordance with postal regulations to ensure that it will be returned to the clerk, board of election commissioners, or elections commission if the elector does not reside at the address given on the postcard. If any postcard is returned undelivered, or if the clerk, board of election commissioners, or elections commission is informed of a different address than the one specified by the elector which was apparently improper on the day of the election, the clerk, board of election commissioners, or elections commission shall change the status of the elector from eligible to ineligible on the registration list, mail the elector a notice of the change in status, and provide the name of the elector to the district attorney for the county where the polling place is located and the elections commission.
(3m) As soon as possible after all information relating to registrations after the close of registration for an election is entered on the registration list following the election under s. 6.33 (5) (a), the commission shall compare the list of new registrants whose names do not appear on the poll lists for the election because the names were added after the commission certified the poll lists for use at the election with the list containing the names transmitted to the commission by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20m) as of election day. If the commission finds that the name of any person whose name appears on the list transmitted under s. 301.03 (20m) has been added to the registration list, the commission shall enter on the list the information transmitted to the commission under s. 301.03 (20m)and shall notify the district attorney for the county where the polling place is located that the person appears to have voted illegally at the election.
(4) After each election, the municipal clerk shall perform an audit to assure that no person has been allowed to vote more than once. Whenever the municipal clerk has good reason to believe that a person has voted more than once in an election, the clerk shall send the person a 1st class letter marked in accordance with postal regulations to ensure that it will be returned to the clerk if the elector does not reside at the address given on the letter. The letter shall inform the person that all registrations relating to that person may be changed from eligible to ineligible status within 7 days unless the person contacts the office of the clerk to clarify the matter. A copy of the letter and of any subsequent information received from or about the addressee shall be sent to the district attorney for the county where the person resides and the commission.
(6) The municipal clerk may not disqualify an elector under this section except upon the grounds and in accordance with the procedures specified in s. 6.325.
(7) The commission may elect to perform the duties of municipal clerks to conduct the audits required under subs. (3) and (4) for any election on behalf of all municipalities in the state. If the commission so elects, the commission shall, no later than the date of the election for which the audits will be performed, notify the municipal clerk of each municipality that the commission will perform the audits.
History: 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 260; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 2001 a. 51; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 23; 2015 a. 118 ss. 78, 266 (10).

6.57  Registration list for special elections. The municipal clerk of each municipality where a special election is held nonconcurrently with a regularly scheduled election shall obtain a copies of the current registration list from the commission for use in the special election.
History: 1975 c. 85 s. 30; Stats. 1975 s. 6.57; 1977 c. 394; 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
SUBCHAPTER III
VOTING

6.76  Time off for voting.
(1)  Any person entitled to vote at an election is entitled to be absent from work while the polls are open for a period not to exceed 3 successive hours to vote. The elector shall notify the affected employer before election day of the intended absence. The employer may designate the time of day for the absence.
(2) No penalty, other than a deduction for time lost, may be imposed upon an elector by his or her employer by reason of the absence authorized by this section.
(3) This section applies to all employers including the state and all political subdivisions of the state and their employees, but does not affect the employees’ right to holidays existing on June 28, 1945, or established after that date.
History: 1977 c. 394; 1991 a. 316.

6.77  Place for voting.
(1)  An elector may vote only at the polling place for his or her residence designated by the governing body or board of election commissioners.
(2) Whenever territory which was formerly a part of one municipality becomes a part of another municipality, an elector of the territory shall vote in the municipality in which the territory is included on the day of the election.
History: 1975 c. 85; 1985 a. 304.

6.78  Poll hours.
(1m)  The polls at every election shall be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
(4) Any elector waiting to vote, whether within the polling booth or in the line outside the booth at the time the polls officially close, shall be permitted to vote.
History: 1985 a. 304; 1991 a. 316; 2005 a. 333.

6.79  Recording electors.
(1m)  Separate poll lists. The municipal clerk may elect to maintain the information on the poll list manually or electronically. If the clerk elects to maintain the list electronically, an election official at each election ward shall be in charge of and shall maintain the poll list. The system employed to maintain the list electronically is subject to the approval of the commission. If the clerk elects to maintain the information manually, 2 election officials at each election ward shall be in charge of and shall maintain 2 separate poll lists.
(2) Voting procedure.
(a) Unless information on the poll list is entered electronically, the municipal clerk shall supply the inspectors with 2 copies of the most current official registration list or lists prepared under s. 6.36(2)(a) for use as poll lists at the polling place. Except as provided in subs. (6) , (7), and (8), each eligible elector, before receiving a serial number, shall state his or her full name and address and present to the officials proof of identification. The officials shall verify that the name on the proof of identification presented by the elector conforms to the name on the poll list or separate list and shall verify that any photograph appearing on that document reasonably resembles the elector. The officials shall then require the elector to enter his or her signature on the poll list, supplemental list, or separate list maintained under par. (c) unless the elector is exempt from the signature requirement under s. 6.36(2)(a). The officials shall verify that the name and address stated by the elector conform to the elector’s name and address on the poll list.
(am) If an elector previously signed his or her registration form or is exempt from a registration requirement and is unable, due to physical disability, to enter his or her signature at the election, the officials shall waive the signature requirement if the officials determine that the elector is unable, due to physical disability, to enter his or her signature. In this case, the officials shall enter next to the name and address of the elector on the poll, supplemental, or separate list the words “exempt by order of inspectors”. If both officials do not waive the signature requirement and the elector wishes to vote, the official or officials who do not waive the requirement shall require the elector to vote by ballot and shall challenge the elector’s ballot as provided in s. 6.92 and treat the ballot in the manner provided in s. 6.95. The challenged elector may then provide evidence of his or her physical disability to the board of canvassers charged with initially canvassing the returns prior to the completion of the initial canvass.
(b) Upon the poll list, after the name of each elector, the officials shall enter a serial number for each elector in the order that votes are cast, beginning with number one.
(c) The officials shall maintain separate lists for electors who are voting under s. 6.15, 6.29, or 6.55 (2) or (3) and electors who are reassigned from another polling place under s. 5.25 (5) (b) and shall enter the full name, address, and serial number of each of these electors on the appropriate separate list. Alternatively, if the poll list is maintained electronically, the officials may enter on the poll list the information that would otherwise appear on a separate list if the information that would be obtainable from a separate list is entered on the poll list.
(d) If the poll list indicates that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the proof of identification document provided by the elector under par. (a) does not constitute proof of residence under s. 6.34, the officials shall require the elector to provide proof of residence. If proof of residence is provided, the officials shall enter both the type of identifying document submitted as proof of residence and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document in the space provided on the poll list and shall verify that the name and address on the identifying document is the same as the name and address shown on the registration list. If proof of residence is required and not provided, or if the elector does not present proof of identification under par. (a), whenever required, the officials shall offer the opportunity for the elector to vote under s. 6.97.
(dm) If the poll list indicates that the elector is ineligible to vote because the elector’s name appears on the current list provided by the department of corrections under s. 301.03 (20m), the inspectors shall inform the elector of this fact. If the elector maintains that he or she is eligible to vote in the election, the inspectors shall provide the elector with a ballot and, after the elector casts his or her vote, shall challenge the ballot as provided in s. 6.92 and treat the ballot in the manner provided in s. 6.95.
(e) The officials shall then provide each elector with a slip bearing the same serial number as is recorded for the elector upon the poll list or separate list.
(3) Refusal to provide name, address, or proof of identification.
(a) Except as provided in sub. (6), if any elector offering to vote at any polling place refuses to give his or her name and address, the elector may not be permitted to vote.
(b) If proof of identification under sub. (2) is not presented by the elector, if the name appearing on the document presented does not conform to the name on the poll list or separate list, or if any photograph appearing on the document does not reasonably resemble the elector, the elector shall not be permitted to vote, except as authorized under sub. (6) or (7), but if the elector is entitled to cast a provisional ballot under s. 6.97, the officials shall offer the opportunity for the elector to vote under s. 6.97.
(4) Supplemental information. When any elector provides proof of residence under s. 6.15, 6.29 or 6.55 (2), the election officials shall enter both the type of identifying document provided and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document on the poll list, or separate list maintained under sub. (2) (c). When any person offering to vote has been challenged and taken the oath, following the person’s name on the poll list, the officials shall enter the word “Sworn”.
(6) Confidential names and addresses. An elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) may present his or her identification card issued under s. 6.47 (3), or give his or her name and identification serial number issued under s. 6.47 (3), in lieu of stating his or her name and address and presenting proof of identification under sub. (2). If the elector’s name and identification serial number appear on the confidential portion of the list, the inspectors shall issue a voting serial number to the elector, record that number on the poll list and permit the elector to vote.
(7) License surrender. If an elector receives a citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend an operator’s license from a law enforcement officer in any jurisdiction that is dated within 60 days of the date of an election and is required to surrender his or her operator’s license or driving receipt issued to the elector under ch. 343 at the time the citation or notice is issued, the elector may present an original copy of the citation or notice in lieu of an operator’s license or driving receipt issued under ch. 343. In such case, the elector shall cast his or her ballot under s. 6.965.(8) Voter unable to state name and address. An elector is not required to state his or her name and address under sub. (2)(a) if the elector is unable to do so, but an election official, or another person selected by the elector, shall state the elector’s name and address after the election official verifies the elector’s proof of identification under sub. (2)(a).

History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1975 c. 85, 199, 200; 1977 c. 394, 447; 1979 c. 260, 311, 355; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 38, 51; 2003 a. 265, 327; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 96; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 182; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2019 a. 48.
Requiring photo identification as proof of identification is not facially unconstitutional. It is clearly within the legislature’s province to require any person offering to vote to furnish such proof as it deems requisite that he is a qualified elector. Requiring a potential voter to identify himself or herself as a qualified elector through acceptable photo identification does not impose an elector qualification in addition to those set out in Article III, Section 1, of the Wisconsin Constitution. The requirement comes within the legislature’s authority to enact laws providing for the registration of electors under Article III, Section 2, because acceptable photo identification is the mode by which election officials verify that a potential voter is the elector listed on the registration list. League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network, Inc. v. Walker, 2014 WI 97, 357 Wis. 2d 360, 851 N.W.2d 302, 12-0584.
The burdens of time and inconvenience associated with obtaining acceptable photo identification as proof of identification are not undue burdens on the right to vote and do not render the law invalid. Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP v. Walker, 2014 WI 98, 357 Wis. 2d 469, 851 N.W.2d 262, 12-1652.
Even rational restrictions on the right to vote are invidious if they are unrelated to voter qualifications. However evenhanded restrictions that protect the integrity and reliability of the electoral process itself are not invidious. An Indiana statute requiring citizens voting in person on election day, or casting a ballot in person at the office of the circuit court clerk prior to election day, to present photo identification issued by the government did not violate constitutional standards. Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, 553 U.S. 181, 128 S. Ct. 1610, 170 L. Ed. 2d 574, (2008).
2011 Wisconsin Act 23, which created requirements that voters present photo identification in order to vote at a polling place or obtain an absentee ballot, does not violate either section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, or the U.S. Constitution. Frank v. Walker, 768 F.3d 744 (2014).

6.80  Mechanics of voting.
(1)  Voting booth or machine use. Only one individual at a time is permitted to occupy a voting booth or machine, except that an elector who is a parent or guardian may be accompanied by the elector’s minor child or minor ward, and an elector who qualifies for assistance under s. 6.82 (2) may be assisted as provided in that subsection.
(2) Method of voting.
(a) Upon receiving his or her ballot and without leaving the polling place, the elector shall enter an unoccupied voting booth or machine alone to cast his or her vote, except as authorized in sub. (1). An elector may use or copy an unofficial sample ballot which may be marked in advance of entering the polling place, but an elector may not use or bring into the polling place any ballot printed upon paper of the type required or utilized for official ballots at that polling place.
(am) In partisan primaries, an elector may vote for a person as the candidate of the party of the elector’s choice, if that person’s name does not appear on the official ballot of that party, by writing in the name of the person in the space provided on the ballot or the ballot provided for that purpose, or where voting machines are used, in the irregular ballot device, designating the party for which the elector desires such person to be the nominee.
(b) After preparing his or her ballot, unless the ballot is intended for counting with automatic tabulating equipment, the elector shall fold it so its face will be concealed.
(c) Any elector who, by accident or mistake, spoils or erroneously prepares a ballot may receive another, by returning the defective ballot, but not to exceed 3 ballots in all.
(d) If an elector receives a ballot which is not initialed by 2 inspectors, or is defective in any other way, the elector shall return it to the inspectors. If the initials are missing, the inspectors shall supply the missing initials. If the ballot is defective, they shall destroy it and issue another ballot to the elector.
(e) Upon voting his or her ballot, the elector shall publicly and in person deposit it into the ballot box or deliver it to an inspector, who shall deposit the ballot into the ballot box.
(f) In the presidential preference primary and other partisan primary elections at polling places where ballots are distributed to electors, unless the ballots are prepared under s. 5.655 or are utilized with an electronic voting system in which all candidates appear on the same ballot, after the elector prepares his or her ballot the elector shall detach the remaining ballots, fold the ballots to be discarded and fold the completed ballot unless the ballot is intended for counting with automatic tabulating equipment. The elector shall then either personally deposit the ballots to be discarded into the separate ballot box marked “blank ballot box” and deposit the completed ballot into the ballot box indicated by the inspectors, or give the ballots to an inspector who shall deposit the ballots directly into the appropriate ballot boxes. The inspectors shall keep the blank ballot box locked until the canvass is completed and shall dispose of the blank ballots as prescribed by the municipal clerk.
(3) Time in booth or machine.
(a) Each elector shall be allowed a reasonable time to vote. Unless otherwise specified for that election, a majority of the inspectors shall determine the time each elector shall have to mark the ballot, taking into consideration the size of the ballot and the number of electors in line waiting to vote. In no case shall the time be less than one minute. If there are electors in line waiting to vote, the time shall not exceed 5 minutes.
(b) If an elector refuses to leave the booth or machine after being notified by one of the inspectors that the time has expired, the elector shall be removed by the inspectors.
History: 1977 c. 427 ss. 40, 41, 132; 1979 c. 311; 1981 c. 377, 391; 1983 a. 484 ss. 45m, 172 (3); 1985 a. 304; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 182.

6.82  Assisting electors.
(1)  Receipt of ballot at poll entrance.
(a) When any inspectors are informed that an eligible elector is at the entrance to the polling place who as a result of disability is unable to enter the polling place, they shall permit the elector to be assisted in marking a ballot by any individual selected by the elector, except the elector’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector. Except as authorized in s. 6.79 (6) and (7), the individual selected by the elector shall present to the inspectors proof of identification and, if the proof of identification does not constitute proof of residence under s. 6.34, shall also provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 for the assisted elector and all other information necessary for the elector to obtain a ballot under s. 6.79 (2). The inspectors shall verify that the name on the proof of identification presented by the person assisting the elector conforms to the elector’s name on the poll list or separate list, shall verify that any photograph appearing on that document reasonably resembles the elector, and shall enter both the type of identifying document submitted by the assisted elector as proof of residence and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document in the space provided on the poll list or separate list. The inspectors shall then issue a ballot to the individual selected by the elector and shall accompany the individual to the polling place entrance where the assistance is to be given. If the ballot is a paper ballot, the assisting individual shall fold the ballot after the ballot is marked by the assisting individual. The assisting individual shall then immediately take the ballot into the polling place and give the ballot to an inspector. The inspector shall distinctly announce that he or she has “a ballot offered by …. (stating person’s name), an elector who, as a result of disability, is unable to enter the polling place without assistance”. The inspector shall then ask, “Does anyone object to the reception of this ballot?” If no objection is made, the inspectors shall record the elector’s name under s. 6.79 and deposit the ballot in the ballot box, and shall make a notation on the poll list: “Ballot received at poll entrance”.
(b) If objection to receiving the ballot is made by any qualified elector present, the inspectors shall receive the ballot under s. 6.95.
(2) Aid in marking ballot.
(a) If an elector declares to the presiding election official that he or she cannot read or write, or has difficulty in reading, writing or understanding English or that due to disability is unable to mark a ballot or depress a button or lever on a voting machine, the elector shall be informed by the officials that he or she may have assistance. When assistance is requested, the elector may select any individual to assist in casting his or her vote. The selected individual rendering assistance may not be the elector’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector. The selected individual shall certify on the back of the ballot that it was marked with his or her assistance. Where voting machines are used, certification shall be made on the registration list.
(b) The individual chosen shall enter the voting booth or machine with the elector and shall read the names of all candidates on the ballot for each office, and ask, “For which one do you vote?”. The ballot shall be marked or the lever or button depressed according to the elector’s expressed preference. The individual selected to assist may not disclose to anyone how the elector voted.
(c) Intoxication shall not be regarded as a disability.
(d) The election officials shall enter upon the poll list after the name of any elector who had assistance in voting the word “assisted”. The officials shall also record on the poll list the full name and address of the individual who renders assistance.
(3) Use of paper ballots. Whenever, in a municipality in which voting machines are used, an elector declares to the chief inspector that, due to physical disability, the elector is unable to depress a button or lever on a voting machine, the inspectors shall permit the elector to vote using a paper ballot and voting booth.
(4) Solicitation prohibited. No election official or other person assisting an elector under this section or s. 5.79 may request, suggest or seek to persuade an elector to cast a vote for or against any candidate, party or question.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1975 c. 85, 199, 275; 1977 c. 26; 1977 c. 394 s. 53; 1979 c. 260, 311, 355; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 182.
An elector with dyslexia may qualify for voter assistance under sub. (2), [1971 stats.]. 62 Atty. Gen. 195.

SUBCHAPTER IV- VOTING ABSENTEE

6.84  Construction.
(1)  Legislative policy. The legislature finds that voting is a constitutional right, the vigorous exercise of which should be strongly encouraged. In contrast, voting by absentee ballot is a privilege exercised wholly outside the traditional safeguards of the polling place. The legislature finds that the privilege of voting by absentee ballot must be carefully regulated to prevent the potential for fraud or abuse; to prevent overzealous solicitation of absent electors who may prefer not to participate in an election; to prevent undue influence on an absent elector to vote for or against a candidate or to cast a particular vote in a referendum; or other similar abuses.
(2) Interpretation. Notwithstanding s. 5.01 (1), with respect to matters relating to the absentee ballot process, ss. 6.86, 6.87 (3) to (7) and 9.01 (1) (b) 2. and 4. shall be construed as mandatory. Ballots cast in contravention of the procedures specified in those provisions may not be counted. Ballots counted in contravention of the procedures specified in those provisions may not be included in the certified result of any election.
History: 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391.

6.85  Absent elector; definition.
(1)  An absent elector is any otherwise qualified elector who for any reason is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place in his or her ward or election district.
(2) Any otherwise qualified elector who changes residence within this state by moving to a different ward or municipality later than 28 days prior to an election may vote an absentee ballot in the ward or municipality where he or she was qualified to vote before moving.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(3) An elector qualifying under this section may vote by absentee ballot under ss. 6.86 to 6.89.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 232; 1983 a. 484; 1999 a. 182; 2011 a. 23.
Voter residency and absentee voting is discussed. 60 Atty. Gen. 214.

6.855  Alternate absentee ballot site.
(1)  The governing body of a municipality may elect to designate a site other than the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners as the location from which electors of the municipality may request and vote absentee ballots and to which voted absentee ballots shall be returned by electors for any election. The designated site shall be located as near as practicable to the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners and no site may be designated that affords an advantage to any political party. An election by a governing body to designate an alternate site under this section shall be made no fewer than 14 days prior to the time that absentee ballots are available for the primary under s. 7.15 (1) (cm), if a primary is scheduled to be held, or at least 14 days prior to the time that absentee ballots are available for the election under s. 7.15 (1) (cm), if a primary is not scheduled to be held, and shall remain in effect until at least the day after the election. If the governing body of a municipality makes an election under this section, no function related to voting and return of absentee ballots that is to be conducted at the alternate site may be conducted in the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners.
(2) The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall prominently display a notice of the designation of the alternate site selected under sub. (1) in the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners beginning on the date that the site is designated under sub. (1) and continuing through the period that absentee ballots are available for the election and for any primary under s. 7.15 (1) (cm). If the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners maintains a website on the Internet, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall post a notice of the designation of the alternate site selected under sub. (1) on the website during the same period that notice is displayed in the office of the clerk or board of election commissioners.
(3) An alternate site under sub. (1) shall be staffed by the municipal clerk or the executive director of the board of election commissioners, or employees of the clerk or the board of election commissioners.
(4) An alternate site under sub. (1) shall be accessible to all individuals with disabilities.
(5) A governing body may designate more than one alternate site under sub. (1).
History: 2005 a. 451; 2017 a. 365 s. 112; 2017 a. 369.

6.86  Methods for obtaining an absentee ballot.
(1)
(a) Any elector of a municipality who is registered to vote whenever required and who qualifies under ss. 6.20 and 6.85 as an absent elector may make written application to the municipal clerk of that municipality for an official ballot by one of the following methods:
1. By mail.
2. In person at the office of the municipal clerk or at an alternate site under s. 6.855, if applicable.
3. By signing a statement and filing a request to receive absentee ballots under sub. (2) or (2m) (a) or s. 6.22 (4), 6.24 (4), or 6.25 (1) (c).
4. By agent as provided in sub. (3).
5. By delivering an application to a special voting deputy under s. 6.875 (6).
6. By electronic mail or facsimile transmission as provided in par. (ac).
(ac) Any elector qualifying under par. (a) may make written application to the municipal clerk for an official ballot by means of facsimile transmission or electronic mail. Any application under this paragraph need not contain a copy of the applicant’s original signature. An elector requesting a ballot under this paragraph shall return with the voted ballot a copy of the request bearing an original signature of the elector as provided in s. 6.87 (4). Except as authorized in ss. 6.87 (4) (b) 2. to 5. and 6.875 (6), and notwithstanding s. 343.43 (1) (f), the elector shall transmit a copy of his or her proof of identification in the manner provided in s. 6.87 (1) unless the elector is a military elector or an overseas elector or the elector has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2).
(ag) An elector who is unable to write his or her name due to physical disability may authorize an application to be made by another elector on his or her behalf. In such case, the application shall state that it is made on request and by authorization of a named elector who is unable to sign the application due to physical disability.
(ar) Except as authorized in s. 6.875 (6), the municipal clerk shall not issue an absentee ballot unless the clerk receives a written application therefor from a qualified elector of the municipality. The clerk shall retain each absentee ballot application until destruction is authorized under s. 7.23 (1). Except as authorized in s. 6.79 (6) and (7), if a qualified elector applies for an absentee ballot in person at the clerk’s office, the clerk shall not issue the elector an absentee ballot unless the elector presents proof of identification. The clerk shall verify that the name on the proof of identification presented by the elector conforms to the name on the elector’s application and shall verify that any photograph appearing on that document reasonably resembles the elector. The clerk shall then enter his or her initials on the certificate envelope indicating that the absentee elector presented proof of identification to the clerk.
(b) Except as provided in this section, if application is made by mail, the application shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on the 5th day immediately preceding the election. If application is made in person, the application shall be made no earlier than 14 days preceding the election and no later than the Sunday preceding the election. No application may be received on a legal holiday. A municipality shall specify the hours in the notice under s. 10.01 (2) (e). The municipal clerk or an election official shall witness the certificate for any in-person absentee ballot cast. Except as provided in par. (c), if the elector is making written application for an absentee ballot at the partisan primary, the general election, the presidential preference primary, or a special election for national office, and the application indicates that the elector is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), the application shall be received by the municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on election day. If the application indicates that the reason for requesting an absentee ballot is that the elector is a sequestered juror, the application shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on election day. If the application is received after 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election, the municipal clerk or the clerk’s agent shall immediately take the ballot to the court in which the elector is serving as a juror and deposit it with the judge. The judge shall recess court, as soon as convenient, and give the elector the ballot. The judge shall then witness the voting procedure as provided in s. 6.87 and shall deliver the ballot to the clerk or agent of the clerk who shall deliver it to the polling place or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal clerk as required in s. 6.88. If application is made under sub. (2) or (2m), the application may be received no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election.
(c) If an application is made by mail by a military elector, as defined in s. 6.22 (1) (b), the application shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election.
(2)
(a) An elector who is indefinitely confined because of age, physical illness or infirmity or is disabled for an indefinite period may by signing a statement to that effect require that an absentee ballot be sent to the elector automatically for every election. The application form and instructions shall be prescribed by the commission, and furnished upon request to any elector by each municipality. The envelope containing the absentee ballot shall be clearly marked as not forwardable. If any elector is no longer indefinitely confined, the elector shall so notify the municipal clerk.
(b) The mailing list established under this subsection shall be kept current through all possible means. If an elector fails to cast and return an absentee ballot received under this subsection, the clerk shall notify the elector by 1st class letter or postcard that his or her name will be removed from the mailing list unless the clerk receives a renewal of the application within 30 days of the notification. The clerk shall remove from the list the name of each elector who does not apply for renewal within the 30-day period. The clerk shall remove the name of any other elector from the list upon request of the elector or upon receipt of reliable information that an elector no longer qualifies for the service. The clerk shall notify the elector of such action not taken at the elector’s request within 5 days, if possible.
(2m)
(a) Except as provided in this subsection, any elector other than an elector who receives an absentee ballot under sub. (2) or s. 6.22 (4) or 6.24 (4) (c) may by written application filed with the municipal clerk of the municipality where the elector resides require that an absentee ballot be sent to the elector automatically for every election that is held within the same calendar year in which the application is filed. The application form and instructions shall be prescribed by the commission, and furnished upon request to any elector by each municipal clerk. The municipal clerk shall thereupon mail an absentee ballot to the elector for all elections that are held in the municipality during the same calendar year that the application is filed, except that the clerk shall not send an absentee ballot for an election if the elector’s name appeared on the registration list in eligible status for a previous election following the date of the application but no longer appears on the list in eligible status. The municipal clerk shall ensure that any envelope containing the absentee ballot is clearly marked as not forwardable. If an elector who files an application under this subsection no longer resides at the same address that is indicated on the application form, the elector shall so notify the municipal clerk. The municipal clerk shall discontinue mailing absentee ballots to an elector under this subsection upon receipt of reliable information that the elector no longer qualifies as an elector of the municipality. In addition, the municipal clerk shall discontinue mailing absentee ballots to an elector under this subsection if the elector fails to return any absentee ballot mailed to the elector. The municipal clerk shall notify the elector of any such action not taken at the elector’s request within 5 days, if possible. An elector who fails to cast an absentee ballot but who remains qualified to receive absentee ballots under this subsection may then receive absentee ballots for subsequent elections by notifying the municipal clerk that the elector wishes to continue receiving absentee ballots for subsequent elections.
(b) If a municipal clerk is notified by an elector that the elector’s residence is changed to another municipality within this state, the clerk shall forward the request to the municipal clerk of that municipality and that municipal clerk shall honor the request, except as provided in this subsection.
(3)
(a)
1. Any elector who is registered and who is hospitalized, may apply for and obtain an official ballot by agent. The agent may apply for and obtain a ballot for the hospitalized absent elector by presenting a form prescribed by the commission and containing the required information supplied by the hospitalized elector and signed by that elector, unless the elector is unable to sign due to physical disability. In this case, the elector may authorize another elector to sign on his or her behalf. Any elector signing an application on another elector’s behalf shall attest to a statement that the application is made on request and by authorization of the named elector, who is unable to sign the application due to physical disability. The agent shall present this statement along with all other information required under this subdivision. Except as authorized for an elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) or as authorized under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 4., the agent shall present any proof of identification required under sub. (1) (ar). The form shall include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that the agent presented proof of identification to the clerk on behalf of the elector.
2. If a hospitalized elector is not registered, the elector may register by agent under this subdivision at the same time that the elector applies for an official ballot by agent under subd. 1. To register the elector under this subdivision, the agent shall present a completed registration form that contains the required information supplied by the elector and the elector’s signature, unless the elector is unable to sign due to physical disability. In this case, the elector may authorize another elector to sign on his or her behalf. Any elector signing a form on another elector’s behalf shall attest to a statement that the application is made on request and by authorization of the named elector, who is unable to sign the form due to physical disability. The agent shall present this statement along with all other information required under this subdivision. The agent shall provide proof of the elector’s residence under s. 6.34.
(b) When each properly executed form and statement required under par. (a) is presented to the municipal clerk, if the elector who proposes to vote is qualified, an absentee ballot shall be issued and the name of such hospitalized elector shall be recorded by the clerk. An agent who is issued an absentee ballot under this section shall present documentation of his or her identity, provide his or her name and address, and attest to a statement that the ballot is received solely for the benefit of a named elector who is hospitalized, and the agent will promptly transmit the ballot to such person.
(c) An application under par. (a) 1. may be made and a registration form under par. (a) 2. may be filed in person at the office of the municipal clerk not earlier than 7 days before an election and not later than 5 p.m. on the day of the election. A list of hospitalized electors applying for ballots under par. (a) 1. shall be made by the municipal clerk and used to check that the electors vote only once, and by absentee ballot. If the elector is registering for the election after the close of registration or if the elector registered by mail and has not voted in an election in this state, the municipal clerk shall inform the agent that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the elector shall enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope with the ballot. The clerk shall verify that the name on any required proof of identification presented by the agent conforms to the name on the elector’s application. The clerk shall then enter his or her initials on the carrier envelope indicating that the agent presented proof of identification to the clerk. The agent is not required to enter a signature on the registration list. The ballot shall be sealed by the elector and returned to the municipal clerk either by mail or by personal delivery of the agent; but if the ballot is returned on the day of the election, the agent shall make personal delivery to the polling place serving the hospitalized elector’s residence before the closing hour or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal clerk no later than 8 p.m. on election day.
(4) If a municipality employs an electronic voting system which utilizes a ballot that is inserted into automatic tabulating equipment, the municipality may distribute ballots for utilization with the electronic voting system as absentee ballots or it may distribute paper ballots as absentee ballots.
(5) Whenever an elector returns a spoiled or damaged absentee ballot to the municipal clerk, or an elector’s agent under sub. (3) returns a spoiled or damaged ballot to the clerk on behalf of an elector, and the clerk believes that the ballot was issued to or on behalf of the elector who is returning it, the clerk shall issue a new ballot to the elector or elector’s agent, and shall destroy the spoiled or damaged ballot. Any request for a replacement ballot under this subsection must be made within the applicable time limits under subs. (1) and (3) (c).
(6) Except as authorized in sub. (5) and s. 6.87 (9), if an elector mails or personally delivers an absentee ballot to the municipal clerk, the municipal clerk shall not return the ballot to the elector. An elector who mails or personally delivers an absentee ballot to the municipal clerk at an election is not permitted to vote in person at the same election on election day.
(7) The clerk shall send or transmit an official absentee ballot no later than the deadline provided under s. 7.15 (1) (cm).
History: 1975 c. 85 ss. 37, 38, 65; 1975 c. 90, 199, 200, 275, 422; 1977 c. 394 ss. 14, 40, 41; 1979 c. 232, 311; 1981 c. 391; 1983 a. 183, 484; 1985 a. 304 ss. 69, 156; 1987 a. 391; 1995 a. 313; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 51; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23, 75, 115, 227; 2013 a. 146; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 209, 261; 2017 a. 369.
The sub. (1) (ar) requirement that an elector must apply for an absentee ballot is mandatory. The ballots of absentee voters who do not file a written application must not be included in certified election results. Lee v. Paulson, 2001 WI App 19, 241 Wis. 2d 38, 623 N.W.2d 577, 00-1626.
2011 Wisconsin Act 23, which created requirements that voters present photo identification in order to vote at a polling place or obtain an absentee ballot, does not violate either section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, or the U.S. Constitution. Frank v. Walker, 768 F.3d 744 (2014).

6.865  Federal absentee ballots.
(1)  In this section, “military elector” has the meaning given under s. 6.34 (1).
(2) A federal postcard registration and absentee ballot request form may be used to apply for an absentee ballot under s. 6.86 (1) if the form is completed in such manner that the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners with whom it is filed is able to determine that the applicant is an elector of this state and of the ward or election district where the elector seeks to vote.
(3m) A military elector may indicate an alternate address on his or her absentee ballot application. If the elector’s ballot is returned as undeliverable prior to the deadline for receipt and return of absentee ballots under s. 6.87 (6) and the elector remains eligible to receive absentee ballots under this subsection, the municipal clerk shall immediately send or transmit an absentee ballot to the elector at the alternate address.
(4) If the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners rejects a request for an absentee ballot from a military elector or an overseas elector, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall promptly inform the elector of the reason for the rejection.
History: 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 75; 2017 a. 369.

6.869  Uniform instructions. The commission shall prescribe uniform instructions for municipalities to provide to absentee electors. The instructions shall include the specific means of electronic communication that an absentee elector may use to file an application for an absentee ballot and, if the absentee elector is required to register, to request a registration form or change his or her registration. The instructions shall include information concerning whether proof of identification is required to be presented or enclosed. The instructions shall also include information concerning the procedure for correcting errors in marking a ballot and obtaining a replacement for a spoiled ballot. The procedure shall, to the extent possible, respect the privacy of each elector and preserve the confidentiality of each elector’s vote.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2011 a. 23, 75, 227; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

6.87  Absent voting procedure.
(1)  Upon proper request made within the period prescribed in s. 6.86, the municipal clerk or a deputy clerk authorized by the municipal clerk shall write on the official ballot, in the space for official endorsement, the clerk’s initials and official title. Unless application is made in person under s. 6.86 (1) (ar), the absent elector is exempted from providing proof of identification under sub. (4) (b) 2. or 3., or the applicant is a military or overseas elector, the absent elector shall enclose a copy of his or her proof of identification or any authorized substitute document with his or her application. The municipal clerk shall verify that the name on the proof of identification conforms to the name on the application. The clerk shall not issue an absentee ballot to an elector who is required to enclose a copy of proof of identification or an authorized substitute document with his or her application unless the copy is enclosed and the proof is verified by the clerk.
(2) Except as authorized under sub. (3) (d), the municipal clerk shall place the ballot in an unsealed envelope furnished by the clerk. The envelope shall have the name, official title and post-office address of the clerk upon its face. The other side of the envelope shall have a printed certificate which shall include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that if the absentee elector voted in person under s. 6.86 (1) (ar), the elector presented proof of identification to the clerk and the clerk verified the proof presented. The certificate shall also include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that the elector is exempt from providing proof of identification because the individual is a military elector or an overseas elector who does not qualify as a resident of this state under s. 6.10 or is exempted from providing proof of identification under sub. (4) (b) 2. or 3. The certificate shall be in substantially the following form:
[STATE OF ….
County of ….]
or
[(name of foreign country and city or other jurisdictional unit)]
I, …., certify subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) (b), Wis. Stats., for false statements, that I am a resident of the […. ward of the] (town) (village) of …., or of the …. aldermanic district in the city of …., residing at ….* in said city, the county of …., state of Wisconsin, and am entitled to vote in the (ward) (election district) at the election to be held on ….; that I am not voting at any other location in this election; that I am unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place in the (ward) (election district) on election day or have changed my residence within the state from one ward or election district to another later than 28 days before the election. I certify that I exhibited the enclosed ballot unmarked to the witness, that I then in (his) (her) presence and in the presence of no other person marked the ballot and enclosed and sealed the same in this envelope in such a manner that no one but myself and any person rendering assistance under s. 6.87 (5), Wis. Stats., if I requested assistance, could know how I voted.
Signed ….
Identification serial number, if any: ….
The witness shall execute the following:
I, the undersigned witness, subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) (b), Wis. Stats., for false statements, certify that I am an adult U.S. citizen** and that the above statements are true and the voting procedure was executed as there stated. I am not a candidate for any office on the enclosed ballot (except in the case of an incumbent municipal clerk). I did not solicit or advise the elector to vote for or against any candidate or measure.
….(Printed name)
….(Address)***
Signed ….
* — An elector who provides an identification serial number issued under s. 6.47 (3), Wis. Stats., need not provide a street address.
** — An individual who serves as a witness for a military elector or an overseas elector voting absentee, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of Wisconsin under s. 6.10, Wis. Stats., need not be a U.S. citizen but must be 18 years of age or older.
*** — If this form is executed before 2 special voting deputies under s. 6.875 (6), Wis. Stats., both deputies shall witness and sign.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(3)
(a) Except as authorized under par. (d) and as otherwise provided in s. 6.875, the municipal clerk shall mail the absentee ballot to the elector’s residence unless otherwise directed by the elector, or shall deliver it to the elector personally at the clerk’s office or at an alternate site under s. 6.855. If the ballot is mailed, and the ballot qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws, the clerk shall affix the appropriate legend required by U.S. postal regulations. Otherwise, the clerk shall pay the postage required for return when the ballot is mailed from within the United States. If the ballot is not mailed by the absentee elector from within the United States, the absentee elector shall provide return postage. If the ballot is delivered to the elector at the clerk’s office, or an alternate site under s. 6.855, the ballot shall be voted at the office or alternate site and may not be removed by the elector therefrom.
(b) No elector may direct that a ballot be sent to the address of a committee registered with the ethics commission under ch. 11 unless the elector permanently or temporarily resides at that address. Upon receipt of reliable information that an address given by an elector is not eligible to receive ballots under this subsection, the municipal clerk shall refrain from mailing or transmitting ballots to that address. Whenever possible, the municipal clerk shall notify an elector if his or her ballot cannot be mailed or transmitted to the address directed by the elector.
(d) A municipal clerk shall, if the clerk is reliably informed by a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), or an overseas elector, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, of a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address where the elector can receive an absentee ballot, transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the elector’s ballot to that elector in lieu of mailing under this subsection. An elector may receive an absentee ballot only if the elector is a military elector or an overseas elector and has filed a valid application for the ballot as provided in s. 6.86 (1). If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot to a military or overseas elector electronically, the clerk shall also transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the text of the material that appears on the certificate envelope prescribed in sub. (2), together with instructions prescribed by the commission. The instructions shall require the military or overseas elector to make and subscribe to the certification as required under sub. (4) (b) and to enclose the absentee ballot in a separate envelope contained within a larger envelope, that shall include the completed certificate. The elector shall then affix sufficient postage unless the absentee ballot qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws and shall mail the absentee ballot to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot received from a military or overseas elector who receives the ballot electronically shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and sub. (4)and in accordance with the instructions provided by the commission.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the prohibition on distributing absentee ballots by fax or email is unconstitutional.”
(4)
(a) In this subsection, “military elector” has the meaning given in s. 6.34 (1).
(b)
1. Except as otherwise provided in s. 6.875, an elector voting absentee, other than a military elector or an overseas elector, shall make and subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult U.S. citizen. A military elector or an overseas elector voting absentee, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, shall make and subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult but who need not be a U.S. citizen. The absent elector, in the presence of the witness, shall mark the ballot in a manner that will not disclose how the elector’s vote is cast. The elector shall then, still in the presence of the witness, fold the ballots so each is separate and so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit them in the proper envelope. If a consolidated ballot under s. 5.655 is used, the elector shall fold the ballot so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit the ballot in the proper envelope. If proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the document enclosed by the elector under this subdivision does not constitute proof of residence under s. 6.34, the elector shall also enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope. Except as provided in s. 6.34 (2m), proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector and the elector registered by mail or by electronic application and has not voted in an election in this state. If the elector requested a ballot by means of facsimile transmission or electronic mail under s. 6.86 (1) (ac), the elector shall enclose in the envelope a copy of the request which bears an original signature of the elector. The elector may receive assistance under sub. (5). The return envelope shall then be sealed. The witness may not be a candidate. The envelope shall be mailed by the elector, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots. If the envelope is mailed from a location outside the United States, the elector shall affix sufficient postage unless the ballot qualifies for delivery free of postage under federal law. Failure to return an unused ballot in a primary does not invalidate the ballot on which the elector’s votes are cast. Return of more than one marked ballot in a primary or return of a ballot prepared under s. 5.655 or a ballot used with an electronic voting system in a primary which is marked for candidates of more than one party invalidates all votes cast by the elector for candidates in the primary.
2. Unless subd. 3. applies, if the absentee elector has applied for and qualified to receive absentee ballots automatically under s. 6.86 (2) (a), the elector may, in lieu of providing proof of identification, submit with his or her absentee ballot a statement signed by the same individual who witnesses voting of the ballot which contains the name and address of the elector and verifies that the name and address are correct.
3. If the absentee elector has received an absentee ballot from the municipal clerk by mail for a previous election, has provided proof of identification with that ballot, and has not changed his or her name or address since providing that proof of identification, the elector is not required to provide proof of identification.
4. If the absentee elector has received a citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend an operator’s license from a law enforcement officer in any jurisdiction that is dated within 60 days of the date of the election and is required to surrender his or her operator’s license or driving receipt issued to the elector under ch. 343 at the time the citation or notice is issued, the elector may enclose a copy of the citation or notice in lieu of a copy of an operator’s license or driving receipt issued under ch. 343 if the elector is voting by mail, or may present an original copy of the citation or notice in lieu of an operator’s license or driving receipt under ch. 343 if the elector is voting at the office of the municipal clerk.
5. Unless subd. 3. or 4. applies, if the absentee elector resides in a qualified retirement home, as defined in s. 6.875 (1) (at), or a residential care facility, as defined in s. 6.875 (1) (bm), and the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality where the facility or home is located does not send special voting deputies to visit the facility or home at the election under s. 6.875, the elector may, in lieu of providing proof of identification, submit with his or her absentee ballot a statement signed by the same individual who witnesses voting of the ballot that contains the certification of an authorized representative of the facility or home that the elector resides in the facility or home and the facility or home is certified or registered as required by law, that contains the name and address of the elector, and that verifies that the name and address are correct.
(5) If the absent elector declares that he or she is unable to read, has difficulty in reading, writing or understanding English or due to disability is unable to mark his or her ballot, the elector may select any individual, except the elector’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector, to assist in marking the ballot, and the assistant shall then sign his or her name to a certification on the back of the ballot, as provided under s. 5.55.
(6) The ballot shall be returned so it is delivered to the polling place no later than 8 p.m. on election day. Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, if the municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot on election day, the clerk shall secure the ballot and cause the ballot to be delivered to the polling place serving the elector’s residence before 8 p.m. Any ballot not mailed or delivered as provided in this subsection may not be counted.
(6d) If a certificate is missing the address of a witness, the ballot may not be counted.
(6m) Except as authorized in s. 6.47 (8), the municipal clerk shall withhold from public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) the name and address of any absent elector who obtains a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2).
(7) No individual who is a candidate at the election in which absentee ballots are cast may serve as a witness. Any candidate who serves as a witness shall be penalized by the discounting of a number of votes for his or her candidacy equal to the number of certificate envelopes bearing his or her signature.
(8) The provisions of this section which prohibit candidates from serving as a witness for absentee electors shall not apply to the municipal clerk in the performance of the clerk’s official duties.
(9) If a municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot with an improperly completed certificate or with no certificate, the clerk may return the ballot to the elector, inside the sealed envelope when an envelope is received, together with a new envelope if necessary, whenever time permits the elector to correct the defect and return the ballot within the period authorized under sub. (6).
History: 1971 c. 242; 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (1), (2); 1975 c. 85; 1975 c. 93 s. 119 (2); 1975 c. 199; 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 232, 260, 311, 355; 1983 a. 36, 484, 538; 1985 a. 304; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 16, 38, 109; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23, 75, 227; 2013 a. 159, 165; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 365 s. 111; 2017 a. 366, 369.
The directions in sub. (3) for mailing or personal delivery of an absentee ballot and in sub. (6) that a ballot not mailed or delivered as provided in the section should not be counted, are directory and not mandatory. Lanser v. Koconis, 62 Wis. 2d 86, 214 N.W.2d 425.
Sub. (4) is directory and not mandatory, and voters printing their names constituted substantial, albeit nontechnical compliance with the statute’s requirements. Lanser v. Koconis, 62 Wis. 2d 86, 214 N.W.2d 425.
A challenge of compliance with procedures for absent voting is within the board of canvasser’s jurisdiction. Absent connivance, fraud or undue influence, substantial compliance with statutory voting procedures is sufficient. Appeal From Recount in Election Contest, 105 Wis. 2d 468, 313 N.W.2d 869 (Ct. App. 1981).
2011 Wisconsin Act 23, which created requirements that voters present photo identification in order to vote at a polling place or obtain an absentee ballot, does not violate either section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, or the U.S. Constitution. Frank v. Walker, 768 F.3d 744 (2014).

6.875  Absentee voting in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes.
(1)  In this section:
(ab) “Adult family home” means a facility that is certified or licensed to operate as an adult family home under s. 50.032 or 50.033.
(ae) “Community-based residential facility” has the meaning given in s. 50.01 (1g), except that the term does not include a place where fewer than 10 adults who are not related to the operator or administrator reside.
(am) “Nursing home” means a facility occupied by 10 or more unrelated individuals for the primary purpose of obtaining full-time personal or nursing care which is necessitated by their physical or mental conditions, but does not include a hospital.
(asm) “Residential care apartment complex” means a facility that is certified or registered to operate as a residential care apartment complex under s. 50.034 (1).
(at) “Qualified retirement home” means a retirement home that qualifies under sub. (2) (c) to utilize the procedures under this section.
(b) “Relative” means a spouse or individual related within the 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree of kinship under s. 990.001 (16).
(bm) “Residential care facility” means an adult family home, community-based residential facility, nursing home, or residential care apartment complex.
(c) “Retirement home” means a facility occupied as a primary place of abode by 10 or more unrelated individuals.
(d) “Working day” has the meaning given in s. 227.01 (14).
(2)
(a) Absentee voting in person inside residential care facilities and qualified retirement homes shall be conducted by municipalities only in the manner prescribed in this section. At any residential care facility or qualified retirement home where a municipality dispatches special voting deputies to conduct absentee voting in person under this section, the procedures prescribed in this section are the exclusive means of absentee voting in person inside that facility or home for electors who are occupants of the facility or home.
(c) The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of any municipality where a retirement home is located may adopt the procedures under this section for absentee voting in any retirement home located in the municipality if the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners finds that a significant number of the occupants of the retirement home lack adequate transportation to the appropriate polling place, a significant number of the occupants of the retirement home may need assistance in voting, there are a significant number of the occupants of the retirement home aged 60 or over, or there are a significant number of indefinitely confined electors who are occupants of the retirement home.
(3)
(a) An occupant of a qualified retirement home or residential care facility who qualifies as an absent elector and desires to receive an absentee ballot shall make application under s. 6.86 (1), (2), or (2m) with the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. Except as provided in sub. (4) (ar), the clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a qualified retirement home or residential care facility located in a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and send an absentee ballot for the elector to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or facility is located. Except as provided in sub. (4) (ar), the clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a qualified retirement home or residential care facility located in the municipality but who is a resident of a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and request an absentee ballot from the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. The clerk or board of election commissioners shall make a record of all absentee ballots to be sent, delivered, and voted under this section.
(b) An occupant of a retirement home may vote in person at the polling place serving his or her residence or may apply for and cast an absentee ballot at the election in the same manner as provided for other electors of the municipality where he or she resides. If a retirement home that is not a qualified retirement home is located within a municipality on the same grounds as one or more residential care facilities to which the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality dispatches special voting deputies to conduct voting at an election, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall obtain from the management of the retirement home the names and addresses of the occupants of the home. The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall then provide the names and addresses to the special voting deputies to verify which residents are eligible to cast their ballots with the special voting deputies.
(4)
(a) For the purpose of absentee voting in qualified retirement homes and residential care facilities, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of each municipality in which one or more qualified retirement homes or residential care facilities are located shall appoint at least 2 special voting deputies for the municipality. Except as provided in par. (am), upon application under s. 6.86 (1), (2), or (2m) by one or more qualified electors who are occupants of a home or facility, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or facility is located shall dispatch 2 special voting deputies to visit the home or facility for the purpose of supervising absentee voting procedure by occupants of the home or facility. The clerk or board of election commissioners shall maintain a list, available to the public upon request, of each home or facility where special voting deputies are dispatched. The list shall include the date and time the deputies intend to visit each home or facility. The 2 deputies designated to visit each qualified retirement home and residential care facility shall be affiliated with different political parties whenever deputies representing different parties are available.
(am) The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality need not dispatch special voting deputies to visit any residential care facility unless there are at least 5 registered electors of the municipality who are occupants of the facility.
(ar) As an alternative to absentee voting inside a residential care facility or qualified retirement home, an elector who is an occupant of the facility or home may:
1. Vote in person at the polling place serving his or her residence under s. 6.79 (2) or in person at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality where he or she resides under s. 6.86 (1) (a) 2.; or
2. If the elector maintains a residence outside the facility or home, vote by applying for and casting an absentee ballot by mail under s. 6.86 (1) (a) 1. at that residence.
(at) Except as provided in par. (ar), if a qualified elector of a municipality who is an occupant of a residential care facility or qualified retirement home in that municipality requests an absentee ballot for an election and the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners dispatches special voting deputies to that facility or home, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall give the absentee ballot to the special voting deputies who shall personally deliver the ballot to the elector at the time of their visit if they have not finished visiting the facility or home when the request is received.
(b) Nominations for the special voting deputy positions described in par. (a) may be submitted by the 2 recognized political parties whose candidates for governor or president received the greatest numbers of votes in the municipality at the most recent general election. The deputies shall be specially appointed to carry out the duties under par. (a) for the period specified in s. 7.30 (6) (a). The clerk or board of election commissioners may revoke an appointment at any time. No individual who is employed or retained, or within the 2 years preceding appointment has been employed or retained, at a qualified retirement home or residential care facility in the municipality, or any member of the individual’s immediate family, as defined in s. 19.42 (7), may be appointed to serve as a deputy.
(5) Prior to entering upon his or her duties, each individual appointed to serve as a deputy under this section shall file the oath required by s. 7.30 (5). In the oath, the individual shall swear that he or she is qualified to act as a deputy under this section, that he or she has read the statutes governing absentee voting, that he or she understands the proper absentee voting procedure, that he or she understands the penalties for noncompliance with the procedure under s. 12.13, that his or her sacred obligation will be to fully and fairly implement the absentee voting law and seek to have the intent of the electors ascertained. In addition, the oath shall state that the individual realizes that any error in conducting the voting procedure may result in invalidation of an elector’s vote under s. 7.51 (2) (e) and that the individual realizes that absentee voting is a privilege and not a constitutional right. The form of the oath shall be prescribed by the commission.
(6)
(a) Special voting deputies in each municipality shall, not later than 5 p.m. on the 6th working day preceding an election, arrange one or more convenient times with the administrator of each qualified retirement home and residential care facility in the municipality that the deputies are scheduled to visit. The time may be no earlier than the 4th Monday preceding the election and no later than 5 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election. The municipal clerk shall give notice of each visit by special voting deputies to a qualified retirement home or residential care facility in the same manner that notices of public meetings are provided by presiding officers under s. 19.84 (1) (b) at least 5 working days in advance of each visit, indicating the date and time of the visit. The municipal clerk also shall post a notice at the home or facility and on the Internet indicating the date and time that absentee voting will take place at that home or facility. The notice shall be posted as soon as practicable after arranging the visit but in no case less than 5 working days before the visit. A municipal clerk whose municipality does not maintain an Internet site need not comply with the Internet posting requirement. At the designated time, 2 deputies appointed under sub. (4) shall visit the home or facility.
(b) The municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners shall issue a supply of absentee ballots to the deputies sufficient to provide for the number of valid applications for an absentee ballot received by the clerk, and a reasonable additional number of ballots. The deputies may exercise the authority granted to the chief inspector under s. 7.41 to regulate the conduct of observers. For purposes of the application of s. 7.41, the home or facility shall be treated as a polling place. The municipal clerk or executive director shall keep a careful record of all ballots issued to the deputies and shall require the deputies to return every ballot issued to them.
(c)
1. Upon their visit to the home or facility under par. (a), the deputies shall personally offer each elector who has filed a proper application for an absentee ballot the opportunity to cast his or her absentee ballot. In lieu of providing a copy of proof of identification under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 1. with his or her absentee ballot, the elector may submit with his or her ballot a statement signed by both deputies that contains the name and address of the elector and verifies that the name and address are correct. The deputies shall enclose the statement in the certificate envelope. If an elector presents proof of identification under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 1., the deputies shall make a copy of the document presented by the elector and shall enclose the copy in the certificate envelope. If an elector is present who has not filed a proper application for an absentee ballot, the 2 deputies may accept an application from the elector and shall issue a ballot to the elector if the elector is qualified, the elector presents proof of identification, whenever required, or submits a statement containing his or her name and address under this subdivision, and the application is proper. The deputies shall each witness the certification and may, upon request of the elector, assist the elector in marking the elector’s ballot. The deputies shall not accept an absentee ballot submitted by an elector whose ballot was not issued to the elector by the deputies. All voting shall be conducted in the presence of the deputies. Upon request of the elector, a relative of the elector who is present in the room may assist the elector in marking the elector’s ballot. No individual other than a deputy may witness the certification and no individual other than a deputy or relative of an elector may render voting assistance to the elector.
2. Upon the request of a relative of an occupant of a qualified retirement home or residential care facility, the administrator of the home or facility may notify the relative of the time or times at which special voting deputies will conduct absentee voting at the home or facility and permit the relative to be present in the room where the voting is conducted.
(d) Upon completion of the voting on each day at each residential care facility or qualified retirement home, the deputies shall seal the absentee ballot envelopes and any absentee ballot applications inside a carrier envelope and shall seal the carrier envelope and sign their names to the seal. The deputies shall place the envelope inside a ballot bag or container. As soon as possible after visiting each residential care facility or retirement home, but not later than 18 hours after the visit, the deputies shall deliver the ballot bag or container to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector casting the ballot resides.
(e) If a qualified elector is not able to cast his or her ballot on 2 separate visits by the deputies to the home or facility, the deputies shall so inform the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners, who may then send the ballot to the elector no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election.
(7) One observer from each of the 2 recognized political parties whose candidate for governor or president received the greatest number of votes in the municipality at the most recent general election may accompany the deputies to each home or facility where absentee voting will take place under this section. The observers may observe the process of absentee ballot distribution in the common areas of the home or facility. Each party wishing to have an observer present shall submit the name of the observer to the clerk or board of election commissioners no later than the close of business on the last business day prior to the visit.
History: 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1997 a. 127, 188, 237; 1999 a. 32, 182; 2001 a. 16, 109; 2005 a. 149, 451; 2007 a. 96; 2011 a. 23, 75; 2013 a. 159; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

6.88  Voting and recording the absentee ballot.
(1)  When an absentee ballot arrives at the office of the municipal clerk, or at an alternate site under s. 6.855, if applicable, the clerk shall enclose it, unopened, in a carrier envelope which shall be securely sealed and endorsed with the name and official title of the clerk, and the words “This envelope contains the ballot of an absent elector and must be opened in the same room where votes are being cast at the polls during polling hours on election day or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, stats., at a meeting of the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers under s. 7.52, stats.” If the elector is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), or an overseas elector, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, and the ballot was received by the elector by facsimile transmission or electronic mail and is accompanied by a separate certificate, the clerk shall enclose the ballot in a certificate envelope and securely append the completed certificate to the outside of the envelope before enclosing the ballot in the carrier envelope. The clerk shall keep the ballot in the clerk’s office or at the alternate site, if applicable until delivered, as required in sub. (2).
(2) When an absentee ballot is received by the municipal clerk prior to the delivery of the official ballots to the election officials of the ward in which the elector resides or, where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers, the municipal clerk shall seal the ballot envelope in the carrier envelope as provided under sub. (1), and shall enclose the envelope in a package and deliver the package to the election inspectors of the proper ward or election district or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers when it convenes under s. 7.52 (1). When the official ballots for the ward or election district have been delivered to the election inspectors before the receipt of an absentee ballot, the clerk shall immediately enclose the envelope containing the absentee ballot in a carrier envelope as provided under sub. (1) and deliver it in person to the proper election officials.
(3)
(a) Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, at any time between the opening and closing of the polls on election day, the inspectors shall, in the same room where votes are being cast, in such a manner that members of the public can hear and see the procedures, open the carrier envelope only, and announce the name of the absent elector or the identification serial number of the absent elector if the elector has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2). When the inspectors find that the certification has been properly executed, the applicant is a qualified elector of the ward or election district, and the applicant has not voted in the election, they shall enter an indication on the poll list next to the applicant’s name indicating an absentee ballot is cast by the elector. They shall then open the envelope containing the ballot in a manner so as not to deface or destroy the certification thereon. The inspectors shall take out the ballot without unfolding it or permitting it to be unfolded or examined. Unless the ballot is cast under s. 6.95, the inspectors shall verify that the ballot has been endorsed by the issuing clerk. If the poll list indicates that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and proof of residence is enclosed, the inspectors shall enter both the type of identifying document submitted by the absent elector and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document on the poll list in the space provided. If the poll list indicates that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and no proof of residence is enclosed or the name or address on the document that is provided is not the same as the name and address shown on the poll list, the inspectors shall proceed as provided under s. 6.97 (2). The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot into the proper ballot box and enter the absent elector’s name or voting number after his or her name on the poll list in the same manner as if the elector had been present and voted in person.
(b) When the inspectors find that a certification is insufficient, that the applicant is not a qualified elector in the ward or election district, that the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, that the ballot envelope contains more than one ballot of any one kind or, except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, that the certificate of a military or overseas elector who received an absentee ballot by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing, or if proof is submitted to the inspectors that an elector voting an absentee ballot has since died, the inspectors shall not count the ballot. The inspectors shall endorse every ballot not counted on the back, “rejected (giving the reason)”. The inspectors shall reinsert each rejected ballot into the certificate envelope in which it was delivered and enclose the certificate envelopes and ballots, and securely seal the ballots and envelopes in an envelope marked for rejected absentee ballots. The inspectors shall endorse the envelope, “rejected ballots” with a statement of the ward or election district and date of the election, signed by the chief inspector and one of the inspectors representing each of the 2 major political parties and returned to the municipal clerk in the same manner as official ballots voted at the election.
(c) The inspectors shall review each certificate envelope to determine whether any absentee ballot is cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote at the election by reason of a felony conviction. If the inspectors receive an absentee ballot that has been cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible for that reason, the inspectors shall challenge the ballot as provided in s. 6.92 and treat the ballot in the manner provided in s. 6.95.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 394 ss. 43, 53; 1979 c. 232, 260; 1983 a. 183, 484; 1987 a. 391; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 38, 109; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23, 75, 227; 2013 a. 182; 2017 a. 369.

6.89  Absent electors list public. The municipal clerk shall keep a list of all electors who make application for an absent elector’s ballot and who have voted under the absent elector provisions giving the name, address and date of application. The list shall be open to public inspection.
SUBCHAPTER V
CHALLENGING ELECTORS
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 9, Wis. adm. code.

6.92  Inspector making challenge.
(1)  Except as provided in sub. (2), each inspector shall challenge for cause any person offering to vote whom the inspector knows or suspects is not a qualified elector or who does not adhere to any voting requirement under this chapter. If a person is challenged as unqualified by an inspector, one of the inspectors shall administer the following oath or affirmation to the person: “You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will fully and truly answer all questions put to you regarding your place of residence and qualifications as an elector of this election”; and shall then ask questions which are appropriate as determined by the commission, by rule, to test the person’s qualifications.
(2) An inspector appointed under s. 7.30 (2) (am) may not challenge any person offering to vote.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1971 c. 336 s. 37; 1975 c. 85 ss. 41, 42, 43, 66 (3); 1975 c. 199, 200, 421; 1977 c. 394; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 109; 2011 a. 23; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 9.01, Wis. adm. code.

6.925  Elector making challenge in person. Any elector may challenge for cause any person offering to vote whom the elector knows or suspects is not a qualified elector. If a person is challenged as unqualified by an elector, one of the inspectors may administer the oath or affirmation to the challenged elector under s. 6.92 and ask the challenged elector the questions under that section which are appropriate to test the elector’s qualifications. In addition, one of the inspectors shall administer the following oath or affirmation to the challenging elector: “You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will fully and truly answer all questions put to you regarding the challenged person’s place of residence and qualifications as an elector of this election”; and shall then ask questions which are appropriate as determined by the commission, by rule, to test the qualifications of the challenged elector.
History: 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 394; 1985 a. 304; 1999 a. 9; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 9.02, Wis. adm. code.

6.93  Challenging the absent elector. The vote of any absent elector may be challenged for cause and the inspectors of election shall have all the power and authority given them to hear and determine the legality of the ballot the same as if the ballot had been voted in person. In municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, the vote of an absentee elector may be challenged as provided in s. 7.52 (5).
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 9.04, Wis. adm. code.
History: 2005 a. 451.

6.935  Challenge based on incompetency. Section 6.03 (3) applies to any challenge of a person’s right to vote under s. 6.92, 6.925, 6.93, or 7.52 (5) based on an allegation that an elector is incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process and thereby ineligible to vote.
History: 1977 c. 394; 1979 c. 110; 2005 a. 451.

6.94  Challenged elector oath. If the person challenged refuses to answer fully any relevant questions put to him or her by the inspector under s. 6.92, the inspectors shall reject the elector’s vote. If the challenge is not withdrawn after the person offering to vote has answered the questions, one of the inspectors shall administer to the person the following oath or affirmation: “You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that: you are 18 years of age; you are a citizen of the United States; you are now and for 28 consecutive days have been a resident of this ward except under s. 6.02 (2); you have not voted at this election; you have not made any bet or wager or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager depending upon the result of this election; you are not on any other ground disqualified to vote at this election”. If the person challenged refuses to take the oath or affirmation, the person’s vote shall be rejected. If the person challenged answers fully all relevant questions put to the elector by the inspector under s. 6.92, takes the oath or affirmation, and fulfills the applicable registration requirements, and if the answers to the questions given by the person indicate that the person meets the voting qualification requirements, the person’s vote shall be received.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1971 c. 336 s. 37; 1975 c. 85 ss. 45, 66 (3); 1977 c. 394 s. 54; 1983 a. 484; 2003 a. 265; 2011 a. 23.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”

6.95  Voting procedure for challenged electors. Whenever the inspectors under ss. 6.92 to 6.94 receive the vote of a person offering to vote who has been challenged, the inspectors shall, before giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the challenged person corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list, or other list maintained under s. 6.79, and the notation “s. 6.95″. If voting machines are used in the municipality where the person is voting, the person’s vote may be received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall have the corresponding serial number from the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation “s. 6.95″ written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors before the ballot is given to the elector. The inspectors shall indicate on the list the reason for the challenge. The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot. The challenged ballots shall be counted under s. 5.85 or 7.51. The municipal board of canvassers may decide any challenge when making its canvass under s. 7.53. If the returns are reported under s. 7.60, a challenge may be reviewed by the county board of canvassers. If the returns are reported under s. 7.70, a challenge may be reviewed by the chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee. The decision of any board of canvassers or of the chairperson or chairperson’s designee may be appealed under s. 9.01. The standard for disqualification specified in s. 6.325 shall be used to determine the validity of challenged ballots.
History: 1977 c. 427; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 118.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 9.03, Wis. adm. code.

6.96  Voting procedure for electors voting pursuant to federal court order. Whenever any elector is allowed to vote at a polling place pursuant to a federal court order after the closing time provided under s. 6.78, the inspectors shall, before giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the notation “s. 6.96″. If voting machines are used in the municipality where the elector is voting, the elector’s vote may be received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall have the notation “s. 6.96″ written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors before the ballot is given to the elector. When receiving the elector’s ballot, the inspectors shall provide the elector with the written voting information prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (8). The inspectors shall indicate on the list the fact that the elector is voting pursuant to a federal court order. The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot. The ballot shall be counted under s. 5.85 or 7.51 unless the order is vacated. If the order is vacated after the ballot is counted, the appropriate board or boards of canvassers or the chairperson of the commission or his or her designee shall reopen the canvass to discount any ballots that were counted pursuant to the vacated order and adjust the statements, certifications, and determinations accordingly.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2015 a. 118.

6.965  Voting procedure for electors presenting citation or notice in lieu of license or receipt. Whenever any elector is allowed to vote at a polling place under s. 6.79 (7) by presenting a citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend an operator’s license in lieu of an operator’s license or driving receipt issued to the elector under ch. 343, the inspectors shall, before giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the elector corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation “s. 6.965.” If voting machines are used in the municipality where the elector is voting, the elector’s vote may be received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall have the notation “s. 6.965″ written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors before the ballot is given to the elector. If the municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot from an elector who presents a citation or notice, or copy thereof, under s. 6.87 (4) (b) 4., the clerk shall enter a notation on the certificate envelope “Ballot under s. 6.965, stats.” Upon receiving the envelope, the inspectors shall open and write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the elector corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation “s. 6.965.” The inspectors shall indicate on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 the fact that the elector is voting by using a citation or notice in lieu of a license or driving receipt. The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot. The ballot shall then be counted under s. 5.85, or under s. 7.51 or 7.52.
History: 2011 a. 23.

6.97  Voting procedure for individuals not providing required proof of identification or residence.
(1)  Whenever any individual who is required to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 in order to be permitted to vote appears to vote at a polling place and cannot provide the required proof of residence, the inspectors shall offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. Whenever any individual, other than a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), an overseas elector, or an elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2), appears to vote at a polling place and does not present proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2), whenever required, the inspectors or the municipal clerk shall similarly offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. If the individual wishes to vote, the inspectors shall provide the elector with an envelope marked “Ballot under s. 6.97, stats.” on which the serial number of the elector is entered and shall require the individual to execute on the envelope a written affirmation stating that the individual is a qualified elector of the ward or election district where he or she offers to vote and is eligible to vote in the election. The inspectors shall, before giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the individual corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation “s. 6.97″. If voting machines are used in the municipality where the individual is voting, the individual’s vote may be received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall have the corresponding number from the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79and the notation “s. 6.97″ written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors before the ballot is given to the elector. When receiving the individual’s ballot, the inspectors shall provide the individual with written voting information prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (8). The inspectors shall indicate on the list the fact that the individual is required to provide proof of residence or proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2) but did not do so. The inspectors shall notify the individual that he or she may provide proof of residence or proof of identification to the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners. The inspectors shall also promptly notify the municipal clerk or executive director of the name, address, and serial number of the individual. The inspectors shall then place the ballot inside the envelope and place the envelope in a separate carrier envelope.
(2) Whenever any individual who votes by absentee ballot is required to provide proof of residence in order to be permitted to vote and does not provide the required proof of residence under s. 6.34, the inspectors shall treat the ballot as a provisional ballot under this section. Upon removing the ballot from the envelope, the inspectors shall write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the individual corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation “s. 6.97″. The inspectors shall indicate on the list the fact that the individual is required to provide proof of residence but did not do so. The inspectors shall promptly notify the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners of the name, address, and serial number of the individual. The inspectors shall then place the ballot inside an envelope on which the name and serial number of the elector is entered and shall place the envelope in a separate carrier envelope.
(3)
(a) Whenever an elector who votes by provisional ballot under sub. (1) or (2) because the elector does not provide proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2) or 6.86 (1) (ar) later appears at the polling place where the ballot is cast before the closing hour and provides the proof of identification, the inspectors shall remove the elector’s ballot from the separate carrier envelope, shall note on the poll list that the elector’s provisional ballot is withdrawn, and shall deposit the elector’s ballot in the ballot box. If the inspectors have notified the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners that the elector’s ballot was cast under this section, the inspectors shall notify the clerk or executive director that the elector’s provisional ballot is withdrawn.
(b) Whenever the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners is informed by the inspectors that a ballot has been cast under this section, the clerk or executive director shall promptly provide written notice to the board of canvassers of each municipality, special purpose district, and county that is responsible for canvassing the election of the number of ballots cast under this section in each ward or election district. The municipal clerk or executive director then shall determine whether each individual voting under this section is qualified to vote in the ward or election district where the individual’s ballot is cast. If the elector is required to provide proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2) or 6.86 (1) (ar) and fails to do so, the elector bears the burden of correcting the omission by providing the proof of identification at the polling place before the closing hour or at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners no later than 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election. The municipal clerk or executive director shall make a record of the procedure used to determine the validity of each ballot cast under this section. If, prior to 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election, the municipal clerk or executive director determines that the individual is qualified to vote in the ward or election district where the individual’s ballot is cast, the municipal clerk or executive director shall notify the board of canvassers for each municipality, special purpose district and county that is responsible for canvassing the election of that fact.
(c) A ballot cast under this section by an elector for whom proof of identification is required under s. 6.79 (2) or 6.86 (1) (ar) shall not be counted unless the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners provides timely notification that the elector has provided proof of identification under this section.
(4) Whenever a board of canvassers receives timely notification from the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners under sub. (3) that an individual who has voted under this section is qualified to vote in the ward or election district where the individual’s ballot is cast, the board of canvassers shall meet no later than 9 a.m. on the Monday following the election. The board of canvassers shall proceed to record the name of the individual who has cast the ballot and, if the ballot cast by the individual is otherwise valid, shall count the ballot and adjust the statements, certifications, and determinations accordingly. If the municipal clerk or executive director transmits returns of the election to the county clerk or board of election commissioners, the municipal clerk or executive director shall transmit to the county clerk or board of election commissioners a copy of the amended returns together with amended tally sheets and all additional ballots reviewed by the board of canvassers.
History: 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 253, 451; 2009 a. 180; 2011 a. 23, 115, 227; 2015 a. 118, 196; 2017 a. 369.

Return to Top

Chapter 7 – Election Officials; Boards; Selection and Duties; Canvassing

SUBCHAPTER I – SELECTION AND DUTIES

7.03  Compensation of election officials and trainees.
(1)
(a) Except as authorized under this paragraph, a reasonable daily compensation shall be paid to each inspector, voting machine custodian, automatic tabulating equipment technician, member of a board of canvassers, messenger, and tabulator who is employed and performing duties under chs. 5 to 12. Daily compensation shall also be provided to inspectors and inspector trainees for attendance at training programs conducted by the commission and municipal clerks under ss. 7.31 and 7.315. Alternatively, such election officials and trainees may be paid by the hour at a proportionate rate for each hour actually worked. Any election official or trainee may choose to volunteer his or her services by filing with the municipal clerk of the municipality in which he or she serves a written declination to accept compensation. The volunteer status of the election official or trainee remains effective until the official or trainee files a written revocation with the municipal clerk.
(b) Except as provided in par. (bm), any compensation owed shall be paid by the municipality in which the election is held, except that any compensation payable to a technician, messenger, tabulator, or member of the board of canvassers who is employed to perform services for the county shall be paid by the county and compensation payable to any messenger or tabulator who is employed to perform services for the state shall be paid by the commission.
(bm) Whenever a special election is called by a county or by a school district, a technical college district, a sewerage district, a sanitary district, or a public inland lake protection and rehabilitation district, the county or district shall pay the compensation of election officials performing duties in those municipalities, as determined under sub. (2).
(c) If a central counting location serving more than one municipality is utilized under s. 7.51 (1), the cost of compensation of election officials at the location shall be proportionately divided between the municipalities utilizing the location, except that if all municipalities within a county utilize the location, the compensation shall be paid by the county.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in par. (a), special voting deputies appointed under s. 6.875 (4) and other officials and trainees who attend training sessions under s. 7.15 (1) (e) or 7.25 (5) may also be compensated by the municipality where they serve at the option of the municipality.
(2) The amount of compensation of election officials, when authorized or required, shall be fixed by the appropriate county board of supervisors, municipal governing body, or municipal board of election commissioners in cities over 500,000 population. The commission shall fix the amount to be paid any person employed to perform duties for the state. If the commission employs an individual to perform duties which are the responsibility of a county or municipality, the commission shall charge the expense to the county or municipality.
History: 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1977 c. 394, 427; 1979 c. 89, 260, 311, 355; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 111, 391; 1993 a. 399; 2001 a. 16, 109; 2003 a. 143; 2005 a. 451; 2015 a. 118, 261.

7.08  Elections commission. In addition to its duties for ballot arrangement under ch. 5 and date and notice requirements under ch. 10, the commission shall:
(1)  Election forms, voting apparatus.
(a) Prescribe all official ballot forms necessary under chs. 5 to 10 and 12 and revise the official ballot forms to harmonize with legislation and the current official status of the political parties whenever necessary. The commission shall include on each ballot form, in the space for official endorsement, markings or spaces for identifying a ballot as an overvoted ballot, a duplicate overvoted ballot, a damaged ballot, or a duplicate damaged ballot, and for writing an identifying serial number. The commission shall provide one copy of each ballot form without charge to each county and municipal clerk and board of election commissioners. The commission shall distribute or arrange for distribution of additional copies. The prescribed forms shall be substantially followed in all elections under chs. 5to 10 and 12.
(b) Prescribe the necessary standard sample forms and ballot containers to make the canvass, returns, statements and tally sheet statements for all elections the results of which are reportable to the commission under s. 7.60 (4) (a), and all other materials as it deems necessary to conduct the elections. The sample forms shall contain the necessary certificates of the inspectors and canvassers with notes explaining their use and statutory basis.
(c) Prescribe forms required by ss. 6.24 (3) and (4), 6.30 (4) and (5), 6.33 (1), 6.47 (1) (am) 2. and (3), 6.55 (2), and 6.86 (2) to (3). All such forms shall contain a statement of the penalty applicable to false or fraudulent registration or voting through use of the form. Forms are not required to be furnished by the commission.
(d) Promulgate rules for the administration of the statutory requirements for voting machines and electronic voting systems and any other voting apparatus which may be introduced in this state for use at elections. Pursuant to such responsibility, the commission may obtain assistance from competent persons to check the machines, systems and apparatus and approve for use those types meeting the statutory requirements and shall establish reasonable compensation for persons performing duties under this paragraph.
(2)  Certified lists.
(a) As soon as possible after the closing date for filing nomination papers or after the canvass of the primary vote, but no later than the deadlines established in s. 10.06, transmit to each county clerk a certified list of all candidates on file in its office for which electors in that county may vote. The list shall designate the order of arrangement and contain each candidate’s first name, middle initial or initials and last name, unless the candidate on his or her nomination papers or declaration of candidacy specifies that the middle initial be deleted, that a full middle name or former legal surname be substituted for the middle initial, that an initial be substituted for the candidate’s first name or that a nickname be substituted for a first or middle name or for a first initial or middle initial or initials, but no other abbreviations or titles are permitted. The list shall also include each candidate’s residence and post-office address; the office for which the person is a candidate; and, the party or principle the candidate represents, if any, in 5 words or less. Names of candidates nominated under s. 7.38 or 8.35 shall be certified by the commission upon filing of the necessary papers with it. At any time prior to an election, the commission may transmit an amended certification if a candidate dies or is determined not to qualify for ballot placement.
(b) The certified list of candidates for president and vice president nominated at a national convention by a party entitled to a partisan primary ballot or for whom electors have been nominated under s. 8.20 shall be sent as soon as possible after the closing date for filing nomination papers, but no later than the deadlines established in s. 10.06.
(d) As soon as possible after the last Tuesday in January of each year in which there is a presidential election, the commission shall transmit to each county clerk a certified list of candidates for president who have qualified to have their names appear on the presidential preference primary ballot.
(3)  Election manual. Prepare and publish separate from the election laws an election manual written so as to be easily understood by the general public explaining the duties of the election officials, together with notes and references to the statutes as the commission considers advisable. The election manual shall:
(a) Be compiled by the commission.
(b) Emphasize the fact that election officials should help, not hinder, electors in exercising their voting rights.
(c) Be subject to periodic review and revision when necessary.
(4)  Election laws. Publish the election laws. The commission shall sell or distribute or arrange for the sale or distribution of copies of the election laws to county and municipal clerks and boards of election commissioners and members of the public.
(5)  District maps. Distribute, upon request and free of charge, to any candidate for representative in Congress, state senator, or representative to the assembly a copy of the map or maps received under s. 16.96 (3) (b) showing district boundaries.
(6)  Enforcement of federal voting system standards. Following each general election, audit the performance of each voting system used in this state to determine the error rate of the system in counting ballots that are validly cast by electors. If the error rate exceeds the rate permitted under standards of the federal election commission in effect on October 29, 2002, the commission shall take remedial action and order remedial action to be taken by affected counties and municipalities to ensure compliance with the standards. Each county and municipality shall comply with any order received under this subsection.
(8)  Electors voting without proof of residence or identification or pursuant to court order. Prescribe a written notice to be distributed to electors who vote under s. 6.96 or 6.97 that informs an elector how to obtain information regarding whether his or her vote has been counted, and if the vote will not be counted, the reason that the vote will not be counted.
(10)  Domestic abuse and sexual assault service providers. Provide to each municipal clerk, on a continuous basis, the names and addresses of organizations that are certified under s. 49.165 (4) (a) or 165.93 (4) (a) to provide services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
(11)  Coordination with and assistance to local officials. Allocate and assign sufficient members of its staff to coordinate their activities with local election officials and maintain their availability to respond to inquiries from local election officials for each statewide election and each recount in progress.
(12)  Assistance in obtaining proof of identification. Engage in outreach to identify and contact groups of electors who may need assistance in obtaining or renewing a document that constitutes proof of identification for voting and provide assistance to the electors in obtaining or renewing that document.
History: 1971 c. 242; 1973 c. 334 s. 6, 57; 1975 c. 85, 93, 94, 199; 1977 c. 29, 107, 394, 427; 1979 c. 89, 177, 260, 311; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 51, 484; 1985 a. 120, 304; 1989 a. 192; 1993 a. 140; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 16, 38, 107, 109; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 177, 278, 451; 2007 a. 1, 20, 96; 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 23, 32, 45, 75, 227; 2013 a. 179, 323; 2015 a. 118 ss. 85 to 87, 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 366.

7.10  County clerks.
(1)  Election supplies and ballots.
(a) Each county clerk shall provide ballots for every election in the county for all national, state and county offices, including metropolitan sewerage commission elections under s. 200.09 (11) (am), for municipal judges elected under s. 755.01 (4) and for state and county referenda. The official and sample ballots shall be prepared in substantially the same form as those prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a).
(b) The county clerk shall supply sufficient election supplies for national, state and county elections to municipalities within the county. The election supplies shall be enclosed in the sealed package containing the official ballots and delivered to the municipal clerk.
(c) With county board approval any county clerk may purchase or print the official forms of nomination papers for distribution to any person at cost or free.
(d) The county clerk may receive and store any unused ballots after an election upon request of any municipal clerk of a municipality within the county, and may destroy such ballots pursuant to s. 7.23 (1) (am).
(2)  Preparing ballots. The county clerk shall prepare copy for the official ballots immediately upon receipt of the certified list of candidates’ names from the commission. Names certified by the commission shall be arranged in the order certified. The county clerk shall place the names of all candidates filed in the clerk’s office or certified to the clerk by the commission on the proper ballot or ballots under the appropriate office and party titles. The county clerk shall prepare a special ballot under s. 5.60 (8) showing only the candidates in the presidential preference primary.
(3)  Time schedule.
(a) The county clerk shall distribute the ballots to the municipal clerks no later than 48 days before each partisan primary and general election and no later than 22 days before each other primary and election, except that the clerk shall distribute the ballots under sub. (2) for the presidential preference primary no later 48 days before the presidential preference primary. Election forms prepared by the commission shall be distributed at the same time. If the commission transmits an amended certification under s. 7.08 (2) (a) or if the commission or a court orders a ballot error to be corrected under s. 5.06 (6) or 5.72 (3) after ballots have been distributed, the county clerk shall distribute corrected ballots to the municipal clerks as soon as possible.
(b) The county clerk shall distribute an adequate supply of separately wrapped official ballots to each municipal clerk so the municipal clerk may supply ballots to absent elector applicants. The remaining ballots shall be sent in separately sealed packages clearly designating the ward for which each is intended and the approximate number of ballots of each kind enclosed.
(4)  Resolving notice doubts. When in doubt as to compliance with the statutory requirements for election notices or the correct fees to be paid for them, the county clerk may consult the commission.
(6)  Municipal judge; certified list. If candidates for the office of a municipal judge who is elected under s. 755.01 (4) file nomination papers in the office of the county clerk and any municipality served by the judge prepares its own ballots for voting machines or an electronic voting system, the county clerk shall certify to the municipal clerk of that municipality the names of the candidates for judge as soon as possible after the last day for filing nomination papers and after certification by the county board of canvassers of the results of any primary election.
(7)  Voter education. Each county clerk shall assist the commission in conducting educational programs under s. 5.05 (12) to inform electors about the voting process.
(8)  Free election information exchange. Each county clerk shall assist the commission and municipal clerks in maintaining toll-free telephone lines and other free access systems under s. 5.05 (13) for exchange of voting information.
(9)  Training of election officials. Each county clerk shall assist the commission in the training of election officials under s. 5.05 (7).
(10)  Information to commission. Each county clerk shall provide to the commission any information requested under s. 5.05 (14).
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 280; 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1977 c. 394 s. 53; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 221, 260, 311, 355; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 89, 304; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 107; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 45, 75, 165; 2015 a. 118 s 266 (10).

7.11  Menominee county; town elections. The clerk shall prepare a ballot distinguishing between supervisors elected at large and by ward in any county having only one town with a part of the county board members elected by wards.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334.

7.15  Municipal clerks.
(1)  Supervise registration and elections. Each municipal clerk has charge and supervision of elections and registration in the municipality. The clerk shall perform the following duties and any others which may be necessary to properly conduct elections or registration:
(a) Equip polling places.
(b) Provide for the purchase and maintenance of election equipment.
(c) Prepare ballots for municipal elections, and distribute ballots and provide other supplies for conducting all elections. The municipal clerk shall deliver the ballots to the polling places before the polls open.
(cm) Prepare official absentee ballots for delivery to electors requesting them, and except as provided in this paragraph, send an official absentee ballot to each elector who has requested a ballot by mail, and to each military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), and overseas elector who has requested a ballot by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile transmission, no later than the 47th day before each partisan primary and general election and no later than the 21st day before each other primary and election if the request is made before that day; otherwise, the municipal clerk shall send or transmit an official absentee ballot within one business day of the time the elector’s request for such a ballot is received. The clerk shall send or transmit an absentee ballot for the presidential preference primary to each elector who has requested that ballot no later than the 47th day before the presidential preference primary if the request is made before that day, or, if the request is not made before that day, within one business day of the time the request is received. For purposes of this paragraph, “business day” means any day from Monday to Friday, not including a legal holiday under s. 995.20.
(d) Prepare the necessary notices and publications in connection with the conduct of elections or registrations.
(e) Train election officials in their duties, calling them together whenever advisable, advise them of changes in laws, rules and procedures affecting the performance of their duties, and administer examinations as authorized under s. 7.30 (2) (c). The training shall conform with the requirements prescribed in rules promulgated by the commission under ss. 7.31 and 7.315. The clerk shall assure that officials who serve at polling places where an electronic voting system is used are familiar with the system and competent to instruct electors in its proper use. The clerk shall inspect systematically and thoroughly the conduct of elections in the municipality so that elections are honestly, efficiently and uniformly conducted.
(f) Discharge election officials for improper conduct or willful neglect of duties.
(g) In the manner prescribed by the commission, report suspected election frauds, irregularities, or violations of which the clerk has knowledge to the district attorney for the county where the suspected activity occurs and to the commission. The commission shall annually report the information obtained under this paragraph to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2).
(h) Review, examine and certify the sufficiency and validity of petitions and nomination papers.
(i) Direct how and when to destroy the contents of the blank ballot boxes and unused election materials.
(j) Send an absentee ballot automatically to each elector and send or transmit an absentee ballot to each military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), and each overseas elector making an authorized request therefor in accordance with s. 6.22 (4), 6.24 (4), or 6.86 (2) or (2m).
(k) Reassign inspectors appointed to serve at one polling place to another polling place within the municipality whenever necessary to assure adequate staffing at all polling places. No such reassignment may have the effect of eliminating representation at a polling place by one of the political parties entitled to nominate inspectors under s. 7.30 (2) (a).
(1m)  Attend training. Each municipal clerk shall, at least once every 2 years during the period beginning on January 1 of each even-numbered year and ending on December 31 of the following year, attend a training program sponsored by the commission under ss. 7.31and 7.315.
(2)  Municipal election duties.
(a) In municipal elections, the municipal clerks shall perform the duties prescribed for county clerks by s. 7.10.
(b) Cities over 500,000 population may prepare their own official and sample ballots. Official ballots not utilized as absentee ballots shall be printed so they are ready at least 2 days before the election.
(c) With the consent of the county clerk, municipalities may prepare their own ballots whenever voting machines or electronic voting systems are used in elections where candidates for both local offices and national, state or county offices appear on the ballot. This paragraph does not apply to cities under par. (b).
(d) Whenever the governing body of any municipality submits any question to a vote of the electors or whenever a proper recall petition and certificate are filed under s. 9.10, the municipal clerk shall issue a call for the election and prepare and distribute ballots as required in the authorization of submission or as provided in s. 9.10. The date of the referendum shall be fixed by the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners unless otherwise provided by law or unless the governing body fixes a date. The ballot for any referendum shall conform to s. 5.64 (2). If there is already an official municipal referendum ballot for the election, the question may appear on the same ballot.
(2m)  Operation of alternate absentee ballot site. In a municipality in which the governing body has elected to establish an alternate absentee ballot site under s. 6.855, the municipal clerk shall operate such site as though it were his or her office for absentee ballot purposes and shall ensure that such site is adequately staffed.
(3)  Ballot supply; sample ballots.
(a) Where voting machines are used or where electronic voting systems are employed, the municipal clerk shall provide at least 2 duplicate sample ballots for each ward in diagram form showing the board or screen inside each voting machine or the front of each ballot as it will appear in the voting machines or booths on election day.
(b) Sample ballots and voting machine ballots shall be furnished to the officials in the ward or election district at least one day before each election.
(4)  Recording electors. Except as authorized in s. 6.33 (5) (a), within 30 days after each election, the municipal clerk shall enter on the registration list under the name of each elector of the municipality who has voted at the election an indication of the date of the election in which the elector voted.
(5)  Record of ballots received. Each municipal clerk shall keep a record of when and in what condition the packages containing the ballots were received from the county clerk. The municipal clerk shall deliver to the proper officials the unopened packages of ballots the day before the election.
(6)  Substitute ballots.
(a) The municipal clerk shall provide substitute paper ballots in substantially the form of the original ballots whenever the necessary original ballots are not delivered to the municipality, are destroyed, are lost or stolen after delivery, are not ready for distribution or the supply is exhausted during polling hours. The municipal clerk may also provide substitute paper ballots, together with ballot boxes and voting booths, whenever a voting machine or electronic voting system is rendered inoperable by a malfunction which occurs within 24 hours of the time set for opening of the polls. Paper ballots may be cast only in accordance with the procedures prescribed in ss. 6.80 (2) and 7.37 (4).
(b) Upon receiving the substitute paper ballots accompanied by a statement made under oath by the municipal clerk that the ballots have been prepared and furnished by the clerk to replace the original ballots which are not available, or to substitute for a voting machine or electronic voting system which has been rendered inoperable by a malfunction which occurred within 72 hours of the time set for opening of the polls, the election officials shall use the substitute ballots in the same manner as if they had been original ballots.
(7)  Request canvass assistance. The municipal clerk may request all election officials to assist the inspectors in canvassing the votes received at the respective polling places.
(8)  Resolving notice doubts. When in doubt as to compliance with the statutory requirements for election notices or the correct fees to be paid for them, the municipal clerk may consult the commission.
(9)  Voter education. Each municipal clerk shall assist the commission in conducting educational programs under s. 5.05 (12) to inform electors about the voting process.
(10)  Free election information exchange. Each municipal clerk shall assist the commission in maintaining toll-free telephone lines and any other free access systems under s. 5.05 (13) for exchange of voting information.
(11)  Training of election officials. Each municipal clerk shall train election officials under ss. 7.31 and 7.315.
(12)  Free vote counting information. Each municipal clerk shall maintain a free access information system under which an elector who votes under s. 6.96 or 6.97 may ascertain current information concerning whether the elector’s vote has been counted, and if the vote will not be counted, the reason that it will not be counted.
(13)  Information to commission. Each municipal clerk shall provide to the commission any information requested under s. 5.05 (14).
(14)  Voting accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each municipal clerk shall make reasonable efforts to comply with requests for voting accommodations made by individuals with disabilities whenever feasible.
(15)  Provide notice of outstanding provisional ballots. As soon as possible after the closing hour for all polling places in the municipality on election night, the municipal clerk shall post at his or her office and on the Internet at a site announced by the clerk before the polls open, and shall make available to any person upon request, a statement of the number of electors who have cast provisional ballots at the election in the municipality that cannot be counted as of that closing hour because the electors have not satisfied relevant voting requirements.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 85 ss. 50, 65; 1975 c. 275, 422; 1977 c. 283; 1977 c. 394 s. 54; 1977 c. 427, 447; 1979 c. 260, 311; 1981 c. 391; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 23, 45, 75, 115; 2013 a. 148; 2015 a. 118 ss. 88, 266 (10); 2015 a. 209, 229; 2017 a. 369.

7.20  Board of election commissioners.
(1)  A municipal board of election commissioners shall be established in every city over 500,000 population. A county board of election commissioners shall be established in every county over 750,000 population.
(2) Each board of election commissioners shall consist of 3 members, each member being chosen from lists of at least 3 names each, selected and approved by the county committee of the 2 political parties receiving the most votes for governor in the county in the case of the county board of election commissioners, and receiving the most votes for governor in the city in the case of the city board of election commissioners, in the last general election. The county executive, for the county board of election commissioners, shall select from the list 2 persons from the majority party and one person from the next highest party in the county. The mayor, for the city board of election commissioners, shall select from the list 2 persons from the majority party and one person from the next highest party in the city.
(3) The persons chosen shall be qualified electors and residents of the state and county and, for the city board of election commissioners, of the city.
(4) Before beginning their duties as election commissioners each appointee shall take and file the official oath.
(5) Each board of election commissioners shall choose its own chairperson. An act of a majority of the board is an act of the board.
(6) The election commissioners shall not hold any other public office and are ineligible for any appointive or elective public office, except the office of notary public, during their term.
(7) The term of office shall be 4 years, and until successors have been commissioned and qualified, beginning on July 1 each year following a presidential election. Successors shall be appointed the same way.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 124; 1983 a. 484 s. 172 (1); 1993 a. 184; 2013 a. 373.

7.21  Election commissioners, duties and regulations.
(1)  All powers and duties assigned to the municipal or county clerk or the municipal or county board of canvassers under chs. 5 to 12 shall be carried out by the municipal or county board of election commissioners or its executive director, unless specifically retained or assigned in this section or s. 7.22.
(2) The county clerk shall serve as executive director of the county board of election commissioners. The clerk shall perform whatever duties the board of election commissioners assigns to him or her. An executive director of the city board of election commissioners shall be appointed under s. 62.51.
(3) The board of election commissioners is authorized to employ additional clerical assistants to carry out its necessary duties. The assistants’ salaries shall be fixed by the governing body of the municipality or county.
(4) The board of election commissioners may procure a seal to authenticate official papers and documents.
(5) The city council and county board shall provide office space in the city hall and county courthouse, respectively, pay all the necessary expenses, cooperate with the board of election commissioners, provide storage space for the election equipment and supplies and assist with the moving and conducting of the elections as necessary.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1979 c. 89; 1983 a. 36; 1983 a. 484 s. 172 (1), (2); 1985 a. 304 ss. 81, 155; 1987 a. 382; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2007 a. 1; 2013 a. 373.

7.22  Municipal board of election commissioners.
(1)  The common council shall determine the salaries of the election commissioners and shall include sufficient funds in its budget to allow the municipal board of election commissioners to fulfill its duties.
(2) All expenses shall be paid upon order of the municipal board of election commissioners, signed by the chairperson and executive director and countersigned by the city comptroller. The orders, made payable to persons in whose favor issued, shall be the vouchers for the city treasurer for the payment of the orders.
(3) The municipal board of election commissioners shall prepare and furnish copies of all registrations, books, maps, instructions, and forms pertaining to the rules for registration and conducting elections for the use and guidance of the election officials.
(4) The municipal board of election commissioners shall compile and publish a biennial report, containing election statistics and returns of all primaries and elections held within their city and county. Copies of the same shall be distributed to persons in such quantities as the municipal board of election commissioners deems proper.
(5) The chief of police shall station a police officer at polling places designated by the municipal board of election commissioners for each election.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1977 c. 51; 1983 a. 484 s. 172 (1); 1985 a. 304 s. 155; 1993 a. 184; 2001 a. 107.

7.23  Destruction of election materials.
(1)  All materials and supplies associated with an election, except as provided in sub. (2), may be destroyed according to the following schedule:
(a) Except as provided in par. (am), unused materials after an election and the contents of the blank ballot box after a primary may be destroyed at a time and in a manner designated by the appropriate clerk.
(am) Unused ballots may be discarded or destroyed no earlier than the day after the latest day for the filing of a petition for a recount under s. 9.01 for any office on the ballots.
(c) Registration forms of electors whose registrations are changed to ineligible status under s. 6.50 (7) may be destroyed 4 years after the change, unless an elector becomes eligible again during that period.
(d) Financial reports may be destroyed 6 years after the date of receipt. Financial registration statements may be destroyed 6 years after termination of registration.
(e) Poll lists created for any election may be destroyed 22 months after the election at which they were created.
(f) Except as authorized in par. (g), ballots, applications for absentee ballots, registration forms, or other records and papers requisite to voting at any federal election, other than registration cards, may be destroyed after 22 months.
(g) Detachable recording units and compartments for use with tabulating equipment for an electronic voting system may be cleared or erased 14 days after any primary and 21 days after any other election. Before clearing or erasing the units or compartments, a municipal clerk shall transfer the data contained in the units or compartments to a disk or other recording medium which may be erased or destroyed 22 months after the election to which the data relates. The requirement to transfer data does not apply to units or compartments for use with tabulating equipment for an electronic voting system that was approved for use prior to January 1, 2009, and that is not used in a federal election.
(h) Except as provided in par. (f), ballots may be destroyed 30 days after any election.
(i) Official canvasses may be destroyed 10 years after the election to which they relate.
(j) Election notices, and proofs of publication and correspondence filed in connection with such notices may be destroyed one year after the date of the election to which they relate.
(k) All other materials and supplies associated with an election may be destroyed 90 days after the election.
(2) If a recount is pending or if the time allowed for filing a recount petition at any election or an appeal or petition for review of any recount determination or decision at an election has not expired, no materials may be destroyed until after the recount is completed and the applicable time period has expired. In addition, if there is litigation pending with respect to a recount at an election, materials may be destroyed and recording units or compartments may be cleared or erased only by order of the court in which litigation is pending. Upon petition of the attorney general or a district attorney or U.S. attorney for the affected jurisdiction, a circuit judge for the affected jurisdiction may order that specified materials not be destroyed or that specified recorders, units or compartments not be cleared or erased as otherwise authorized under this subsection until the court so permits.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 85, 200; 1977 c. 394 s. 53; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 260 ss. 42, 94; 1979 c. 311, 328; 1983 a. 484 ss. 60 to 63, 174; 1985 a. 304 ss. 82, 143; 1987 a. 391; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2009 a. 397; 2011 a. 23; 2015 a. 117.

7.24  Title to election materials. The filing of a nomination paper, ballot application, financial report, affidavit, or other form or statement with the appropriate official or agency responsible for accepting such materials under chs. 5 to 12 irrevocably transfers the legal title to such official or agency, regardless of the sufficiency of the filing. The official or agency shall retain all election materials until destruction or other disposition is authorized under s. 7.23.
History: 1975 c. 93; 1979 c. 89.

7.25  Voting machine officials’ duties.
(1)  The municipal clerk of each municipality in which voting machines are used is responsible for the proper ballot being placed on each machine, the sample ballots, setting, adjusting, and putting the machine in order to use in voting when delivered to the ward. For the purpose of labeling, setting, adjusting and putting the voting machines in order, one or more competent voting machine custodians may be employed.
(2) Under the direction of the municipal clerk, the custodian shall label or insert, set, adjust, put in order and deliver the machines with all necessary furniture and appliances to the rooms where the election will be held for each ward at least one hour before the time set for opening the polls on election day.
(3) In preparing a voting machine for an election according to the directions furnished, the custodian shall arrange the machine and ballot so both will meet all the requirements for voting and counting the election in the manner provided for in machine construction.
(4) When a voting machine is properly prepared for an election and delivered to the election ward, it shall be locked and sealed against any movement and the governing body or board of election commissioners shall provide proper protection to prevent tampering with the machines. The custodians preparing the machines shall deliver the keys for the machines to the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners together with a written report of each machine’s condition.
(5) Before an election each election official serving at a polling place where voting machines are used shall be instructed in their use and their duties in connection with them by the municipal clerk, who shall call as many meetings to give instructions to the election officials as are necessary. Officials and trainees may be compensated for attendance. Any person who does not understand the machines shall not be paid nor be allowed to serve.
(6)
(a) Where voting machines are used, the election officials for each ward shall meet at their proper polling place at least 15 minutes before the time set for opening of the polls to arrange the voting machines and furniture to properly conduct the election.
(b)
1. Before opening the polls, the election officials shall do all of the following:
a. Compare the ballots on the machines with the sample ballots furnished by the municipal clerk to ensure that the names, numbers, and letters on the machine ballots and sample ballots agree.
b. Examine the seal on each machine to see that the seal has not been broken.
c. Examine the counter on each machine to see that each counter registers 000.
2. If any counter on any machine does not register 000, the counter number and the number showing on the counter shall be recorded, signed by all the election officials, and a copy shall be conspicuously posted by the inspectors at the polling place during polling hours.
(c) After the inspection under par. (b), on the forms furnished, the election officials shall certify the condition of each voting machine and its counters. Each form shall be signed by each election official. After the election, one copy of each machine’s certification shall be delivered with each copy of the election returns.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 311; 1985 a. 304; 2001 a. 107; 2005 a. 149.

7.30  Appointment of election officials.
(1)  Number.
(a) Except as authorized under par. (b), there shall be 7 inspectors for each polling place at each election. Except as authorized in par. (b), in municipalities where voting machines are used, the municipal governing body may reduce the number of inspectors to 5. A municipal governing body may provide for the appointment of additional inspectors whenever more than one voting machine is used or wards are combined under s. 5.15 (6) (b). A municipal governing body may provide by ordinance for the selection of alternate officials or the selection of 2 or more sets of officials to work at different times on election day, and may permit the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners to establish different working hours for different officials assigned to the same polling place. Alternate officials shall also be appointed in a number sufficient to maintain adequate staffing of polling places. Except for inspectors who are appointed under par. (b) and officials who are appointed without regard to party affiliation under sub. (4) (c), additional officials shall be appointed in such a manner that the total number of officials is an odd number and the predominant party under sub. (2) is represented by one more official than the other party.
(b) Each municipality may appoint one additional inspector to serve at each polling place without regard to party affiliation who shall serve as a greeter to answer questions and to direct electors to the proper locations for registration and voting and who shall be available to substitute for other election officials who must leave the room during the voting process.
(2)  Qualifications and procedure.
(a) Only election officials appointed under this section or s. 6.875 may conduct an election. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph and in ss. 7.15 (1) (k) and 7.52 (1) (b), each election official shall be a qualified elector of a county in which the municipality where the official serves is located, and each chief inspector shall be a qualified elector of the municipality in which the chief inspector serves. If no qualified candidate for chief inspector is available or if the chief inspector is appointed to fill a vacancy under par. (b), the person so appointed need not be a qualified elector of the municipality. If a municipal clerk or deputy clerk is appointed to fill a vacancy under par. (b), the clerk or deputy clerk need not be a resident of the county, but shall be a resident of the state. No more than 2 individuals holding the office of clerk or deputy clerk may serve without regard to county residency in any municipality at any election. All officials appointed under this section shall be able to read and write the English language, be capable, and be of good understanding, and may not be a candidate for any office to be voted for at an election at which they serve. An individual holding a local public office, as defined in s. 19.42 (7w), may be appointed to serve as an election official under this section without having to vacate the local public office. In 1st class cities, they may hold no public office other than notary public. Except as authorized under subs. (1) (b) and (4) (c), all inspectors shall be affiliated with one of the 2 recognized political parties which received the largest number of votes for president, or governor in nonpresidential general election years, in the ward or combination of wards served by the polling place at the last election. Excluding the inspector who may be appointed under sub. (1) (b), the party which received the largest number of votes is entitled to one more inspector than the party receiving the next largest number of votes at each polling place. Whenever 2 or more inspectors are required to perform a function within a polling place and both parties that are entitled to submit nominees have done so, the chief inspector shall assign, insofar as practicable, an equal number of inspectors from the nominees of each party.
(am) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, a pupil who is 16 or 17 years of age and who is enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in a public or private school or in a tribal school, as defined in s. 115.001 (15m), may serve as an inspector at the polling place serving the pupil’s residence, with the approval of the pupil’s parent or guardian. Any pupil who has at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent may serve. In addition, a school board, governing body of a private school, as defined in s. 115.001 (3d), or tribal school may establish criteria for service by a pupil who does not have at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent. A pupil may serve as an inspector at a polling place under this paragraph only if at least one election official at the polling place other than the chief inspector is a qualified elector of this state. No pupil may serve as chief inspector at a polling place under this paragraph. Before appointment by any municipality of a pupil as an inspector under this paragraph, the municipal clerk shall obtain written authorization from the pupil’s parent or guardian for the pupil to serve for the election for which he or she is appointed. In addition, if a pupil does not have at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent, the municipal clerk shall obtain written certification from the principal of the school where the pupil is enrolled that the pupil meets any criteria established by the school board or governing body for service as an inspector. Upon appointment of a pupil to serve as an inspector, the municipal clerk shall notify the principal of the school where the pupil is enrolled of the name of the pupil and the date of the election at which the pupil has been appointed to serve.
(b) When a vacancy occurs in an office under this section, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the municipal clerk. Unless the vacancy occurs in the position of an inspector appointed under sub. (1) (b), the vacancy shall be filled from the remaining names on the lists submitted under sub. (4) or from additional names submitted by the chairperson of the county party committee of the appropriate party under sub. (4) whenever names are submitted under sub. (4) (d). If the vacancy is due to candidacy, sickness or any other temporary cause, the appointment shall be a temporary appointment and effective only for the election at which the temporary vacancy occurs. The same qualifications that applied to original appointees shall be required of persons who fill vacancies except that if a municipal clerk or deputy clerk fills the vacancy, the clerk or deputy, but not more than a total of 2 individuals in any municipality, may serve without regard to the clerk’s or deputy’s county of residence, if the clerk or deputy meets the other qualifications.
(c) The governing body of any municipality may require all persons serving as election officials to prove their ability to read and write English and to have a general knowledge of the election laws. Examinations may be given to prove the qualifications can be met. The municipal clerk shall ensure that all training meets the training requirements prescribed in rules promulgated by the commission under ss. 7.31 and 7.315.
(3)  Tabulators.
(a) Not less than 30 days before any election the governing body or board of election commissioners of any municipality, by resolution, may authorize the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners to select and employ tabulators for any election. Such authorization applies to the elections specified in the resolution, and if not specified, applies until the authorization is modified or revoked.
(b) The tabulators shall assist and be under the direction of the election inspectors after the close of the polls.
(4)  Appointments.
(a) Except in cities where there is a board of election commissioners, the mayor, president or board chairperson of each municipality shall nominate to the governing body no later than their last regular meeting in December of each odd-numbered year the necessary election officials for each polling place and any election officials required under s. 7.52 (1) (b). If no regular meeting is scheduled, the mayor, president or chairperson shall call a special meeting for the purpose of considering nominations no later than December 31.
(b) The 2 dominant parties, under sub. (2), are each responsible for submitting a list of names from which all appointees to inspector positions, other than appointees to inspector positions authorized under sub. (1) (b), shall be chosen. Each person submitting the name of one or more nominees shall certify on his or her list of nominations that the person has contacted each nominee whose name appears on the list and that each nominee has agreed to serve as an election official. The nominations shall be submitted as follows:
1. In cities where there is a board of election commissioners, the county committee under s. 8.17 of each of the 2 recognized political parties described under sub. (2) shall submit a certified list no later than November 30 of each odd-numbered year containing the names of nominees from that party for each of the voting wards in the aldermanic district. For inspectors serving under s. 7.52 (1) (b), the county committees under s. 8.17 of the 2 recognized political parties described under sub. (2) shall submit a certified list containing the names of nominees from that party who are to be appointed under s. 7.52 (1) (b). The chairperson may designate any individual whose name is submitted as a first choice nominee. The chairperson shall sign any list submitted under this subdivision. The board of election commissioners shall appoint, no later than December 31 of odd-numbered years, at least 5 inspectors for each ward. Unless nonappointment is authorized under par. (e), the board of election commissioners shall appoint all first choice nominees for so long as positions are available. The board of election commissioners shall appoint other individuals in its discretion and may designate such alternates as it deems advisable.
2.
a. In a municipality other than a city or village located in a county having a population of more than 750,000, the committees organized under s. 8.17 for each of the 2 recognized political parties described under sub. (2) shall submit a list containing the names of nominees from that party. The chairperson of each of the 2 committees shall submit the list to the mayor, president, chairperson, or clerk of the municipality, or to his or her agent, or shall deliver or mail the list to the office of the municipality. If the chairperson submits the list to the municipal clerk or his or her agent, the clerk shall immediately forward the list to the mayor, president, or chairperson of the municipality. If committees are organized in subdivisions of a city, the chairperson of the city committee shall submit the list. If there is no municipal committee, the chairperson of the county or legislative district committee shall submit the list. Except as provided in par. (c), only those persons submitted by the chairperson of each committee under s. 8.17 may act as election officials. The chairperson of each committee under s. 8.17 may designate any individual whose name is submitted as a first choice nominee. The chairperson and secretary of the submitting committee shall sign the list.
b. In a city or village located in a county having a population of more than 750,000, other than a city where there is a board of election commissioners, if there is an aldermanic district or village member of a committee under s. 8.17 for the ward or wards where a polling place is located, the committee member shall submit a list containing the names of nominees from the recognized political party, described under sub. (2), represented by the committee member. For inspectors to be appointed under s. 7.52 (1) (b), the committee members of the committees under s. 8.17 for the 2 recognized political parties described under sub. (2) for the municipality acting jointly shall submit a list containing the names of nominees from the party represented by the committee members of the committees for the municipality acting jointly. Nominations for inspectors to be appointed in a city or village where there is no aldermanic district or village committee member shall proceed in the same manner as in a municipality located in a county having a population of 750,000 or less. The appropriate committee member, committee members, or chairperson shall submit the list to the mayor, president, or clerk of the municipality, or to his or her agent, or shall deliver or mail the list to the office of the municipality. If the list is submitted to the municipal clerk or his or her agent, the clerk shall immediately forward the list to the mayor or president. Except as provided in par. (c), only those persons whose names are submitted as provided in this paragraph may act as election officials. The appropriate committee member, committee members, or chairperson may designate any individual whose name is submitted as a first choice nominee. The aldermanic district or village committee member or the chairperson of the appropriate committee shall sign the list.
c. Unless nonappointment is authorized under par. (e), upon submission of the lists of names as provided under subd. 2. a. or b., the governing body shall appoint each first choice nominee for so long as positions to be filled from that list are available. The governing body shall appoint other nominees in its discretion. If any nominee is not appointed, the mayor, president, or chairperson of the municipality shall immediately nominate another person from the appropriate lists submitted and continue until the necessary number of election officials from each party is achieved at that meeting.
(c) Except with respect to inspectors who are appointed under sub. (1) (b), for so long as nominees are made available by the political parties under this section, appointments may be made only from the lists of nominees submitted under this subsection. If the lists are not submitted by November 30 of the year in which appointments are to be made, the board of election commissioners shall appoint, or the mayor, president or chairperson of a municipality shall nominate, qualified persons whose names have not been submitted. The board of election commissioners shall give priority to appointing, and the mayor, president, or chairperson of the municipality shall give priority to nominating, qualified electors of the municipality for which no list of nominees was submitted. If an insufficient number of qualified electors of the municipality can be identified, the board of election commissioners may appoint, and the mayor, president, or chairperson of the municipality may nominate, qualified electors of a county within which the municipality is located. If an insufficient number of nominees appears on the lists as of November 30, the board of election commissioners shall similarly appoint, or the mayor, president or chairperson shall similarly nominate, sufficient individuals to fill the remaining vacancies. In addition, the mayor, president, or board chairperson of the municipality shall similarly nominate qualified persons to serve in the inspector positions authorized under sub. (1) (b). Any appointment under this paragraph which is made due to the lack of availability of names submitted under par. (b) may be made without regard to party affiliation.
(d) A party committee or aldermanic district or village committeeman or committeewoman under s. 8.17 may submit additional names for inclusion in its list of nominations under this section at any time for the purpose of filling vacancies that occur during a term of office. However, an appointment need at no time be delayed because of the lack of availability of party nominees.
(e) If an appointing authority believes that, for good cause, it should not appoint an individual whose name is submitted as a first choice nominee under par. (b), it may request the commission to authorize nonappointment. The commission may permit nonappointment of an individual for cause demonstrated by an appointing authority.
(5)  Oath of office. Within 5 days after appointment of the election officials the municipal clerk shall give each appointee notice. The appointees shall file the official oath with the municipal clerk within 10 days after the mailing of the notice. Appointees to fill vacancies or any other election official who has not filed the oath, before receiving any ballots, shall sign the oath and return it to the municipal clerk. An inspector, after taking the oath, may administer any oath required to conduct an election.
(6)  Office tenure.
(a) Except as provided in par. (am), the appointed election officials shall hold office for 2 years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. They shall serve at every election held in their ward during their term of office.
(am) A pupil appointed as an inspector under sub. (2) (am) shall serve as an inspector only for the election for which he or she is appointed. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the number of times a pupil may be appointed as an inspector.
(b) Prior to the first election following the appointment of the inspectors, the municipal clerk shall appoint one of the inspectors at each polling place, other than an inspector who is appointed under sub. (1) (b), to serve as chief inspector. No person may serve as chief inspector at any election who is not certified by the commission under s. 7.31 at the time of the election. The chief inspector shall hold the position for the remainder of the term unless the inspector is removed by the clerk or the inspector ceases to be certified under s. 7.31, except that whenever wards are combined or separated under s. 5.15 (6) (b), the municipal clerk shall appoint another inspector who is certified under s. 7.31 to serve as chief inspector at each polling place designated under s. 5.15 (6) (b). If a vacancy occurs in the position of chief inspector at any polling place, the municipal clerk shall appoint one of the other inspectors who is certified under s. 7.31 to fill the vacancy.
(c) If any election official appointed under this section lacks the qualifications set forth in this section, fails to attend training sessions required under s. 7.15 (1) (e) unless excused therefrom, is guilty of neglecting his or her official duties or commits official misconduct, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners shall summarily remove the official from office and the vacancy shall be filled under sub. (2) (b).
History: 1971 c. 242; 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (1), (2); 1971 c. 336; 1973 c. 280, 334; 1975 c. 93, 101; 1977 c. 394, 427, 447; 1979 c. 89, 260, 355; 1983 a. 183, 484, 538; 1985 a. 131 s. 3; 1985 a. 304, 332; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192, 359; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1997 a. 127; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16, 109; 2005 a. 27, 149, 451; 2007 a. 96; 2009 a. 302; 2011 a. 260 s. 81; 2013 a. 147, 181, 237; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 195, 261; 2017 a. 207 s. 5; 2017 a. 326.

7.31  Training and certification of chief inspectors.
(1)  The commission shall establish requirements for certification of individuals to serve as chief inspectors. The requirements shall include a requirement to attend at least one training session held under sub. (5) before beginning service.
(2) No individual may serve as a chief inspector at a polling place in an election unless the individual is certified by the commission to hold that office on the date of the election at which the individual serves.
(3) The commission shall, upon application, issue certificates to qualified individuals who meet the requirements to be certified as chief inspectors. Each certificate shall carry an expiration date.
(4) The commission shall require each individual to whom a certificate is issued under this section to meet requirements to maintain that certification. The requirements shall include a requirement to attend at least one training session held under sub. (5) every 2 years during the period beginning on January 1 of each even-numbered year and ending on December 31 of the following year. The commission shall renew the certificate of any individual who requests renewal and who meets the requirements prescribed under this subsection.
(5) The commission shall conduct regular training programs to ensure that individuals who are certified by the commission under this section are knowledgeable concerning their authority and responsibilities. The commission shall pay all costs required to conduct the training programs from the appropriation under s. 20.510 (1) (bm).
History: 2001 a. 16, 104; 2003 a. 143; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 229, 261; 2017 a. 365, 366.

7.315  Training of other election officials.
(1)
(a) The commission shall, by rule, prescribe the contents of the training that municipal clerks must provide to inspectors, other than chief inspectors, and to special voting deputies appointed under s. 6.875.
(b)
1. Each inspector other than a chief inspector and each special voting deputy appointed under s. 6.875 shall view or attend at least one training program every 2 years during the period beginning on January 1 of each even-numbered year and ending on December 31 of the following year. Except as provided in subd. 2., no individual may serve as an inspector, other than a chief inspector, or as a special voting deputy under s. 6.875 at any election unless the individual has completed training for that election provided by the municipal clerk pursuant to rules promulgated under par. (a) within 2 years of the date of the election.
2. Only when an individual who has received training under subd. 1. is unavailable to perform his or her election duties due to sickness, injury, or other unforeseen occurrence may an individual who has not received training under subd. 1. be appointed to serve as an inspector, other than chief inspector, or a special voting deputy. The appointment of an individual to serve under this subdivision shall be for a specific election and no individual may be appointed under this subdivision more than one time in a 2-year period beginning on January 1 of each even-numbered year and ending on December 31 of the following year.
(2) The commission shall, by rule, prescribe requirements for, and the content of, training required of municipal clerks under s. 7.15 (1m). The commission may provide such training directly or arrange for such training to be provided by other organizations. The rules shall provide a method for notifying the relevant municipal governing body if a municipal clerk fails to attend required training.
(3) The commission may produce and periodically reissue as necessary a video program for the purpose of training election officials, including special voting deputies and election registration officials. The commission shall make any such program available for viewing electronically through an Internet-based system.
(4) Election registration officials shall receive the training as provided under this section for inspectors, other than chief inspectors.
History: 2005 a. 451; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 229, 261; 2017 a. 365.

7.32  Change of election official numbers. Notwithstanding s. 7.30 (1) (a), the governing body or board of election commissioners of any municipality may by resolution reduce the number of election officials and modify or rescind any similar previous action. No such action may reduce the number of officials at a polling place to less than 3.
History: 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 260 s. 46; Stats. 1979 s. 7.32; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 2005 a. 451.
Cross-reference: See also ch. EL 12, Wis. adm. code.

7.33  Service as an election official.
(1)  In this section:
(a) “Employee” has the meaning given under s. 101.01 (3).
(b) “Employer” has the meaning given under s. 101.01 (4).
(c) “State agency” has the meaning given under s. 20.001 (1) and includes an authority created under subch. II of ch. 114 or ch. 231, 232, 233, 234, or 237.
(2) Service as an election official under this chapter shall be mandatory upon all individuals appointed, during the full 2-year term, after which they shall be exempt from further service as an election official, under this chapter, until 3 terms of 2 years each have elapsed. Municipal clerks may grant exemptions from service at any time.
(3) Every employer shall grant to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election official under s. 7.30 a leave of absence for the entire 24-hour period of each election day in which the official serves in his or her official capacity. An employee who serves as an election official shall provide his or her employer with at least 7 days’ notice of application for a leave. The municipal clerk shall verify appointments upon request of any employer.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, each local governmental unit, as defined in s. 16.97 (7), may, and each state agency shall, upon proper application under sub. (3), permit each of its employees to serve as an election official under s. 7.30 without loss of fringe benefits or seniority privileges earned for scheduled working hours during the period specified in sub. (3), without loss of pay for scheduled working hours during the period specified in sub. (3) except as provided in sub. (5), and without any other penalty. For employees who are included in a collective bargaining unit for which a representative is recognized or certified under subch. V of ch. 111, this subsection shall apply unless otherwise provided in a collective bargaining agreement.
(5) Any employee of a local governmental unit, as defined in s. 16.97 (7), or state agency who obtains a paid leave of absence under sub. (4) in order to serve as an election official under s. 7.30 shall certify in writing to the head of the local governmental unit or state agency by which he or she is employed the amount of compensation that the employee receives for such service. Upon receipt of the certification, the head of the local governmental unit or state agency shall deduct that amount from the employee’s pay earned for scheduled working hours during the period specified in sub. (2) when the employee is on a paid leave of absence.
(6) Each employer other than a state agency shall, upon proper application under sub. (3), permit each of its employees to serve as an election official under s. 7.30 without loss of fringe benefits or seniority privileges earned for scheduled working hours during the period specified in sub. (3), and shall not impose any other penalty upon an employee who serves as an election official, except the employer need not pay wages to an employee for time not worked while the employee is serving as an election official.
History: 1977 c. 398; 1979 c. 260 s. 44; Stats. 1979 s. 7.33; 1987 a. 111; 1987 a. 391 ss. 37m, 41g, 41r; 1989 a. 56 s. 259; 1995 a. 27; 2001 a. 16, 104, 109; 2003 a. 33; 2005 a. 335, 451; 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 10.

7.36  Chief inspector’s duties. Subject to the supervision of the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners, the chief inspector shall direct the conduct of activities assigned to the inspectors at the polling place. The chief inspector shall refer any question as to the proper procedure to be employed in carrying out the inspectors’ duties to the municipal clerk or executive director.
History: 1985 a. 304.

7.37  Inspectors’ duties.
(1)  Adjourn to another location. Whenever it becomes impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the designated location, the inspectors, after assembling at or as near the designated polling place as practicable and before receiving any votes, may adjourn to the nearest convenient place for holding the election. The inspectors shall make a proclamation of the move and a law enforcement officer or other proper person designated by the municipal clerk shall be stationed at or as near as possible to the place where the adjournment was made, to notify all electors of the place to which the election adjourned. At the new location the inspectors shall immediately proceed with the election.
(2)  Preserve order. The inspectors shall possess full authority to maintain order and to enforce obedience to their lawful commands during the election and the canvass of the votes. They shall permit only one person in a voting booth at a time and shall prevent any person from taking notice of how another person has voted, except when assistance is given under s. 6.82. They shall enforce s. 5.35 (5) and prevent electioneering and distribution of election-related material from taking place in violation of ss. 12.03 and 12.035. If any person refuses to obey the lawful commands of an inspector, or is disorderly in the presence or hearing of the inspectors, interrupts or disturbs the proceedings, they may order any law enforcement officer to remove the person from the voting area or to take the person into custody.
(3)  Check ballot boxes. Immediately before the proclamation that the polls are open the election inspectors shall open each ballot box in the presence of the people assembled there, turn the boxes upside down so as to empty them of everything that may be inside and then lock them. The ballot boxes shall remain locked and shall not be reopened until the polls close for the purpose of counting the ballots therein.
(4)  Balloting procedure. At polling places which utilize paper ballots or electronic voting systems in which ballots are distributed to electors, 2 inspectors shall be assigned to take charge of the official ballots. They shall write their initials on the back of each ballot and deliver to each elector as he or she enters the voting booth one ballot properly endorsed by each of them. Where paper ballots are used, the inspectors shall fold each ballot in the proper manner to be deposited before delivering it to the elector. If asked, inspectors may instruct any elector as to the proper manner of marking the ballot, but they may not give advice, suggestions, express any preferences or make any requests as to the person for whom, the question on which or the ballot on which the elector shall vote.
(5)  Improper conduct. Any election official who intentionally fails to properly endorse a ballot or who intentionally gives an elector a ballot not properly endorsed shall be removed as an election official.
(6)  Attach stickers. Whenever a vacancy occurs in a nomination after the ballots have been printed and stickers are provided under s. 7.38 or 8.35 (2), the inspectors shall, at the direction of the municipal clerk, properly apply the stickers to the official ballots before endorsement.
(7)  Poll lists. Two inspectors shall be assigned to have charge of the poll lists at each election.
(8)  Electronic voting systems. Prior to the opening of the polling place, wherever electronic voting systems employing voting devices are used, the inspectors shall place the voting devices in position for voting and examine them to see that they are in proper working order.
(9)  Posting sample ballots. Two sample ballots sent by the municipal clerk shall be posted by the inspectors near the entrance to the polling place for public inspection throughout the day.
(10)  Challenged electors. If any person is challenged for cause, the inspectors shall proceed under ss. 6.92 and 6.925 and with the aid of other provisions of ch. 6 as appear applicable, shall resolve the challenge.
(11)  Spoiled ballots. Any spoiled ballot returned to an inspector under s. 6.80 (2) (c) shall be immediately destroyed by one of the inspectors.
(12)  Canvassers. The election inspectors shall constitute the board of canvassers of their polling place and in that capacity shall perform the duties under s. 7.51, except as otherwise designated by the municipal clerk under ss. 5.85 and 5.86.
(13)  Closing of polls. For each polling place, the municipal clerk shall designate an official of the municipality who shall position himself or herself at the end of the line of individuals waiting to vote, if any, at the time that the polls officially close. The official may be an appointed inspector who serves at that polling place, an employee of the municipal clerk or a police officer. Only individuals in line ahead of the official shall be permitted to vote under s. 6.78 (4).
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1975 c. 85; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 260, 311, 355; 1981 c. 391; 1983 a. 484 ss. 68, 69, 71 to 73, 172 (3); 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2009 a. 180; 2015 a. 261.
The requirement under sub. (4) that each ballot be initialed by 2 inspectors is directory, not mandatory, when the number of votes is equal to the number of electors. Roth v. LaFarge School District Board of Canvassers, 2001 WI App 221, 247 Wis. 2d 708, 634 N.W.2d 882, 01-0160.

7.38  Vacancies after nomination.
(1)  Except as provided in sub. (4), after the death of a candidate nominated for a partisan office, either in a primary or when no primary is required under s. 8.50 (3) (b), the vacancy may be filled by the candidate’s political party. In the case of county offices, the vacancy shall be filled by the chairperson of the county committee. If no county committee exists, the vacancy shall be filled by the chairperson of the state committee. For other offices, the vacancy shall be filled by the chairperson of the state committee. The appropriate chairperson shall file with the official or agency with whom nomination papers are filed for the office a certificate signed, certified and sworn to the same as an original nomination paper. The certificate shall state the cause of the vacancy, the name of the new nominee and the office for which the nomination is made. A political party may not nominate a candidate for an office for which no person representing that party has filed nomination papers and a declaration of candidacy.
(2) The certificate shall be filed within 4 days of the date of notification of the vacancy and shall have the same effect as original nomination papers.
(3) If the vacancy occurs after ballots have been printed in any county or municipality, the chairperson of the committee filling the vacancy shall supply the municipal clerk with stickers containing the name of the new nominee only. The stickers may be no larger than the space provided on the ballot for the original candidate’s name and office.
(4) There can be no vacancy in nomination prior to a party primary, except when no primary is required under s. 8.50 (3) (b).
(5) In the event of failure to file the name of a current state chairperson, as required under s. 8.17 (12), the commission may not recognize the state committee for the purpose of filling vacancies under sub. (1).
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 93, 200; 1977 c. 340, 427; 1979 c. 311; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1993 a. 184; 1999 a. 182; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

7.40  Sample ballots. Any committee may, at its own expense and subject to limitations upon contributions and disbursements under ch. 11, print a supply of sample ballots, provided each sample ballot includes on its face the information required by s. 11.1303 (2) and all the names shown on the official ballot. In this section, committee has the meaning given in s. 11.0101 (6).
History: 1987 a. 391 s. 46m; 2015 a. 117.

7.41  Public’s right to access.
(1)  Any member of the public may be present at any polling place, in the office of any municipal clerk whose office is located in a public building on any day that absentee ballots may be cast in that office, or at an alternate site under s. 6.855 on any day that absentee ballots may be cast at that site for the purpose of observation of an election and the absentee ballot voting process, except a candidate whose name appears on the ballot at the polling place or on an absentee ballot to be cast at the clerk’s office or alternate site at that election. The chief inspector or municipal clerk may reasonably limit the number of persons representing the same organization who are permitted to observe under this subsection at the same time. Each person permitted to observe under this subsection shall print his or her name in and sign and date a log maintained by the chief inspector or municipal clerk for that polling place, office, or alternate site.
(2) The chief inspector or municipal clerk may restrict the location of any individual exercising the right under sub. (1) to certain areas within a polling place, the clerk’s office, or alternate site under s. 6.855. The chief inspector or municipal clerk shall clearly designate observation areas for election observers under sub. (1). The observation areas shall be not less than 3 feet from nor more than 8 feet from the table at which electors announce their name and address to be issued a voter number at the polling place, office, or alternate site and not less than 3 feet from nor more than 8 feet from the table at which a person may register to vote at the polling place, office, or alternate site. The observation areas shall be so positioned to permit any election observer to readily observe all public aspects of the voting process.
(3) The chief inspector or municipal clerk may order the removal of any individual exercising the right under sub. (1) if that individual commits an overt act which does any of the following:
(a) Disrupts the operation of the polling place, clerk’s office, or alternate site under s. 6.855.
(b) Violates s. 12.03 (2) or 12.035.
(4) No individual exercising the right under sub. (1) may view the confidential portion of a registration list maintained under s. 6.36 (4) or a poll list maintained under s. 6.79 (6). However, the inspectors or municipal clerk shall disclose to such an individual, upon request, the existence of such a list, the number of electors whose names appear on the list, and the number of those electors who have voted at any point in the proceedings. No such individual may view the certificate of an absent elector who obtains a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2).
(5) The commission shall promulgate rules that are consistent with the requirements of sub. (2) regarding the proper conduct of individuals exercising the right under sub. (1), including the interaction of those individuals with inspectors and other election officials.
History: 1989 a. 192; 1999 a. 49; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 39, 109; 2005 a. 451; 2013 a. 177; 2015 a. 118.

SUBCHAPTER II – CANVASS OF RETURNS AND CERTIFICATION

7.50  Elector intent.
(1)  Requirements and restrictions.
(a) Except as provided in s. 7.15 (6), only ballots provided by the person authorized to have them printed shall be cast and counted in any election.
(b) When an elector casts more votes for any office or measure than he or she is entitled to cast at an election, all the elector’s votes for that office or measure are invalid and the elector is deemed to have voted for none of them, except as provided in par. (c) and sub. (2) (d). If an elector casts less votes for any office or measure than he or she is entitled to cast at an election, all votes cast by the elector shall be counted but no vote shall be counted more than once.
(c) If an elector casts more than one vote for the same candidate for the same office, the first vote is valid and the remaining votes are invalid.
(d) Whenever an electronic voting system is used at a polling place in a partisan primary, and the same ballot is utilized to cast votes for candidates of more than one recognized political party or candidates of a party and independent candidates, if an elector designates a preference for a party or for independent candidates, only votes cast within that preference category may be counted. If an elector does not designate a preference and makes a mark opposite candidates of more than one recognized political party or opposite a candidate in the independent candidates’ column and a candidate of a recognized political party, no votes cast by the elector for any candidate for partisan office are valid. Votes for other candidates and votes on ballot questions, if any, shall be counted if otherwise valid.
(2)  Ascertainment of intent. All ballots cast at an election which bear the initials of 2 inspectors shall be counted for the person or referendum question for whom or for which they were intended, so far as the electors’ intent can be ascertained from the ballots notwithstanding informality or failure to fully comply with other provisions of chs. 5 to 12. To determine intent:
(b) A ballot cast without any marks may not be counted. A ballot without a mark at the top of a party column may be counted only for persons for whom marks are applicable.
(c) If an elector marks a ballot with a cross (✘), or any other marks, as |, A, V, O, /, ✓, +, within the square to the right of a candidate’s name, or any place within the space in which the name appears, indicating an intent to vote for that candidate, it is a vote for the candidate whose name it is opposite.
(cm) Any apparent erasure of a mark next to the name of a candidate may not be counted as a vote for that candidate if the elector makes another mark next to the name of one or more different candidates for the same office and counting of the mark would result in an excess number of votes cast for the office.
(d) If an elector writes a person’s name in the proper space for write-in candidates for an office, it is a vote for the person written in for the office indicated, regardless of whether the elector strikes the names appearing in the same column for the same office, or places a mark by the same or any other name for the same office, or omits placing a mark to the right of the name written in. If an elector is permitted to vote for more than one candidate for the same office in an election and casts one or more write-in votes which, when added to the votes cast for candidates whose names appear on the ballot, exceed the number of votes authorized to be cast for the office, the write-in votes shall be counted and the votes for candidates whose names appear on the ballot may not be counted, unless there are more write-in votes than votes authorized to be cast, in which case no votes may be counted for the office.
(em) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, write-in votes shall only be counted if no candidates have been certified to appear on the ballot. If a candidate has been certified to appear on the ballot, write-in votes may only be counted for a candidate that files a registration statement under s. 11.0202 (1) (a) no later than noon on the Friday immediately preceding the election. If a candidate certified to appear on the ballot dies or withdraws before the election, all write-in votes shall be counted. When write-in votes are counted, every vote shall be counted for the candidate for whom it was intended, if the elector’s intent can be ascertained from the ballot itself.
(g) In partisan primaries, if an elector writes in the name of an individual on a ballot other than the one on which that individual’s name is shown as a candidate, the write-in vote may not be counted.
(h) In the general election or a partisan special election, a write-in vote may not be counted for any candidate if the candidate’s name appears on the official ballot, except a write-in vote cast for the same office under which the candidate’s name appears if no other similar name appears on the ballot for any office.
(hm) In a nonpartisan primary or election using voting machines if an elector is permitted to vote for more than one candidate for the same office, a write-in vote may not be counted if the vote is cast for a candidate whose name appears on the ballot for that office.
(i) The failure by an elector to write in the name of a candidate for the office of vice president of the United States on the general election ballot does not invalidate the elector’s vote for any candidate whose name is written in for the office of president of the United States. The failure of an elector to write in the name of a candidate for the office of president of the United States on the general election ballot invalidates the elector’s vote for any candidate whose name is written in for the office of vice president of the United States. The failure of an elector to write in the name of a candidate for the office of governor or lieutenant governor on the general election ballot does not invalidate the elector’s vote for any candidate whose name is written in for the office of governor or lieutenant governor alone.
(im) If an elector votes for an independent candidate for the office of governor or lieutenant governor but does not vote for any candidate as a running mate of that candidate for the office of lieutenant governor or governor, the vote cast by the elector shall be recorded as a vote cast for both offices and shall not be cumulated with a vote cast by any other elector for the same candidate for the same office jointly with any vote cast for a running mate of that candidate. If an elector votes for independent candidates for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor, the vote cast by the elector shall not be cumulated with a vote cast by any other elector for one but not both of the candidates for whom the elector casts his or her vote.
(j) If an elector writes in an individual for an office, it is a vote for that office, even if the elector writes in the name of a different office.
History: 1977 c. 107, 272, 427; 1979 c. 89, 311, 328; 1981 c. 377 ss. 20, 22; 1981 c. 391; 1983 a. 183; 1983 a. 484 ss. 75, 172 (3); 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192, 359; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 6; 2001 a. 16; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 178; 2015 a. 37, 117.
A board of canvassers may use its discretion and make findings only when the standards of a statute do not apply. Sub. (2) (c) minimizes a board’s discretion. When there is a qualifying mark in a qualifying place on the ballot the vote should be counted. Roth v. LaFarge School District, 2004 WI 6, 268 Wis. 2d 335, 677 N.W.2d 599, 02-0542.

7.51  Local board of canvassers.
(1)  Canvass procedure. Immediately after the polls close the inspectors except any inspector appointed under s. 7.30 (1) (b) shall proceed to canvass publicly all votes received at the polling place. In any municipality where an electronic voting system is used, the municipal governing body or board of election commissioners may provide or authorize the municipal clerk or executive director of the board of election commissioners to provide for the adjournment of the canvass to one or more central counting locations for specified polling places in the manner prescribed in subch. III of ch. 5. No central counting location may be used to count votes at a polling place where an electronic voting system is not employed. The canvass, whether conducted at the polling place or at a central counting location, shall continue without adjournment until the canvass of all ballots cast and received on or before election day is completed and the return statement is made or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, until the canvass of all absentee ballots cast and received on or before election day is completed and the return statement for those ballots is made. The inspectors shall not permit access to the name of any elector who has obtained a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) during the canvass, except as authorized in s. 6.47 (8).
(2)  Tallying.
(a) The inspectors shall first compare the poll lists, correcting any mistakes until the poll lists agree. The chief inspector and the inspectors who are responsible for recording electors under s. 6.79 shall verify the correctness of the poll lists after the polls close by each signing their name thereto. Where ballots are distributed to electors, the inspectors shall then open the ballot box and remove and count the number of ballots therein without examination except as is necessary to ascertain that each is a single ballot. If 2 or more ballots are folded together so as to appear as a single ballot, the inspectors shall lay them aside until the count is completed; and if, after a comparison of the count and the appearance of the ballots it appears to a majority of the inspectors that the ballots folded together were voted by the same person they may not be counted but the inspectors shall mark them as to the reason for removal, set them aside and carefully preserve them. The inspectors shall then proceed under par. (b).
(b) When during the counting of the ballots cast at an election a majority of the inspectors find that a ballot is so defective that they cannot determine with reasonable certainty for whom it was cast, they shall so mark the ballot and preserve it. The inspectors shall not count the vote cast on the ballot for any office for which they determine the ballot to be defective.
(c) Whenever the number of ballots exceeds the number of voting electors as indicated on the poll list, the inspectors shall place all ballots face up to check for blank ballots. In this paragraph, “blank ballot” means a ballot on which no votes are cast for any office or question. The inspectors shall mark, lay aside and preserve any blank ballots. Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, if the number of ballots still exceeds the number of voting electors, the inspectors shall place all ballots face down and proceed to check for the initials. The inspectors shall mark, lay aside and preserve any ballot not bearing the initials of 2 inspectors or any absentee ballot not bearing the initials of the municipal clerk. During the count the inspectors shall count those ballots cast by challenged electors the same as the other ballots.
(d) The inspectors shall keep a written statement, in duplicate, of the number of ballots set aside and the number of defective ballots and challenged ballots. The statement shall contain a record of the reasons for setting aside each ballot and the reasons why each defective or challenged ballot is defective or challenged. The inspectors shall certify that the statement is correct, sign it, and attach it to the tally sheets.
(e) Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, if after any ballots have been laid aside, the number of ballots still exceeds the total number of electors recorded on the poll list, the inspectors shall separate the absentee ballots from the other ballots. If there is an excess number of absentee ballots, the inspectors shall place the absentee ballots in the ballot box and one of the inspectors shall publicly and without examination draw therefrom by chance the number of ballots equal to the excess number of absentee ballots. If there is an excess number of nonabsentee ballots, the inspectors shall place those ballots in the ballot box and one of the inspectors shall publicly and without examination draw therefrom by chance the number of ballots equal to the excess number of those ballots. All ballots so removed may not be counted but shall be specially marked as having been removed by the inspectors on original canvass due to an excess number of ballots, set aside and preserved. When the number of ballots and total shown on the poll list agree, the inspectors shall return all ballots to be counted to the ballot box and shall turn the ballot box in such manner as to thoroughly mix the ballots. The inspectors shall then open, count and record the number of votes. When the ballots are counted, the inspectors shall separate them into piles for ballots similarly voted. Objections may be made to placement of ballots in the piles at the time the separation is made.
(f) If corrected ballots are distributed under s. 5.72 (3) or 7.10 (3), only the votes cast on the corrected ballots may be counted for any office or referendum in which the original ballots differ from the corrected ballots.
(g) Immediately after the polls close, where voting machines are used, the inspectors shall open the registering or recording compartments or remove the record of the votes cast and shall canvass, record, announce and return on the tally sheets and certificates furnished. In recording the votes registered on any counter which, before the opening of the polls, did not register 000, the inspectors shall upon the return sheets subtract the number registered before the polls opened from the number registered when the polls closed. The difference between the 2 numbers is the correct vote for the candidate whose name was represented by the counter, except if the number registered on the counter when the polls closed is smaller than the number registered thereon when the polls opened, the number 1,000 shall be added to the number registered when the polls closed, before the subtraction is made.
(h) Where a voting machine is used which produces a written record of the total votes cast for each candidate or referendum, the written record shall be presumed correct without reference to the total shown on the recorder in making its original statement, unless an error in the record is clearly apparent or unless a candidate at the election, or in the canvass of a referendum an elector who voted at the referendum, requests that the machine be viewed.
(3)  Securing the ballots.
(a) The inspectors shall place together all ballots counted by them which relate to any national, state or county office or any state, county or technical college district referendum and secure them together so that they cannot be untied or tampered with without breaking the seal. The secured ballots together with any ballots marked “Defective” shall then be secured by the chief inspector, and, if available, one other inspector whose party affiliation is different than the chief inspector’s party affiliation, in the ballot container in such a manner that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seals or locks, or destroying the container. The inspectors shall place the ballots cast under s. 6.97 in a separate, securely sealed carrier envelope which is clearly marked “Section 6.97 ballots”. The chief inspector and 2 other inspectors shall sign the carrier envelope. The carrier envelope shall not be placed in the ballot container. The inspectors shall then deliver the ballots to the municipal clerk in the ballot container and carrier envelope.
(b) For ballots which relate only to municipal or school district offices or referenda, the inspectors, in lieu of par. (a), after counting the ballots shall return them to the proper ballot boxes, lock the boxes, paste paper over the slots, sign their names to the paper and deliver them and the keys therefor to the municipal or school district clerk. The clerk shall retain the ballots until destruction is authorized under s. 7.23.
(c) Where voting machines are used, as soon as the count is complete and fully recorded, the inspectors shall seal, close and lock the machine, or remove the record so it cannot be voted on or tampered with. They shall then proceed to separately canvass and return any paper ballots voted under s. 5.40 (3) to (6). The inspectors shall count the challenged ballots the same as other ballots. Upon completion of the canvass, the inspectors shall return the paper ballots in a separate envelope marked “Paper Ballots”. The inspectors shall place the record of write-in votes cast on the machines in an envelope marked “Write-In Votes”. The inspectors shall return the paper ballots and write-in votes along with any printed voting record produced by the voting machines to the clerk under par. (a) or (b) or to the board of election commissioners. The inspectors shall place the envelopes and printed voting record in a properly sealed bag or container, indicating the ward or wards and county.
(d) Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, all absentee certificate envelopes which have been opened shall be returned by the inspectors to the municipal clerk in a securely sealed carrier envelope which is clearly marked “used absentee certificate envelopes”. The envelopes shall be signed by the chief inspector and 2 other inspectors. Except when the ballots are used in a municipal or school district election only, the municipal clerk shall transmit the used envelopes to the county clerk.
(4)  Announce and report.
(a) The tally sheets shall state the total number of votes cast for each office and for each individual receiving votes for that office, whether or not the individual’s name appears on the ballot, and shall state the vote for and against each proposition voted on. Upon completion of the tally sheets, the inspectors shall immediately complete the inspectors’ statement. The inspectors shall state the excess, if any, by which the number of ballots exceeds the number of electors voting as shown by the poll list and shall state the number of the last elector as shown by the poll lists. At least 3 inspectors, including the chief inspector and, unless election officials are appointed under s. 7.30 (4) (c) without regard to party affiliation, at least one inspector representing each political party, but not including any inspector appointed under s. 7.30 (1) (b), shall then certify to the correctness of the statement and tally sheets and sign their names. All other election officials assisting with the tally shall also certify to the correctness of the tally sheets. When the tally is complete, the inspectors shall publicly announce the results from the statement.
(b) The chief inspector, or one of the inspectors appointed by him or her, immediately after the votes are tabulated or counted at each election, shall report the returns of the election to the municipal clerk or to the school district clerk for school district elections, except in 1st class cities. The clerk shall then make the returns public.
(c) On election night the municipalities shall report the returns, by ward or reporting unit, to the county clerk no later than 2 hours after the votes are tabulated.
(5)  Returns.
(a)
1. The inspectors shall make full and accurate return of the votes cast for each candidate and proposition on tally sheet forms provided by the municipal clerk for that purpose. Each tally sheet shall record the returns for each office or referendum by ward, unless combined returns are authorized in accordance with s. 5.15 (6) (b) in which case the tally sheet shall record the returns for each group of combined wards.
2. After recording the votes, the inspectors shall seal in a carrier envelope outside the ballot bag or container one tally sheet and one poll list for delivery to the county clerk, unless the election relates only to municipal or school district offices or referenda.
3. The inspectors shall also seal the inspectors’ statement, inside a separate carrier envelope, and shall similarly seal in a separate carrier envelope one tally sheet and one poll list for delivery to the municipal clerk. For school district elections, except in 1st class cities, the inspectors shall seal one tally sheet and one poll list for delivery to the school district clerk.
4. The inspectors shall immediately deliver all ballots, statements, tally sheets, lists, and envelopes to the municipal clerk.
5. Upon receipt of the materials under subd. 4., the municipal clerk shall make sufficient copies of the inspectors’ statement under sub. (4) (a) and seal one copy of the statement inside a carrier envelope together with the envelope containing any materials required to be delivered to the county clerk or the school district clerk. The municipal clerk shall retain the original inspectors’ statement.
(b) The municipal clerk shall deliver all ballots, statements, tally sheets, lists, and envelopes relating to a school district election to the school district clerk, excluding any provisional ballots, by 4 p.m. on the day following each such election and shall deliver to the school district clerk any amended statements, tally sheets, and lists for additional provisional ballots canvassed under s. 6.97 (4) no later than 4 p.m. on the Monday after the election. The municipal clerk shall deliver to the county clerk the ballots, statements, tally sheets, lists, and envelopes for his or her municipality relating to any county, technical college district, state, or national election no later than 4 p.m. on the day following each such election or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, by 4 p.m. on the 2nd day following each such election, and shall deliver to the county clerk any additional provisional ballots canvassed under s. 6.97 (4) together with amended statements, tally sheets, lists, and envelopes no later than 4 p.m. on the Monday after the election. The person delivering the returns shall be paid out of the municipal treasury. Each clerk shall retain ballots, statements, tally sheets, or envelopes received by the clerk until destruction is authorized under s. 7.23 (1).
(6)  Electronic voting systems. The procedure for canvassing of votes cast at polling places utilizing an electronic voting system in which ballots are distributed to electors shall follow the procedure for canvassing paper ballots insofar as applicable, and the procedure for canvassing of votes cast at polling places utilizing an electronic voting machine shall follow the procedure for canvassing of mechanical voting machines insofar as applicable, except as otherwise provided in ss. 5.85 to 5.89.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1977 c. 29; 1977 c. 394 s. 53; 1977 c. 427, 447; 1979 c. 260 ss. 36, 48; 1979 c. 311; 1981 c. 4, 391; 1983 a. 183, 442; 1983 a. 484 ss. 76, 77, 172 (3); 1983 a. 538; 1985 a. 120, 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 56, 192; 1993 a. 399; 1997 a. 127; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 107, 109; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 96; 2011 a. 75, 115; 2013 a. 180; 2015 a. 261.
Canvassing boards are governmental bodies subject to the open meetings law — including the public notice, open session, and reasonable public access requirements — when they convene for the purpose of carrying out their statutory canvassing activities, but not when they are gathered only as individual inspectors fulfilling administrative duties. The gathering of election inspectors in a polling place constitutes a meeting of the local canvassing board only after the polls close and the canvassing under this section begins. OAG 5-14.
While canvassing boards must provide the public a reasonable opportunity to meaningfully observe their meetings, they may impose reasonable limits on public access to the extent necessary to protect the effective and orderly conduct of the canvass. The same principles of reasonableness govern the public’s opportunity to inspect election documents and materials at canvassing board meetings. OAG 5-14.

7.52  Canvassing of absentee ballots.
(1)
(a) The governing body of any municipality may provide by ordinance that, in lieu of canvassing absentee ballots at polling places under s. 6.88, the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers designated under s. 7.53 (2m) shall, at each election held in the municipality, canvass all absentee ballots received by the municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on election day. Prior to enacting an ordinance under this subsection, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality shall notify the elections commission in writing of the proposed enactment and shall consult with the elections commission concerning administration of this section. At every election held in the municipality following enactment of an ordinance under this subsection, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall, any time after the opening of the polls and before 10 p.m. on election day, publicly convene to count the absentee ballots for the municipality. The municipal clerk shall give at least 48 hours’ notice of any meeting under this subsection. Any member of the public has the same right of access to a meeting of the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers under this subsection that the individual would have under s. 7.41 to observe the proceedings at a polling place. The board of absentee ballot canvassers may order the removal of any individual exercising the right to observe the proceedings if the individual disrupts the meeting.
(b) A municipality that adopts the canvassing procedure under this section may appoint additional inspectors under s. 7.30 (2) (a) to assist the absentee ballot board of canvassers in canvassing absentee ballots under this section. In such case, an odd number of inspectors shall be appointed, and at no time may there be less than 3 inspectors who serve. Except as authorized in s. 7.30 (4) (c), all inspectors shall be affiliated with one of the 2 recognized political parties receiving the largest numbers of votes for president, or for governor in nonpresidential general election years, in the municipality. The party whose candidate received the largest number of votes in the municipality is entitled to one more inspector than the party whose candidate received the next largest number of votes in the municipality. Each inspector so appointed shall be a qualified elector of the municipality. The inspectors who are appointed under this paragraph shall serve under the direction and supervision of the board of absentee ballot canvassers.
(c) In each municipality where absentee ballots are canvassed under this section, no later than the closing hour of the polls, the municipal clerk shall post at his or her office and on the Internet at a site announced by the clerk before the polls open, and shall make available to any person upon request, a statement of the number of absentee ballots that the clerk has mailed or transmitted to electors and that have been returned by the closing hour on election day. The posting shall not include the names or addresses of any electors.
(2) In counting the absentee ballots, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall use 2 duplicate copies of a single poll list for the entire municipality prepared in accordance with s. 6.36 (2). Upon accepting each absentee ballot, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall enter a poll list number on the poll list next to the name of the elector who voted the ballot, beginning with the number one. If the elector’s name does not appear on the poll list, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall enter the number on a separate list maintained under this subsection.
(3)
(a) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall first open the carrier envelope only, and, in such a manner that a member of the public, if he or she desired, could hear, announce the name of the absent elector or the identification serial number of the absent elector if the elector has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2). When the board of absentee ballot canvassers finds that the certification has been properly executed and the applicant is a qualified elector of the ward or election district, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall enter an indication on the poll list next to the applicant’s name indicating an absentee ballot is cast by the elector. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then open the envelope containing the ballot in a manner so as not to deface or destroy the certification thereon. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall take out the ballot without unfolding it or permitting it to be unfolded or examined. Unless the ballot is cast under s. 6.95, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall verify that the ballot has been endorsed by the issuing clerk. If the poll list indicates that proof of residence is required and no proof of residence is enclosed or the name or address on the document that is provided is not the same as the name and address shown on the poll list, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall proceed as provided under s. 6.97 (2). The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall mark the poll list number of each elector who casts an absentee ballot on the back of the elector’s ballot. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then deposit the ballot into the proper ballot box and enter the absent elector’s name or poll list number after his or her name on the poll list.
(b) When the board of absentee ballot canvassers finds that a certification is insufficient, that the applicant is not a qualified elector in the ward or election district, that the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, that the ballot envelope contains more than one ballot of any one kind, or that the certificate of a military or overseas elector who received an absentee ballot by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing, or if proof is submitted to the board of absentee ballot canvassers that an elector voting an absentee ballot has since died, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall not count the ballot. Each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall endorse every ballot not counted on the back as “rejected (giving the reason).” The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall reinsert each rejected ballot into the certificate envelope in which it was delivered and enclose the certificate envelopes and ballots, and securely seal the ballots and envelopes in an envelope marked for rejected absentee ballots. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall endorse the envelope as “rejected ballots,” with a statement of the ward or election district and date of the election, and each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall sign the statement. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then return the envelope containing the ballots to the municipal clerk.
(4)
(a) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then open the ballot box and remove and count the number of ballots therein without examination except as is necessary to ascertain that each is a single ballot. If 2 or more ballots are folded together so as to appear as a single ballot, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall lay them aside until the count is completed; and if, after a comparison of the count and the appearance of the ballots it appears to the board of absentee ballot canvassers that the ballots folded together were voted by the same person they shall not be counted but the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall mark them as to the reason for removal, set them aside, and carefully preserve them. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then proceed under par. (b).
(b) When during the counting of the ballots cast at an election the board of absentee ballot canvassers finds that a ballot is so defective that it cannot determine with reasonable certainty for whom it was cast, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall so mark the ballot and preserve it. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall not count the vote cast on the ballot for any office for which it determines the ballot to be defective.
(c) Whenever the number of ballots exceeds the number of voting electors as indicated on the poll list, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall place all ballots face up to check for blank ballots. In this paragraph, “blank ballot” means a ballot on which no votes are cast for any office or question. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall mark, lay aside, and preserve any blank ballots. If the number of ballots still exceeds the number of voting electors, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall place all ballots face down and proceed to check for the initials. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall mark, lay aside, and preserve any ballot not bearing the initials of the municipal clerk. During the count, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall count those ballots cast by challenged electors the same as the other ballots.
(d) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall keep a written statement, in duplicate, of the number of ballots set aside and the number of defective ballots and challenged ballots. The statement shall contain a record of the reasons for setting aside each ballot and the reasons why each defective or challenged ballot is defective or challenged. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall certify that the statement is correct, sign it, and attach it to the tally sheets.
(e) If, after any ballots have been set aside, the number of ballots still exceeds the total number of electors recorded on the poll list, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall place the absentee ballots in the ballot box and one of the members shall publicly and without examination draw therefrom by chance the number of ballots equal to the excess number of ballots. All ballots so removed shall not be counted but shall be specially marked as having been removed by the board of absentee ballot canvassers on original canvass due to an excess number of ballots, set aside, and preserved. When the number of ballots and total shown on the poll list agree, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall return all ballots to be counted to the ballot box and shall turn the ballot box in such manner as to thoroughly mix the ballots. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then open, count, and record the number of votes. When the ballots are counted, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall separate them into piles for ballots similarly voted. Objections may be made to placement of ballots in the piles at the time the separation is made.
(f) If corrected ballots under s. 5.06 (6) or 5.72 (3) are distributed under s. 7.10 (3), only the votes cast on the corrected ballots may be counted for any office or referendum in which the original ballots differ from the corrected ballots.
(g) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall place together all ballots counted by it that relate to any national, state, or county office or any state, county, or technical college district referendum and secure them together so they cannot be untied or tampered with without breaking the seal. The secured ballots, together with any ballots marked “Defective,” shall then be secured by the board of absentee ballot canvassers in the ballot container in such a manner that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seals or locks, or destroying the container. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall place the ballots cast under s. 6.97 in a separate, securely sealed carrier envelope which is clearly marked “Section 6.97 ballots.” Each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall sign the carrier envelope. The carrier envelope shall not be placed in the ballot container. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then deliver the ballots to the municipal clerk in the ballot container and carrier envelope.
(h) For ballots that relate only to municipal or school district offices or referenda, the board of absentee ballot canvassers, in lieu of par. (a), after counting the ballots shall return them to the proper ballot boxes, lock the boxes, paste paper over the slots, sign their names to the paper, and deliver them and the keys therefor to the municipal or school district clerk. The clerk shall retain the ballots until destruction is authorized under s. 7.23.
(i) All absentee certificate envelopes that have been opened shall be returned by the board of absentee ballot canvassers to the municipal clerk in a securely sealed carrier envelope that is clearly marked “used absentee certificate envelopes.” The envelopes shall be signed by each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers. Except when the ballots are used in a municipal or school district election only, the municipal clerk shall transmit the used envelopes to the county clerk.
(5)
(a) The vote of any absent elector may be challenged by any elector for cause and the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall have all the power and authority given the inspectors to hear and determine the legality of the ballot the same as if the ballot had been voted in person.
(b) For the purpose of deciding upon ballots that are challenged for any reason, the board of absentee ballot canvassers may call before it any person whose absentee ballot is challenged if the person is available to be called. If the person challenged refuses to answer fully any relevant questions put to him or her by the board of absentee ballot canvassers under s. 6.92, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall reject the person’s vote. If the challenge is not withdrawn after the person offering to vote has answered the questions, one of the members of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall administer to the person the following oath or affirmation: “You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that: you are 18 years of age; you are a citizen of the United States; you are now and for 28 consecutive days have been a resident of this ward except under s. 6.02 (2), stats.; you have not voted at this election; you have not made any bet or wager or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager depending upon the result of this election; you are not on any other ground disqualified to vote at this election.” If the person challenged refuses to take the oath or affirmation, the person’s vote shall be rejected. If the person challenged answers fully all relevant questions put to the elector by the board of absentee ballot canvassers under s. 6.92, takes the oath or affirmation, and fulfills the applicable registration requirements, and if the answers to the questions given by the person indicate that the person meets the voting qualification requirements, the person’s vote shall be received.
NOTE: In One Wisconsin Institute, Inc. et al. v. Thomsen et al, 15-cv-324, 198 F. Supp. 3d 896, the United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin ordered that “the increase of the durational residency requirement from 10 days to 28 days is unconstitutional.”
(6) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall review each certificate envelope to determine whether any absentee ballot is cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote at the election, including ineligibility to vote by reason of a felony conviction. If the board of absentee ballot canvassers receives an absentee ballot that has been cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote, the inspectors shall challenge the ballot in the same manner as provided for inspectors making challenges under s. 6.92 and shall treat the ballot in the manner as provided for treatment of challenged ballots by inspectors under s. 6.95.
(7) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall maintain tally sheets on forms provided by the municipal clerk, which shall state the total number of votes cast for each office and for each individual receiving votes for that office, whether or not the individual’s name appears on the ballot, and shall state the vote for and against each proposition voted on. Upon completion of the canvass of the absentee ballots, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall immediately complete statements in duplicate. The statements shall state the excess, if any, by which the number of ballots exceeds the number of electors voting as shown by the poll list used by the board of absentee ballot canvassers under this section and shall state the poll list number of the last elector as shown by the poll list. Each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then certify to the correctness of the statements and tally sheets and sign their names. All other election officials assisting with the tally shall also certify to the correctness of the tally sheets. When the tally is complete, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall publicly announce the results from the statements, and the records of the count are open to public inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1).
(8) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall make full and accurate return of the votes cast for each candidate and proposition on the tally sheet forms. Each tally sheet shall record the returns for each office or referendum by ward, unless combined returns are authorized in accordance with s. 5.15 (6) (b), in which case the tally sheet shall record the returns for each group of combined wards. After recording the votes, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall seal in a carrier envelope outside the ballot bag or container one inspector’s statement under sub. (4) (d), one tally sheet, and one poll list for delivery to the county clerk, unless the election relates only to school district offices or referenda or municipal offices or referenda. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall also similarly seal one statement, one tally sheet, and one poll list for delivery to the municipal clerk.
(9) The governing body of any municipality that has provided by ordinance enacted under sub. (1) for the canvassing of absentee ballots at all elections held in the municipality under this section may by similar action rescind that decision. Thereafter, the absentee ballots at all elections held in the municipality shall be canvassed as provided in s. 6.88.
History: 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23, 75, 115, 227; 2015 a. 118; 2017 a. 59.

7.53  Municipal canvass.
(1) Municipalities with one polling place. (a) Where the municipality constitutes one ward or combines all wards to utilize a single polling place under s. 5.15(6)(b), the canvass of the votes cast at the polling place shall be conducted publicly under s. 7.51 and the inspectors, other than any inspector appointed under s. 7.30(1)(b), shall act as the municipal board of canvassers. The inspectors shall then complete the return statement for all votes cast at the polling place. If there are no provisional ballots that are eligible to be counted under s. 6.97 and no absentee ballots are being canvassed under s. 7.52, the inspectors may complete and sign the canvass statement and determination on election night. In municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, after the canvass of the absentee ballots is completed under s. 7.52, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall reconcile the poll list of the electors who vote by absentee ballot with the corresponding poll list of the electors who vote in person to ensure that no elector is allowed to cast more than one ballot. If an elector who votes in person has submitted an absentee ballot, the absentee ballot is void. Except as authorized in par. (b), if one or more electors of the municipality have cast provisional ballots that are eligible to be counted under s. 6.97, the inspectors, acting as the board of canvassers, shall reconvene no later than 9 a.m. on the Monday after the election to count the valid provisional ballots and shall adjust the returns accordingly. The inspectors, acting as the board of canvassers, need not reconvene if the municipal clerk certifies that he or she has received no provisional ballots from the time that the board of canvassers completed the initial canvass and 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election. Upon completion of the canvass under this paragraph and any canvass that is conducted under s. 7.52 and ascertainment of the results by the inspectors or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, by the inspectors and the board of absentee ballot canvassers, the municipal clerk shall publicly read to the inspectors or the board of absentee ballot canvassers the names of the persons voted for and the number of votes for each person for each municipal office, the names of the persons declared by the inspectors or board of absentee ballot canvassers to have won nomination or election to each municipal office, and the number of votes cast for and against each municipal referendum question.
(b) Solely for purposes of the reconvention of a board of canvassers under par. (a) for a specific election, the municipal clerk may determine to replace the members of the board of canvassers with a 3-member board of canvassers consisting of the clerk, the chief inspector, and one other inspector who shall be appointed by the clerk. If the municipal clerk is a candidate at the election being canvassed or is unable to serve, the other 2 members shall appoint a qualified elector of the municipality to serve in place of the clerk. If one of the other members is unable to serve, the municipal clerk shall appoint a qualified elector of the municipality to serve in place of that member. The person or persons making any appointment under this paragraph shall do so by letter which shall be signed by the person or persons, dated, and filed in the office of the municipal clerk. Upon the appointment and qualification of all members, the reconstituted board of canvassers shall then reconvene and carry out its responsibilities under par. (a).
(2) Municipalities with 2 or more wards. (a)1. Except as provided in par. (c), the municipal board of canvassers for municipal elections in each municipality utilizing more than one polling place shall be composed of the municipal clerk and 2 other qualified electors of the municipality appointed by the clerk. The members of the board of canvassers shall serve for 2-year terms commencing on January 1 of each even-numbered year, except that any member who is appointed to fill a permanent vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of the original appointee.
2. If the municipal clerk’s office is vacant or if the clerk cannot perform his or her duties, the mayor, president or board chairperson of the municipality shall designate another qualified elector of the municipality to serve in lieu of the clerk for that election.
3. If the clerk is a candidate at an election being canvassed, the clerk may perform his or her duties on the board of canvassers only if the clerk does not have an opponent whose name appears on the ballot, or in the case of a recount, if the office the clerk is seeking is not a subject of the recount. If the clerk is a candidate at the election being canvassed and has an opponent whose name appears on the ballot or if the office the clerk is seeking is a subject of a recount, the mayor, president or board chairperson of the municipality shall designate another qualified elector of the municipality to serve in lieu of the elector for that election.
4. If any other member of the board of canvassers is a candidate at the election being canvassed, the clerk shall appoint another qualified elector of the municipality to temporarily fill the vacancy.
(c) In cities of more than 500,000 population, the board of election commissioners shall act as the board of canvassers.
(cm) If one or more temporary vacancies on the municipal board of canvassers reduces the number of members to less than 3, the municipal clerk shall appoint a member to fill each vacancy, except in cities of more than 500,000 population. In cities of more than 500,000 population, the executive director of the board of election commissioners shall serve as a member of the board of canvassers to fill a temporary vacancy on that board.
(d) In municipalities with one polling place, the canvass shall be conducted under sub. (1) publicly on election night. In other municipalities, the municipal board of canvassers shall publicly canvass the returns of every election. The canvass shall begin no earlier than the time that the municipal board of canvassers receives the returns from all polling places in the municipality on election night and no later than 9 a.m. on the Monday after the election. After any canvass of the absentee ballots is completed under s. 7.52, the board of canvassers shall reconcile the poll list of the electors who vote by absentee ballot with the corresponding poll list of the electors who vote in person to ensure that no elector is allowed to cast more than one ballot. If an elector who votes in person has submitted an absentee ballot, the absentee ballot is void. At the spring election, the board of canvassers shall publicly declare the results on or before the 3rd Tuesday in April. The board of canvassers shall prepare a statement showing the results of each election for any municipal office and each municipal referendum. After each primary for municipal offices, the board of canvassers shall prepare a statement certifying the names of those persons who have won nomination to office. After each other election for a municipal office and each municipal referendum, the board of canvassers shall prepare a determination showing the names of the persons who are elected to each municipal office and the results of each municipal referendum. The board of canvassers shall file each statement and determination in the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners.
(2m) Board of absentee ballot canvassers. (a) If a municipality elects to count absentee ballots in the manner provided for in s. 7.52, the municipality shall establish a board of absentee ballot canvassers as provided in par. (b).
(b) Except as provided in par. (c), the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers shall be composed of the municipal clerk, or a qualified elector of the municipality designated by the clerk, and 2 other qualified electors of the municipality appointed by the clerk. The members of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall serve for 2-year terms commencing on January 1 of each even-numbered year, except that any member who is appointed to fill a permanent vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of the original appointee. If the municipal clerk’s office is vacant or if the clerk and the clerk’s designee cannot perform his or her duties, the mayor, president, or board chairperson of the municipality shall designate another qualified elector of the municipality to serve in lieu of the clerk for that election. If the clerk is a candidate at an election being canvassed, the clerk or the clerk’s designee may perform the clerk’s duties on the board of absentee ballot canvassers only if the clerk does not have an opponent whose name appears on the ballot. If the clerk is a candidate at the election being canvassed by the board of absentee ballot canvassers and has an opponent whose name appears on the ballot, the mayor, president, or board chairperson of the municipality shall designate another qualified elector of the municipality to serve in lieu of the clerk and his or her designee for that election. If any other member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers is a candidate at the election being canvassed, the clerk shall appoint another qualified elector of the municipality to temporarily fill the vacancy.
(c) Nothing in this subsection precludes a municipal clerk from appointing individuals to the board of absentee ballot canvassers who are simultaneously serving on any other board of canvassers.
(3) School district elections. (a) In a common, union high or unified school district, the school district clerk shall appoint 2 qualified electors of the school district prior to the date of the election being canvassed who shall, with the school district clerk, constitute the school district board of canvassers. If the school district clerk is a candidate at the election being canvassed, the other 2 members of the board of canvassers shall designate a 3rd member to serve in lieu of the clerk for that election. The school district clerk shall appoint a member to fill any other temporary vacancy on the board of canvassers. The canvass shall begin no later than 9 a.m. on the Tuesday after the election, and shall continue, without adjournment, until completed. The board of canvassers may return defective returns to the municipal board of canvassers in the manner provided in s. 7.60(3). If the board of canvassers meets before 4 p.m. on the Monday after the election and thereafter receives amended statements, tally sheets, and lists from a municipal clerk for provisional ballots that are eligible to be counted under s. 6.97(4), the board of canvassers shall reconvene no later than 9 a.m. on the Tuesday after the election and shall adjust the returns accordingly. No later than 4 p.m. on the Tuesday after the election, the board of canvassers shall complete the canvass and shall prepare a written statement showing the numbers of votes cast for each person for each office and for and against each question and shall prepare a determination showing the names of the persons who are elected to the school board and the results of any school district referendum. Following each primary election, the board of canvassers shall prepare a statement certifying the names of the persons who have won nomination to the school board. Each statement and determination shall be attested by each of the canvassers. The board of canvassers shall file each statement and determination in the school district office. The school district clerk shall certify nominations after each primary and issue certificates of election to persons who are elected to the school board after each election in the manner provided in sub. (4).
(b) In a 1st class city school district, the municipal board of canvassers or election commissioners shall determine the results of school district elections and referenda and shall file a written statement and determination of the results for each election and referendum in the office of the city clerk or board of election commissioners. The board of election commissioners or city clerk shall certify nominations after each primary and issue certificates of election to persons who are elected to the board of school directors after each election in the manner provided in sub. (4).
(4) Certificate of election. As soon as the deadline for filing a petition for a recount has passed, the municipal clerk shall issue promptly a certificate of election to each person elected to any municipal office, except that the municipal clerk need not wait until expiration of the time allowed to file a petition for a recount if there is no aggrieved party, as defined in s. 9.01(1)(a) 5. When a valid petition for a recount is filed, the municipal clerk shall not issue the certificate of election for the office in question until the recount has been completed and the time allowed for filing an appeal has passed, or if appealed until the appeal is decided.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1977 c. 290, 427, 447; 1979 c. 260; 1981 c. 314; 1983 a. 183, 484; 1985 a. 225; 1985 a. 304 ss. 93, 155; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 96; 2011 a. 115; 2015 a. 37, 229, 261; 2019 a. 182.
The canvassing activities conducted at the municipal level pursuant to this section and by school district canvassing boards constitute meetings of governmental bodies and are subject to the requirements of the open meetings law. OAG 5-14.
While canvassing boards must provide the public a reasonable opportunity to meaningfully observe their meetings, they may impose reasonable limits on public access to the extent necessary to protect the effective and orderly conduct of the canvass. The same principles of reasonableness govern the public’s opportunity to inspect election documents and materials at canvassing board meetings. OAG 5-14.

7.54  Contested elections. In all contested election cases, the contesting parties have the right to have the ballots opened and to have all errors of the inspectors, either in counting or refusing to count any ballot, corrected by the board of canvassers or court deciding the contest. The ballots and related materials may be opened only in open session of the board of canvassers or in open court and in the presence of the official having custody of them.
History: 1983 a. 484.

7.60  County canvass.
(1) Keep office open. On election night the county clerk shall keep the clerk’s office open to receive reports from the ward inspectors and shall post all returns. On election night the clerk shall post all returns, by ward or reporting unit, on an Internet site maintained by the county no later than 2 hours after receiving the returns.
(2) County board of canvassers. The county clerk and 2 qualified electors of the county appointed by the clerk constitute the county board of canvassers. The members of the board of canvassers shall serve for 2-year terms commencing on January 1 of each even-numbered year, except that any member who is appointed to fill a permanent vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of the original appointee. One member of the board of canvassers shall belong to a political party other than the clerk’s. The county clerk shall designate a deputy clerk who shall perform the clerk’s duties as a member of the board of canvassers in the event that the county clerk’s office is vacant, or the clerk cannot perform his or her duties. If the county clerk and designated deputy clerk are both unable to perform their duties, the county executive or, if there is no county executive, the chairperson of the county board of supervisors shall designate another qualified elector of the county to perform the clerk’s duties. If a member other than the clerk cannot perform his or her duties, the clerk shall appoint another member to serve. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, no person may serve on the county board of canvassers if the person is a candidate for an office to be canvassed by that board. If the clerk is a candidate at an election being canvassed, the clerk may perform his or her duties on the board only if the clerk has no opponent whose name appears on the ballot, or, in the case of a recount, if the office the clerk is seeking is not a subject of the recount. If lists of candidates for the county board of canvassers are submitted to the county clerk by political party county committees, the lists shall consist of at least 3 names and the clerk shall choose the board members from the lists. Where there is a county board of election commissioners, it shall serve as the board of canvassers. If the county board of election commissioners serves as the board of canvassers, the executive director of the county board of election commissioners shall serve as a member of the board of canvassers to fill a temporary vacancy on that board.
(3) Canvassing. Not later than 9 a.m. on the Tuesday after each election the county board of canvassers shall open and publicly examine the returns. If returns have not been received from any election district or ward in the county, they shall dispatch a messenger and the person having them shall deliver the returns to the messenger. If, on examination, any of the returns received are so informal or defective that the board cannot intelligently canvass them, they shall dispatch a messenger to deliver the returns back to the municipal board of canvassers with written specifications of the informalities or defects and command them to immediately complete the returns or remedy the defects in the manner required and deliver them to the messenger. Every messenger shall safely keep all returns, show them to no one but the municipal clerk and board of canvassers and deliver them to the county clerk with all possible dispatch. To acquire the necessary full returns and remedy any informalities or defects the county board of canvassers may adjourn not longer than one day at a time nor more than 2 days in all.
(4) Statements and determinations. (a) The board of canvassers shall make separate duplicate statements showing the numbers of votes cast for the offices of president and vice president; state officials; U.S. senators and representatives in congress; state legislators; justice; court of appeals judge; circuit judges; district attorneys; and metropolitan sewerage commissioners, if the commissioners are elected under s. 200.09(11)(am). If a municipal judge elected under s. 755.01(4) serves a municipality that is located partially within the county and candidates for that judgeship file nomination papers in another county, the board of canvassers shall prepare a duplicate statement showing the numbers of votes cast for that judgeship in that county for transmittal to the other county. For partisan candidates, the statements shall include the political party or principle designation, if any, next to the name of each candidate. The board of canvassers shall also prepare a statement showing the results of any county, technical college district, or statewide referendum. Each statement shall state the total number of votes cast in the county for each office; the names of all persons for whom the votes were cast, as returned; the number of votes cast for each person; and the number of votes cast for and against any question submitted at a referendum. The board of canvassers shall use one copy of each duplicate statement to report to the elections commission, technical college district board, or board of canvassers of any other county and shall file the other statement in the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners.
(b) The board of canvassers shall then prepare a written determination, in duplicate where necessary, giving the names of the persons elected to any county office and to any municipal judgeship if the judge is elected under s. 755.01(4) and candidates for that judgeship file nomination papers in that county. The board of canvassers shall likewise prepare a written determination showing the results of any county referendum. Following any primary election, the board of canvassers shall prepare a statement certifying the names of all persons who have won nomination to any county office or any municipal judgeship, if the judge is elected under s. 755.01(4) and candidates for that judgeship file nomination papers in that county. The board of canvassers shall file all statements and determinations in the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners.
(c) In preparing the statements and determinations, the board of canvassers shall carefully review the tally sheets and inspectors’ statement. The board of canvassers may omit the names of individuals whose names do not appear on the ballot and who receive a comparatively small number of votes. The board of canvassers shall designate votes received by such individuals as scattering votes. The board of canvassers shall append to each statement and determination a tabulation of the votes cast at each election district, ward or combination of wards authorized under s. 5.15(6)(b) in the county for each office and each individual, whether the votes are canvassed or not, as well as the total canvassed votes cast for each individual and each office, except where scattering votes are designated. If any votes are rejected, the board of canvassers shall specify the reasons therefor.
(d) Each statement and determination issued under pars. (a) and (b) shall be certified as correct and attested to by each canvasser’s signature.
(5) Reporting. (a) Immediately following the canvass, the county clerk shall deliver or transmit to the elections commission a certified copy of each statement of the county board of canvassers for president and vice president, state officials, senators and representatives in congress, state legislators, justice, court of appeals judge, circuit judge, district attorney, and metropolitan sewerage commissioners, if the commissioners are elected under s. 200.09(11)(am). The statement shall record the returns for each office or referendum by ward, unless combined returns are authorized under s. 5.15(6)(b) in which case the statement shall record the returns for each group of combined wards. Following primaries the county clerk shall enclose on forms prescribed by the elections commission the names, party or principle designation, if any, and number of votes received by each candidate recorded in the same manner. The county clerk shall deliver or transmit the certified statement to the elections commission no later than 9 days after each primary except the partisan primary, no later than 10 days after the partisan primary and any other election except the general election, and no later than 14 days after the general election. The board of canvassers shall deliver or transmit a certified copy of each statement for any technical college district referendum to the secretary of the technical college district board.
(b) If the board of canvassers becomes aware of a material mistake in the canvass of an election for state or national office or a statewide or technical college district referendum prior to the close of business on the day the elections commission receives returns from the last county board of canvassers with respect to that canvass, the board of canvassers may petition the elections commission to reopen and correct the canvass. The elections commission shall direct the canvass to be reopened and corrected if it determines that the public interest so requires. If the elections commission directs the canvass to be reopened, the board of canvassers shall reconvene and transmit a certified corrected copy of the canvass statement to the elections commission or secretary of the technical college district board.
(6) Certificate of election. Immediately after expiration of the time allowed to file a petition for a recount the county clerk shall issue a certificate of election to each person who is elected to any county office, except that the county clerk need not wait until expiration of the time allowed to file a petition for a recount if there is no aggrieved party, as defined in s. 9.01(1)(a) 5. The certificate notice shall state the amount of the required official bond, if any. When a petition for a recount is filed, the county clerk shall not issue the certificate of election for the office in question until the recount has been completed and the time allowed for filing an appeal has passed, or if appealed until the appeal is decided.
(7) Official canvass record. After the certificates of election have been prepared under sub. (6), the county clerk shall retain one copy of the official canvass for county offices and referenda in his or her office for public inspection.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334 ss. 14, 57; 1975 c. 93, 199; 1977 c. 187, 427, 449; 1979 c. 221, 260, 355; 1981 c. 4; 1983 a. 442, 484, 538; 1985 a. 89, 304, 332; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 399; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 107, 109; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 75, 115; 2015 a. 118, 229, 261; 2019 a. 182.
The canvassing activities conducted by county canvassing boards are meetings of governmental bodies subject to the requirements of the open meetings law. While canvassing boards must provide the public a reasonable opportunity to meaningfully observe their meetings, they may impose reasonable limits on public access to the extent necessary to protect the effective and orderly conduct of the canvass. The same principles of reasonableness govern the public’s opportunity to inspect election documents and materials at canvassing board meetings. OAG 5-14.

7.70  State canvass.
(1) Recording and preserving returns. (a) Upon receipt of the certified statements from the county clerks, the commission shall record the election results by counties and file and carefully preserve the statements.
(b) If any county clerk fails or neglects to forward any statements, the commission may require the clerk to do so immediately and if not received by the 8th day after a primary, or by the 11th day after any other election, the commission may dispatch a special messenger to obtain them. Whenever it appears upon the face of any statement that an error has been made in reporting or computing, the commission may return it to the county clerk for correction.
(3) Canvassing. (a) The chairperson of the commission or a designee of the chairperson appointed by the chairperson to canvass a specific election shall publicly canvass the returns and make his or her certifications and determinations on or before the 2nd Tuesday following a spring primary, the 15th day of May following a spring election, the 3rd Wednesday following a partisan primary, the first day of December following a general election, the 2nd Thursday following a special primary, or within 18 days after any special election.
(b) The commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee shall examine the certified statements of the county boards of canvassers. If it appears that any material mistake has been made in the computation of votes, or any county board of canvassers failed to canvass the votes or omitted votes from any ward or election district in the county, the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee may dispatch a messenger to the county clerk with written instructions to certify the facts concerning the mistake or the reason why the votes were not canvassed. A clerk to whom such instructions are delivered shall immediately make a true and full answer, sign it, affix the county seal and deliver it to the messenger. The messenger shall deliver it with all possible dispatch to the commission.
(c) The chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee shall conclude the state canvass within 10 days after its commencement.
(d) When the certified statements and returns are received, the chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee shall proceed to examine and make a statement of the total number of votes cast at any election for the offices involved in the election for president and vice president; a statement for each of the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, if a primary, and a joint statement for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor, if a general election; a statement for each of the offices of secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, and state superintendent; for U.S. senator; representative in congress for each congressional district; the state legislature; justice; court of appeals judge; circuit judge; district attorney; metropolitan sewerage commission, if the commissioners are elected under s. 200.09(11)(am); and for any referenda questions submitted by the legislature.
(e) The chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee shall make a special statement to the commission as soon as possible after the canvass of the general election certifying the name of each political party which receives at least one percent of the vote cast in such election for any statewide office.
(f) The statements shall show the persons’ names receiving votes, and any referenda questions; the whole number of votes given to each; and an individual listing by the districts or counties in which they were given. The names of persons not regularly nominated who received only a comparatively small number of votes may be omitted and their votes designated as scattering votes.
(g) Following each primary election, the chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee shall prepare a statement certifying the results of the primary, which shall indicate the names of the persons who have won nomination to any state or national office. Following each other election, the chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee shall prepare a statement certifying the results of the election and shall attach to the statement a certificate of determination which shall indicate the names of persons who have been elected to any state or national office. The chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee shall likewise prepare a statement and certificate for any statewide referendum. The chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee shall deliver each statement and determination to the commission.
(h) Whenever a referendum question submitted to a vote of the people is approved, the commission shall record it and the secretary of state shall have the record bound in the volume containing the original enrolled laws passed at the next succeeding session of the legislature and have the record published with the laws thereof. Whenever a constitutional amendment or other statewide validating or ratifying referendum question which is approved by the people does not expressly state the date of effectiveness, it shall become effective at the time the chairperson of the commission or the chairperson’s designee certifies that the amendment or referendum question is approved.
(i) The commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee shall canvass only regular returns made by the county board of canvassers and shall not count or canvass any additional or supplemental returns or statements made by the county board or any other board or person. The commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee shall not count or canvass any statement or return which has been made by the county board of canvassers at any other time than that provided in s. 7.60. This provision does not apply to any return made subsequent to a recount under s. 9.01, when the return is accepted in lieu of any prior return from the same county for the same office; or to a statement given to the commission chairperson or chairperson’s designee or a messenger sent by the chairperson or designee to obtain a correction.
(5) (a) The commission shall record in its office each certified statement and determination made by the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee. Immediately after the expiration of the time allowed to file a petition for recount, the commission shall make and transmit to each person declared elected a certificate of election under the seal of the commission, except that the commission need not wait until expiration of the time allowed to file a petition for recount if there is no aggrieved party, as defined in s. 9.01(1)(a) 5. It shall also prepare similar certificates, attested by the commission administrator, addressed to the U.S. house of representatives, stating the names of those persons elected as representatives to the congress from this state. In the case of U.S. senators, the commission shall prepare a certificate of election for the governor’s signature, and the governor shall sign and affix the great seal of the state and transmit the certificate to the president of the U.S. senate. The certificate shall be countersigned by the secretary of state. If a person elected was elected to fill a vacancy, the certificate shall so indicate. When a valid petition for recount is filed, the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee may not certify a nomination, and the governor or commission may not issue a certificate of election until the recount has been completed and the time allowed for filing an appeal has passed, or if appealed until the appeal is decided.
(b) For presidential electors, the commission shall prepare a certificate showing the determination of the results of the canvass and the names of the persons elected, and the governor shall sign, affix the great seal of the state, and transmit the certificate by registered mail to the U.S. administrator of general services. The governor shall also prepare 6 duplicate originals of such certificate and deliver them to one of the presidential electors on or before the first Monday after the 2nd Wednesday in December.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334 ss. 15, 57; 1975 c. 93, 199; 1977 c. 107, 187, 427, 449; 1979 c. 221, 260, 328; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 89, 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 32, 75; 2015 a. 118 ss. 93 to 95, 266 (10); 2019 a. 182.
Unless a constitutional amendment provides otherwise, it takes effect upon the certification of a statewide canvass of the votes as provided in sub. (3) (h). The legislature has the authority under Art. XII, s. 1 to adopt reasonable election laws to provide that state constitutional amendments are effective after canvass and certification. State v. Gonzales, 2002 WI 59, 253 Wis. 2d 134, 645 N.W.2d 264, 01-0224.
Although the GAB chairperson or his or her designee is expressly required to “publicly canvass the returns” under sub. (3) (a), those canvassing activities are not subject to the separate requirements of the open meetings law. OAG 5-14.

7.75  Presidential electors meeting.
(1)  The electors for president and vice president shall meet at the state capitol following the presidential election at 12:00 noon the first Monday after the 2nd Wednesday in December. If there is a vacancy in the office of an elector due to death, refusal to act, failure to attend or other cause, the electors present shall immediately proceed to fill by ballot, by a plurality of votes, the electoral college vacancy. When all electors are present, or the vacancies filled, they shall perform their required duties under the constitution and laws of the United States.
(2) The presidential electors, when convened, shall vote by ballot for that person for president and that person for vice president who are, respectively, the candidates of the political party which nominated them under s. 8.18, the candidates whose names appeared on the nomination papers filed under s. 8.20, or the candidate or candidates who filed their names under s. 8.185 (2), except that at least one of the persons for whom the electors vote may not be an inhabitant of this state. A presidential elector is not required to vote for a candidate who is deceased at the time of the meeting.
History: 1979 c. 246.

7.80  Notice of election. Personal service or service by first class mail of a certificate of election is official notification for all legal purposes to any person of his or her election to office.
History: 1977 c. 427.

Return to Top

Chapter 8 – Nominations, Primaries, Elections

8.01  Method of nomination. Candidates for elective office shall be nominated according to this chapter.

8.02  Nomination paper circulation date. Whenever a specific date is not given to begin circulation of nomination papers, the first day for circulation shall be the first day of the month one month prior to the month in which the filing deadline is scheduled. Signatures shall not be counted if signed and dated prior to the first day for circulation.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.05 and 2.07, Wis. adm. code.

8.03  Multiple nominations.
(1)  The name of any candidate who is nominated to the same office by more than one party or primary or nominated for more than one partisan or state nonpartisan office shall appear under the party first nominating him or her or under the office to which he or she was first nominated. If the double nomination is simultaneous, the candidate who is nominated, before the deadline for filing nomination papers shall file a written statement with the same person with whom he or she files nomination papers stating the person’s party or office preference. If the candidate fails to select the party or office, the filing officer shall place the candidate’s name on the ballot under either party or office, but may not permit it to appear more than once. If a candidate is nominated at a primary election for partisan office or nonpartisan state office on a ballot where his or her name appears or by nomination papers filed by the candidate, and is also nominated by write-in votes at the primary election to another office, or to the same office as the candidate of a different party, the candidate does not have a choice, but shall be placed on the ballot for the election under the office and party for which the candidate’s name appeared on the primary ballot or for which the candidate had filed nomination papers.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply when a candidate for the office of president or vice president of the United States is nominated for another elective office during the same election. If the candidate is elected president or vice president of the United States such election shall void the candidate’s election to any other office. A special election shall be held to fill any office vacated under this subsection.
(2m) A candidate may appear on the ballot for more than one local nonpartisan office at the same election.
(3) This section does not affect the law of compatibility of offices.
History: 1979 c. 260; 1989 a. 192; 1991 a. 316.

8.04  Nomination paper signatures. If any person signs nomination papers for 2 candidates for the same office in the same election at different times, the earlier signature is valid and the later signature is invalid. If any person circulates a nomination paper for 2 candidates for the same office in the same election at different times, the earlier paper is valid and the later paper is invalid.
History: 1979 c. 260.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.05 and 2.07, Wis. adm. code.

8.05  Nomination in towns and villages. Every candidate for an elective office in a town or village shall be nominated under this section.
(1) Caucus.
(a) When nomination papers are not used, there shall be a caucus to nominate candidates. The governing body shall between December 1 and January 1 decide the date of the caucus. The date of the caucus may be established between January 2 and January 21. When possible, preference should be given to having the caucus on January 21.
(b) Whenever a caucus is held, the municipal clerk shall give notice of the date, time and place for the caucus by posting in the clerk’s office and by one publication in a newspaper under ch. 985, at least 5 days before the date of the caucus.
(c) The town chairperson or village president together with the municipal clerk shall serve as caucus officials. If the chairperson or president is a candidate, he or she shall call for the election of officials to conduct the caucus. The officials shall be elected by acclamation or ballot as the meeting directs. The electors attending the meeting shall select 2 tellers to canvass the vote for each office at the caucus.
(d) Names of candidates shall be placed in nomination either by motion made and seconded from the floor or by writing the candidate’s name on a slip of paper distributed by the tellers to those electors attending the caucus. Only persons placed in nomination shall be voted on.
(e) Nominations shall be made for one office at a time. Nominations for the office of town supervisor when supervisors are elected to unnumbered seats and nominations for the office of village trustee shall be considered together, and each elector voting at the caucus may cast as many votes as there are seats to be filled at the election.
(f) Before balloting the caucus chairperson shall announce the names of all candidates placed in nomination.
(g) The voting for each office shall be by ballot, but the caucus chairperson may dispense with voting by ballot when only one or 2 persons are nominated for the same office.
(h) The 2 candidates receiving the highest number of votes cast for each office shall be nominated and certified by the caucus chairperson and tellers to the municipal clerk. If a town under s. 5.60 (6) elects its supervisors to unnumbered seats, candidates equal to twice the number of positions to be filled, who receive the most votes, shall be nominated and certified.
(i) Village trustees, excluding the office of village president, shall be nominated together and at large. Candidates, equal to twice the number of positions to be filled, who receive the most votes, shall be nominated and certified.
(j)
1. The municipal clerk shall notify in writing each candidate whose name is certified as a nominee under par. (h) of his or her nomination. If a municipal judge is elected under s. 755.01 (4), the county clerk of the county having the largest portion of the population in the jurisdiction served by the judge shall make the notification.
2. Upon receipt of the notice, each candidate shall file a declaration of candidacy in the manner prescribed by s. 8.21 with the municipal clerk making the notification no later than 5 p.m. on the 5th day after the notification is mailed or personally delivered to the candidate by the municipal clerk, except as authorized in this paragraph. If an incumbent whose name is certified as a nominee fails to file a declaration of candidacy within the time prescribed by this paragraph, each certified candidate for the office held by the incumbent, other than the incumbent, may file a declaration of candidacy no later than 72 hours after the latest time prescribed in this paragraph. If the candidate has not filed a registration statement under s. 11.0202 (1) (a) at the time of the notification, the candidate shall file the statement with the declaration.
3. A candidate for municipal judge shall, in addition to making the filings required under subd. 2., file a statement of economic interests with the ethics commission under s. 19.43 (4) no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 5th day after notification of nomination is mailed or personally delivered to the candidate, or no later than 4:30 p.m. on the next business day after the last day for filing a declaration of candidacy whenever that candidate is granted an extension of time for filing a declaration of candidacy under subd. 2.
4. Upon receipt of the declaration of candidacy and registration statement of each qualified candidate, and upon filing of a statement of economic interests by each candidate for municipal judge, the municipal clerk, or the county clerk if the judge is elected under s. 755.01 (4), shall place the name of the candidate on the ballot. No later than the end of the 3rd day following qualification by all candidates, the municipal clerk, or the county clerk if the judge is elected under s. 755.01 (4), shall draw lots to determine the arrangement of candidates’ names on the spring election ballot.
(k) Within 10 days of the date of the original caucus, the town board chairperson or the village president may reconvene the caucus to correct any procedural error or to nominate a candidate for a position for which no candidate was nominated at the original caucus or for which no candidate nominated at the original caucus qualified. The municipal clerk shall give notice of the reconvened caucus as provided in par. (b).
(3) Town nonpartisan primary.
(a) In lieu of sub. (1), the electors either by referendum or at the town meeting may provide for nomination of elective town office candidates at a nonpartisan primary conducted as provided in sub. (5). The nomination papers shall be signed by not less than 20 nor more than 100 electors of the town. The nomination papers shall be circulated not sooner than December 1 preceding the election and shall be filed with the town clerk not later than 5 p.m. the first Tuesday in January, or the next day if Tuesday is a holiday.
(b) The town clerk shall give notice of the primary under s. 10.06 (3) (a).
(c) When this subsection is used, no additional candidates may be nominated under sub. (1).
(d) The question of adoption of the nonpartisan primary under this subsection may be submitted to the electors at any regular election held in the town or at a special election called for the purpose. When a petition requesting adoption of the nonpartisan primary conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 signed by at least 20 electors of the town is filed with the town clerk as provided in s. 8.37, the question shall be submitted to a vote.
(e) Petitions requesting a vote on the question at a regular town election shall be filed in accordance with s. 8.37 no later than 5 p.m. the last Tuesday in February. When the petition is filed, the clerk shall check its sufficiency. Whether at a regular or special election, the clerk shall give separate notice by one publication in a newspaper at least 5 days before the election.
(f) The ballot used for the referendum question shall be arranged under s. 5.60 (7) and shall ask: “Shall all candidates in the town of …. for elective town offices be nominated at a nonpartisan primary?”.
(g) If a majority of the votes cast are in the affirmative, a nonpartisan primary, under sub. (5), shall thereafter be held to obtain candidates for elective town offices.
(4) Nomination in villages.
(a) If a primary is provided for the nomination of candidates for elective village offices under s. 8.11 (1m) (b) or (c), candidates for those offices shall file nomination papers. In any other case, a majority of the governing body of any village may provide that candidates for elective village office shall be nominated by nomination papers. Determination of the governing body to provide for nomination of candidates by nomination papers shall be made not later than December 1 preceding the election. If nomination by nomination papers is not provided for under this paragraph and no primary is provided for under s. 8.11 (1m) (b) or (c), a village shall nominate candidates by caucus.
(b) Nomination papers shall be signed by not less than 20 nor more than 100 electors of the village. The papers shall be circulated not sooner than December 1 preceding the election and shall be filed with the village clerk not later than 5 p.m. the first Tuesday in January, or the next day if Tuesday is a holiday.
(c) Notice shall be given, under ss. 10.01 (2) (a) and 10.06 (3) (a).
(d) When this subsection is used, no additional candidates may be nominated under sub. (1).
(5) When primary is held. Towns and villages adopting the nonpartisan primary to nominate candidates shall hold a primary only when the number of candidates for an elective office in the municipality exceeds twice the number to be elected to the office. A primary for the office of municipal judge under s. 755.01 (4) shall be held whenever there are more than 2 candidates for that office. Those offices for which a primary has been held shall have only the names of candidates nominated at the primary appear on the official spring election ballot. When the number of candidates for an office does not exceed twice the number to be elected, their names shall appear on the official ballot for the election without a primary.
(6) Menominee County. In counties containing only one town candidates shall be nominated for the office of supervisors at large and by wards, and all applicable provisions of this section shall apply to their selection. In selecting the candidates for ward supervisor by caucus, the candidates for each ward shall be selected separately, and only those electors shall participate in each as are residents of that ward. Any ward candidate seeking nomination by the circulation of nomination papers shall incorporate in the nomination papers a statement that the signers are qualified electors of that ward.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 280; 1977 c. 340; 1977 c. 447 ss. 11, 210; 1979 c. 311; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 56, 192; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 184, 266; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 149, 253; 2007 a. 1, 83; 2015 a. 37, 117, 118.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.05 and 2.07, Wis. adm. code.

8.06  Special elections may be called. Towns, cities, villages, and, subject to ss. 67.05 (6a) (a) 2. and 121.91 (3) (a), school districts, may call special elections for any purpose authorized by law. If an election is called for a special referendum, the election shall be noticed under s. 8.55.
History: 1979 c. 32; 1989 a. 192; 2017 a. 59.

8.07  Validity of nomination papers. The commission shall promulgate rules under this chapter for use by election officials in determining the validity of nomination papers and signatures thereon.
History: 1983 a. 484; 1989 a. 359; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.05 and 2.07, Wis. adm. code.

8.10  Nominations for spring election.
(1)  Candidates for office to be filled at the spring election shall be nominated by nomination papers, or by nomination papers and selection at the primary if a primary is held, except as provided for towns and villages under s. 8.05. Unless designated in this section or s. 8.05, the general provisions pertaining to nomination at the partisan primary apply.
(2)
(a) Nomination papers for offices to be filled at the spring election may be circulated no sooner than December 1 preceding the election and may be filed no later than 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday in January preceding the election, or the next day if Tuesday is a holiday, except as authorized in this paragraph. If an incumbent fails to file nomination papers and a declaration of candidacy by the time prescribed in this paragraph, all candidates for the office held by the incumbent, other than the incumbent, may file nomination papers no later than 72 hours after the latest time prescribed in this paragraph. No extension of the time for filing nomination papers applies if the incumbent files written notification with the filing officer or agency with whom nomination papers are filed for the office which the incumbent holds, no later than 5 p.m. on the 2nd Friday preceding the latest time prescribed in this paragraph for filing nomination papers, that the incumbent is not a candidate for reelection to his or her office, and the incumbent does not file nomination papers for that office within the time prescribed in this paragraph.
(b) Each nomination paper shall have substantially the following words printed at the top:
I, the undersigned, request that the name of (insert candidate’s last name plus first name, nickname or initial, and middle name, former legal surname, nickname or middle initial or initials if desired, but no other abbreviations or titles), residing at (insert candidate’s street address) be placed on the ballot at the (spring or special) election to be held on (date of election) as a candidate so that voters will have the opportunity to vote for (him or her) for the office of (name of office). I am eligible to vote in the (name of jurisdiction or district in which candidate seeks office). I have not signed the nomination paper of any other candidate for the same office at this election.
(c) Each candidate shall include his or her mailing address on the candidate’s nomination papers.
(3) The certification of a qualified circulator under s. 8.15 (4) (a) shall be appended to each nomination paper. The number of required signatures on nomination papers filed under this section is as follows:
(a) For statewide offices, not less than 2,000 nor more than 4,000 electors.
(am) For court of appeals judges, not less than 1,000 nor more than 2,000 electors.
(b) For judicial offices not specified in pars. (a), (am), and (c), not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors.
(c) For judicial offices in counties over 750,000 population, not less than 1,000 nor more than 2,000 electors.
(cm) For county executives in counties over 750,000 population, not less than 2,000 nor more than 4,000 electors.
(cs) For comptrollers in counties with a population of at least 750,000, not less than 500 nor more than 1,000 electors.
(d) For county executives in counties between 100,000 and 750,000 population, not less than 500 nor more than 1,000 electors.
(e) For county executives in counties under 100,000 population, not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors.
(f) For supervisors in counties over 750,000 population, not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors.
(g) For supervisors in counties between 100,000 and 750,000 population, not less than 100 nor more than 200 electors, except as provided in sub. (3m).
(h) For supervisors in counties under 100,000 population, not less than 20 nor more than 100 electors.
(hm) For members of the metropolitan sewerage commission in districts over 1,000,000 population, not less than 1,000 nor more than 2,000 electors, in districts over 200,000 but not over 1,000,000 population, not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors, and in districts not over 200,000 population, not less than 100 nor more than 200 electors.
(i) For city offices in 1st class cities, not less than 1,500 nor more than 3,000 electors for city-wide offices, not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors for alderpersons elected from aldermanic districts and not less than 400 nor more than 800 electors for members of the board of school directors elected from election districts.
(j) Except as provided in par. (jm), for city offices in 2nd and 3rd class cities, not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors for city-wide offices and not less than 20 nor more than 40 electors for alderpersons elected from aldermanic districts.
(jm) For city offices in 2nd and 3rd class cities, not less than 100 nor more than 200 electors for alderpersons who are not elected from aldermanic districts.
(k) For city offices in 4th class cities, not less than 50 nor more than 100 for city-wide offices and not less than 20 nor more than 40 electors for alderpersons elected from aldermanic districts.
(km)
1. Except as provided in subd. 2. and subject to sub. (3s), for school district officer in any school district that contains territory lying within a 2nd class city, not less than 100 nor more than 200 electors.
2. For a school district officer in any school district described in subd. 1., not less than 20 and not more than 100 signatures if the annual meeting or the school board of the school district adopts a resolution to reduce the number of required signatures and if, on the date that the annual meeting or school board acts under this subdivision, the territory of the school district lying within one or more 2nd class cities is less than or equal to 10 percent of the territory of the school district.
(ks) For school district officer in any school district which does not contain territory lying within a 1st or 2nd class city, if nomination papers are required under s. 120.06 (6) (a), not less than 20 nor more than 100 electors.
(L) For other offices, not less than 20 nor more than 100 electors.
(3m) The county board of any county having a population of at least 100,000 but not more than 750,000 may provide by ordinance that the number of required signatures on nomination papers for the office of county supervisor in the county is not less than 50 nor more than 200 electors. A county that enacts such an ordinance may repeal the ordinance at a later date. Any ordinance changing the number of signatures under this subsection takes effect on November 15 following enactment of the ordinance.
(3s)
(a) For a school district that does not contain any territory lying within a 2nd class city on April 18, 2018, the signature requirement for school district officer under sub. (3) (km) 1. first applies to a candidate for the office of school district officer filled in the 2nd spring election that follows the effective date of the event that causes the school district to have territory that lies within a 2nd class city.
(b) For a school district that has, by resolution, reduced the number of signatures required on nomination papers as permitted under sub. (3) (km) 2., the signature requirement for school district officer under sub. (3) (km) 1. first applies to a candidate for the office of school district officer filed in the 2nd spring election that follows the date of the event that causes the territory of the school district lying within one or more 2nd class cities to be greater than 10 percent of the territory of the school district.
(4)
(a) All signers on each nomination paper shall reside in the jurisdiction or district which the candidate named on the paper will represent, if elected.
(b) Only one signature per person for the same office is valid. In addition to his or her signature, in order for the signature to be valid, each signer of a nomination paper shall legibly print his or her name in a space provided next to his or her signature and shall list his or her municipality of residence for voting purposes, the street and number, if any, on which the signer resides, and the date of signing.
(5) Nomination papers shall be accompanied by a declaration of candidacy under s. 8.21. If a candidate has not filed a registration statement under s. 11.0202 (1) (a) at the time he or she files nomination papers, the candidate shall file the statement with the papers. A candidate for state office or municipal judge shall also file a statement of economic interests with the ethics commission under s. 19.43 (4) no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd day following the last day for filing nomination papers under sub. (2) (a), or no later than 4:30 p.m. on the next business day after the last day whenever that candidate is granted an extension of time for filing nomination papers under sub. (2) (a).
(6) Nomination papers shall be filed:
(a) For state offices or seats on a metropolitan sewerage commission, if the commissioners are elected under s. 200.09 (11) (am), in the office of the elections commission.
(b) For county offices, in the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners.
(bm) For municipal judge, if the judge is elected under s. 755.01 (4), in the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners of the county having the largest portion of the population in the jurisdiction served by the judge.
(c) For city offices and other offices voted for exclusively within the municipality, except the office of county supervisor, in the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners.
(d) For school district offices to be voted for within more than one municipality, with the person designated by the school board as the filing official for their school district.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (1), (2); 1973 c. 280; 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 93, 328, 422; 1977 c. 187, 340, 427, 445, 449; 1979 c. 221, 249, 260, 355; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 89, 304; 1989 a. 88, 290; 1993 a. 140, 184, 266; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 103; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 62, 75; 2013 a. 160, 174; 2015 a. 117, 118; 2017 a. 207 s. 5; 2017 a. 321, 366.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.05, 2.07, and 6.04, Wis. adm. code.
A petitioner who timely filed with the county clerk rather than with the elections board under sub. (6) (a) is barred from the ballot. State ex rel. Ahlgrimm v. State Elections Board, 82 Wis. 2d 585, 263 N.W.2d 152 (1978).

8.11  Spring primary.
(1)  City.
(a) A primary may be held in any city for the nomination of candidates for city office. When a majority of all the members of the governing body of a city decide upon a spring primary for any specific election, they shall so provide not later than 3 days after the deadline for filing nomination papers.
(b) Any city may provide by charter ordinance, under s. 66.0101, that whenever 3 or more candidates file nomination papers for a city office, a primary to nominate candidates for the office shall be held.
(c) Whenever electors, equal to at least 10 percent of the vote for governor in the city at the last general election, file a petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 with the city clerk requesting a primary within 3 days after the deadline for filing nomination papers, there shall be a primary for any specific election.
(d) When the number of candidates for any city office does not exceed twice the number to be elected to the office, no primary may be held for the office and the candidates’ names shall appear on the ballot for the ensuing election.
(1m) Village.
(a) If a village has provided under s. 8.05 (4) (a) for the filing of nomination papers by candidates for village offices for a specific election, the governing body of the village may, no later than 3 days after the deadline for filing nomination papers, provide for nomination of candidates for village offices at the spring primary.
(b) Any village may provide by charter ordinance, under s. 66.0101, that whenever 3 or more candidates file nomination papers for a village office, a primary to nominate candidates for the office shall be held.
(c) Whenever the electors of a village, equal to at least 10 percent of the vote for governor in a village at the last general election, file a petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 with the village clerk requesting a primary no later than December 1 preceding the spring election, there shall be a primary for any specific election.
(d) When the number of candidates for any village office does not exceed twice the number to be elected to the office, no primary may be held for the office and the candidates’ names shall appear on the ballot for the ensuing election.
(2) Milwaukee county.
(a) A primary shall be held in counties having a population of 750,000 or more whenever there are more than twice the number of candidates to be elected to the office of comptroller.
(b) A primary shall be held in counties having a population of 750,000 or more whenever there are more than twice the number of candidates to be elected to any judicial office within the county or to the county board of supervisors from any one district.
(2m) First class city school board. A primary shall be held in 1st class cities whenever there are more than 2 candidates for member of the board of school directors at-large or from any election district in any year.
(3) State. A primary shall be held if more than 2 candidates file nomination papers for the office of state superintendent, for justice, for court of appeals judge in the same district or for judge of the same branch of circuit court.
(4) Primary exclusive. Those offices for which a primary has been held shall have only the names of candidates nominated at the primary appear on the official spring election ballot.
(5) County supervisors. A primary shall be held in an election for county board supervisor whenever 3 or more candidates file nomination papers.
History: 1973 c. 118 s. 7; 1973 c. 243; 1977 c. 187, 445, 449; 1979 c. 260, 311; 1983 a. 192, 484; 1985 a. 225, 304; 1989 a. 192, 290; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 2007 a. 83; 2011 a. 62; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.05 and 2.07, Wis. adm. code.

8.12  Presidential preference vote.
(1)  Selection of names for ballot.
(a) No later than 5 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday in December of the year before each year in which electors for president and vice president are to be elected, the state chairperson of each recognized political party listed on the official ballot at the last gubernatorial election whose candidate for governor received at least 10 percent of the total votes cast for that office may certify to the commission that the party will participate in the presidential preference primary. For each party filing such a certification, the voters of this state shall at the spring election be given an opportunity to express their preference for the person to be the presidential candidate of that party.
(b) On the first Tuesday in January of each year, or the next day if Tuesday is a holiday, in which electors for president and vice president are to be elected, there shall be convened in the capitol a committee consisting of, for each party filing a certification under this subsection, the state chairperson of that state party organization or the chairperson’s designee, one national committeeman and one national committeewoman designated by the state chairperson; the speaker and the minority leader of the assembly or their designees, and the president and the minority leader of the senate or their designees. All designations shall be made in writing to the commission. This committee shall organize by selecting an additional member who shall be the chairperson and shall determine, and certify to the commission, no later than on the Friday following the date on which the committee convenes under this paragraph, the names of all candidates of the political parties represented on the committee for the office of president of the United States. The committee shall place the names of all candidates whose candidacy is generally advocated or recognized in the national news media throughout the United States on the ballot, and may, in addition, place the names of other candidates on the ballot. The committee shall have sole discretion to determine that a candidacy is generally advocated or recognized in the national news media throughout the United States.
(c) No later than 5 p.m. on the last Tuesday in January of each presidential election year, any person seeking the nomination by the national convention of a political party filing a certification under this subsection for the office of president of the United States, or any committee organized in this state on behalf of and with the consent of such person, may submit to the commission a petition to have the person’s name appear on the presidential preference ballot. The petition may be circulated no sooner than the first Tuesday in January of such year, or the next day if Tuesday is a holiday, and shall be signed by a number of qualified electors equal in each congressional district to not less than 1,000 signatures nor more than 1,500 signatures. The form of the petition shall conform to the requirements of s. 8.40. All signers on each separate petition paper shall reside in the same congressional district.
(d) The commission shall forthwith contact each person whose name has been placed in nomination under par. (b) and notify him or her that his or her name will appear on the Wisconsin presidential preference ballot unless he or she files, no later than 5 p.m. on the last Tuesday in January of such year, with the commission, a disclaimer stating without qualification that he or she is not and does not intend to become a candidate for the office of president of the United States at the forthcoming presidential election. The disclaimer may be filed with the commission by certified mail, telegram, or in person.
(2) Ballots. The form of the official ballots shall be prescribed by the commission. The ballot shall provide to an elector the opportunity to vote for an uninstructed delegation to represent this state at the presidential nominating convention of his or her party, or to write in the name of a candidate for the presidential nomination of his or her party.
(3) Reporting of results. No later than May 15 following the presidential preference primary, the commission shall notify each state party organization chairperson under sub. (1) (b) of the results of the presidential preference primary within the state and within each congressional district.
History: 1973 c. 334 ss. 16, 57; 1975 c. 93, 185, 199, 422; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 34, 260, 311, 355; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304 ss. 100 to 106, 156; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1993 a. 184; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 24; 2011 a. 45; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
The national democratic party has a protected right of political association and may not be compelled to seat delegates chosen in an open primary in violation of the party’s rules. Democratic Party of U.S. v. Wisconsin, 450 U.S. 107 (1981).

8.125  Accessibility of presidential caucuses. Any political party which holds a caucus open to the public for the purpose of selecting delegates to the national presidential nominating convention of the party shall hold the caucus in a place which is accessible to persons in wheelchairs.
History: 1985 a. 304.

8.13  Commission city primary. At the first primary after adoption of the commission form of government the 2 candidates for mayor and the 4 candidates for council members receiving the highest number of votes shall be nominated. At subsequent primaries the 2 candidates receiving the most votes for either office shall be nominated. Only the names of the nominees shall appear on the spring election ballot.
History: 1985 a. 135 s. 83 (2).

8.15  Nominations for partisan primary.
(1)  Nomination papers may be circulated no sooner than April 15 preceding the general election and may be filed no later than 5 p.m. on June 1 preceding the partisan primary, except as authorized in this subsection. If an incumbent fails to file nomination papers and a declaration of candidacy by 5 p.m. on June 1 preceding the partisan primary, all candidates for the office held by the incumbent, other than the incumbent, may file nomination papers no later than 72 hours after the latest time prescribed in this subsection. No extension of the time for filing nomination papers applies if the incumbent files written notification with the filing officer or agency with whom nomination papers are filed for the office which the incumbent holds, no later than 5 p.m. on the 2nd Friday preceding the latest time prescribed in this subsection for filing nomination papers, that the incumbent is not a candidate for reelection to his or her office, and the incumbent does not file nomination papers for that office within the time prescribed in this subsection. Only those candidates for whom nomination papers containing the necessary signatures acquired within the allotted time and filed before the deadline may have their names appear on the official partisan primary ballot.
(2) Only one signature per person for the same office is valid. In addition to his or her signature, in order for the signature to be valid, each signer of a nomination paper shall legibly print his or her name in a space provided next to his or her signature and shall list his or her municipality of residence for voting purposes, the street and number, if any, on which the signer resides, and the date of signing.
(3) All signers on each separate nomination paper for all state offices, county offices, and the offices of U.S. senator and representative in congress shall reside in the jurisdiction or district which the candidate named on the paper will represent, if elected.
(4)
(a) The certification of a qualified circulator stating his or her residence with street and number, if any, shall appear at the bottom of each nomination paper, stating he or she personally circulated the nomination paper and personally obtained each of the signatures; he or she knows they are electors of the ward, aldermanic district, municipality or county, as the nomination papers require; he or she knows they signed the paper with full knowledge of its content; he or she knows their respective residences given; he or she knows each signer signed on the date stated opposite his or her name; and, that he or she, the circulator, is a qualified elector of this state, or if not a qualified elector of this state, is a U.S. citizen age 18 or older who, if he or she were a resident of this state, would not be disqualified from voting under s. 6.03; that he or she intends to support the candidate; and that he or she is aware that falsifying the certification is punishable under s. 12.13 (3) (a). The circulator shall indicate the date that he or she makes the certification next to his or her signature. The certification may be made by the candidate or any qualified circulator.
(b) Nomination papers shall be accompanied by a declaration of candidacy under s. 8.21. If a candidate for state or local office has not filed a registration statement under s. 11.0202 (1) (a) at the time he or she files nomination papers, the candidate shall file the statement with the papers. A candidate for state office shall also file a statement of economic interests with the ethics commission under s. 19.43 (4) no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd day following the last day for filing nomination papers under sub. (1), or no later than 4:30 p.m. on the next business day after the last day whenever that candidate is granted an extension of time for filing nomination papers under sub. (1).
(5)
(a) Each nomination paper shall have substantially the following words printed at the top:
I, the undersigned, request that the name of (insert candidate’s last name plus first name, nickname or initial, and middle name, former legal surname, nickname or middle initial or initials if desired, but no other abbreviations or titles) residing at (insert candidate’s street address) be placed on the ballot at the (general or special) election to be held on (date of election) as a candidate representing the (name of party) so that voters will have the opportunity to vote for (him or her) for the office of (name of office). I am eligible to vote in (name of jurisdiction or district in which candidate seeks office). I have not signed the nomination paper of any other candidate for the same office at this election.
(b) Each candidate shall include his or her mailing address on the candidate’s nomination papers.
(6) The number of required signatures on nomination papers shall be as follows:
(a) For statewide offices, not less than 2,000 nor more than 4,000 electors.
(b) For representatives in congress, not less than 1,000 nor more than 2,000 electors.
(c) For state senators, not less than 400 nor more than 800 electors.
(d) For representatives to the assembly, not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors.
(dm) For district attorneys, not less than 500 nor more than 1,000 electors in prosecutorial units over 100,000 population and not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors in prosecutorial units of 100,000 population or less.
(e) For county offices, not less than 500 nor more than 1,000 electors in counties over 100,000 population and not less than 200 nor more than 400 electors in counties of 100,000 population or less.
(7) A candidate may not run in more than one party primary at the same time. No filing official may accept nomination papers for the same person in the same election for more than one party. A person who files nomination papers as the candidate of a recognized political party may not file nomination papers as an independent candidate for the same office at the same election.
(8) Nomination papers shall be filed:
(a) For state offices and the offices of U.S. senator and representative in congress, in the office of the commission.
(b) For county offices, in the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners.
History: 1971 c. 304 ss. 13, 29 (1), (2); 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1977 c. 107, 427; 1979 c. 249, 260, 311; 1983 a. 29, 484; 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 140, 213, 266; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 32, 75; 2013 a. 160; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 ss. 99, 266 (10); 2017 a. 365 s. 111; 2017 a. 366.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.09, 2.11, and 6.04, Wis. adm. code.
The ban on multiple party nominations under sub. (7) does not burden the associational rights of political parties and is justified by compelling state interests. Swamp v. Kennedy, 950 F.2d 383 (1991).

8.16  Partisan nominations.
(1)  Except as provided in sub. (2), the person who receives the greatest number of votes for an office on a party ballot at any partisan primary, regardless of whether the person’s name appears on the ballot, shall be the party’s candidate for the office, and the person’s name shall so appear on the official ballot at the next election.
(2) A person who receives only write-in votes shall not appear on the ballot as the candidate of a recognized political party for an office whenever no candidate’s name appears on the ballot for that office unless the person receives at least 5 percent of the vote cast in the jurisdiction or district for the party’s gubernatorial candidate at the last general election or the number of votes equivalent to the minimum number of signatures required on nomination papers for that office under s. 8.15 (6), whichever is greater, and unless:
(a) The person files a declaration of candidacy under s. 8.21 no later than 5 p.m. on the 3rd day after notification of nomination is mailed or personally delivered to the person by the filing officer or agency for the office sought;
(b) If the person is a candidate for state office, the person files a statement of economic interests under s. 19.43 (4), no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd day after notification of nomination is mailed or personally delivered to the person by the commission; and
(c) If the person is a candidate for state or local office, the person files a registration statement under s. 11.0202 (1) (a).
(2m) Independent candidates may not be nominated by write-in votes but shall file nomination papers under s. 8.20.
(3) Where the boundaries of a district in which the candidate of a political party seeks office have been changed since the most recent gubernatorial election such that it is not possible to calculate the exact percentage of write-in votes, under sub. (2), which are needed by that candidate to become the nominee of the party, the number of votes cast for a political party’s nominee for governor at the last general election in each ward or aldermanic district, or each municipality where there are no wards, which is wholly contained within the boundaries of the newly formed district shall be calculated. If a candidate of a political party in a newly formed district does not obtain 5 percent of the number of votes calculated or the number of votes equivalent to the minimum number of signatures required under s. 8.15 (6), whichever is greater, the candidate shall not appear on the ballot as the candidate of that party for the office sought.
(4) A recognized political party which participated in the most recent gubernatorial election but loses its ballot position and subsequently regains such position under s. 5.62 (2) does not cease to be a political party for purposes of qualification under subs. (2) and (3).
(6) The persons who receive the greatest number of votes respectively for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor on any party ballot at a primary shall be the party’s joint candidates for the offices, and their names shall so appear on the official ballot at the next election.
(7) Nominees chosen at a national convention and under s. 8.18 (2) by each party entitled to a partisan primary ballot shall be the party’s candidates for president, vice president and presidential electors. The state or national chairperson of each such party shall certify the names of the party’s nominees for president and vice president to the commission no later than 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday in September preceding a presidential election. Each name shall be in one of the formats authorized in s. 7.08 (2) (a).
History: 1975 c. 41, 93, 199; 1977 c. 107, 383, 427, 447; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31; 2011 a. 32, 75; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 6.04, Wis. adm. code.
The vote percentage requirement set forth in sub. (2) applies to special partisan primary elections. 61 Atty. Gen. 172.
The 5 percent requirement of sub. (2) does not violate equal protection nor burden the right to associate and cast votes effectively. Blair v. Hebl, 498 F. Supp. 756 (1980).

8.17  Political party committees.
(1)
(a) Political parties qualifying for a separate ballot under s. 5.62 (1) (b) or (2) shall elect their party committeemen and committeewomen as provided under sub. (5) (b). The function of committeemen and committeewomen is to represent their neighborhoods in the structure of a political party. Committeemen and committeewomen shall act as liaison representatives between their parties and the residents of the election districts in which they serve. Activities of committeemen and committeewomen shall include, but not be limited to, identifying voters; assistance in voter registration drives; increasing voter participation in political parties; polling and other methods of passing information from residents to political parties and elected public officials; and dissemination of information from public officials to residents. For assistance in those and other activities of interest to a political party, each committeeman and committeewoman may appoint a captain to engage in these activities in each ward, if the election district served by the committeeman or committeewoman includes more than one ward. In an election district which includes more than one ward, the committeeman or committeewoman shall coordinate the activities of the ward captains in promoting the interests of his or her party.
(b) Each political party shall elect one committeeman or committeewoman from each election district. In this section, each village, each town and each city is an “election district”; except that in cities having a population of more than 7,500 which are divided into aldermanic districts, each aldermanic district is an “election district”; and in cities having a population of more than 7,500 which are not divided into aldermanic districts and villages or towns having a population of more than 7,500, each ward or group of combined wards under s. 5.15 (6) (b) constituting a polling place on April 15 of the year in which committeemen or committeewomen are elected is an “election district”. To be eligible to serve as its committeeman or committeewoman, an individual shall be, at the time of filing nomination papers or at the time of appointment under this section, a resident of the election district which he or she is chosen to represent and shall be at least 18 years of age.
(4) The term of office of each committeeman or committeewoman shall end on the date of the meeting held under sub. (5) (b) following each partisan primary.
(5)
(a) The county committee of each political party shall consist of the duly elected committeemen and committeewomen and appointed committeemen and committeewomen residing in the county.
(b) A combined meeting of the county committee and members in good standing of the party in the county shall be held no sooner than 15 days after the partisan primary and no later than April 1 of the following year. At this meeting, the party committeemen or committeewomen and the county committee offices of chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary and treasurer shall be filled by election by the incumbent committeemen, committeewomen and other party members present and voting, each of whom is entitled to one vote. At this meeting, the county committee shall elect the members of the congressional district committee as provided in sub. (6) (b), (c) and (d). The secretary of the county committee shall give at least 7 days’ written notice of the meeting to party and committee members. Individuals elected as county committee officers or as congressional district committee members may be, but are not required to be, committeemen or committeewomen. They are required to be party members in good standing. The terms of committeemen and committeewomen, county committee officers and congressional district committee members begin during the meeting immediately upon completion and verification of the voting for each office.
(bm) A county committee may require that candidates for party committeemen and committeewomen file nomination papers with the county committee prior to the combined meeting under par. (b). The form, content and circulation and filing deadlines of the nomination papers shall be established by the county committee.
(c) The secretary of the county committee shall notify the county clerk in writing of the name and address of the elected county committee chairperson within 10 days of his or her election.
(d) The chairperson of the county committee shall notify the chairperson of the state committee of the names and addresses of the individuals elected as congressional district committee members within 10 days of their election.
(e) Except as authorized in this paragraph, all county committee meetings shall be called by the chairperson of the county committee. The secretary of the county committee shall give at least 7 days’ written notice of each meeting to the committee members. A majority of committee members may, upon petition to the chairperson signed by all of them, demand that the chairperson call a meeting. If after 3 days the chairperson has failed to do so, the demanding members may designate one of them to call and preside at a meeting, also upon at least 7 days’ written notice to all committee members. The member so designated shall provide the notice. Meetings called in either manner have equal standing.
(f) Any of the county committee officers named in par. (b) may be removed from office at any meeting of the committee if at least two-thirds of the committeemen or committeewomen are present; at least 7 days’ written notice of the meeting is given to members of the party in the county; the notice discloses that discussion of the removal of one or more officers is on the agenda; and the notice includes and identifies this paragraph. Any such removal, and subsequent filling of a vacancy, shall be by vote of the committeemen, committeewomen and party members present and voting, each of whom is entitled to one vote.
(g) Any vacancy in any county committee office, except the offices named in par. (b) shall be filled by the county committee, except that the county committee chairperson may temporarily fill any vacancy.
(h) The county committee may appoint a committeeman or committeewoman for any election district in which no one was elected. An appointed committeeman or committeewoman has the same responsibilities and may engage in the same activities as an elected committeeman or committeewoman.
(i) Each committee and its officers shall have the powers usually exercised by committees and their officers.
(6)
(a) The congressional district committee shall consist of members elected by the county committee or committees under pars. (b) and (c).
(b) For each assembly district lying wholly within one county, the county committee shall elect 2 persons from each assembly district as members of the congressional district committee.
(c) For each assembly district lying partially within one county, the county committee shall elect one person as a member of the congressional district committee, except that the county committee may elect additional members so that the county has at least 2 members on the committee of each congressional district in which it lies.
(d) County committees may elect alternate members to congressional district committees on the same basis and in the same numbers as they are entitled to elect under pars. (b) and (c).
(e) At least once every year, the chairperson of the congressional district committee shall call, with at least 30 days’ notice in writing to the chairperson of the county committee, or committees lying within the district, for a caucus of members of the party in the district. Committee offices of chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, and treasurer shall be filled by a caucus in the time and manner prescribed by the constitution of either the district committee or the state committee. Individuals elected to these offices may be, but are not required to be, members of the congressional district committee. The secretary shall provide notice of all meetings of the congressional district committee.
(7)
(a) Duly elected or appointed committeemen and committeewomen residing in any political subdivision or assembly district may organize a committee for their area upon presenting a petition therefor to the congressional district committee, which petition shall be signed by at least 25 percent of the committeemen and committeewomen who reside in that same area. Upon filing such a petition:
1. The chairperson of the congressional district committee shall call the first meeting within 10 days of delivery of the petition.
2. The secretary of the congressional district committee shall give at least 5 days’ advance written notice of the meeting to all committeemen, committeewomen and party members residing in the area of the new committee.
3. Committee offices of chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary and treasurer shall be filled by election in the same manner as that provided for the county committee, and may be filled by individuals who are not committeemen or committeewomen.
4. Additional meetings may be called in the same manner as that provided for the county committee under sub. (5) (e).
5. Holders of committee offices may be removed and subsequent vacancies filled in the same manner as that provided for the county committee under sub. (5) (f).
6. Committeemen and committeewomen who are members of committees organized in any political subdivision or assembly district retain their status as members of the county committee.
(b) Assembly district committees shall also include as members those individuals elected by the county committee under sub. (6) as members of the congressional district committee.
(8)
(a) The congressional district committee shall elect at least 2 individuals to become members of the state committee. Those elected may be, but are not required to be, members of the district committee.
(b) The state committee may consist solely of members elected under par. (a) or may consist of those members and as many other members called for and chosen in the manner prescribed in the constitution of the state committee.
(9)
(a) If a county has no committee as provided by sub. (5) (a), residents of that county may voluntarily form a committee, which, upon approval of the state committee and certification by the secretary of the state committee to the commission and the county clerk or board of election commissioners, shall then become the county committee with equal standing as if it had been organized under sub. (5) (a). This standing shall remain unless and until a committee is organized under sub. (5) (a).
(b) Members of a committee organized under par. (a) are not, and shall not be known as, committeemen and committeewomen.
(10) Committeemen and committeewomen who are members in good standing of their county parties, by virtue of their offices, shall be granted credentials for participation in any caucus or convention called by their congressional district committees or the state committee, and those credentials shall be distributed at least 21 days in advance of the meeting by the secretary of the committee calling the caucus or convention.
(11) The names of the committees shall be that of the identifying name followed by Party of …., the blank to be filled with the name of the county, congressional district, or other geographic areas.
(12) The secretary of the state committee of each recognized political party under s. 5.62 (1) (b) or (2) shall notify the commission in writing of the name and address of the elected state committee chairperson within 10 days of his or her election.
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (1), (2); 1971 c. 336; 1973 c. 334; 1979 c. 260, 311, 355; 1981 c. 116; 1983 a. 484, 549; 1985 a. 131, 304; 1987 a. 391; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 184; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 265; 2011 a. 75; 2015 a. 118 ss. 100, 266 (10).

8.18  Nomination of presidential electors.
(1)  Candidates for the senate and assembly nominated by each political party at the primary, the state officers and the holdover state senators of each political party shall meet in the state capitol at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday in October of each year in which there is a presidential election.
(2) The purpose of the convention is to nominate one presidential elector from each congressional district and 2 electors from the state at large. The names of the nominees shall be certified immediately by the chairperson of the state committee of each party to the chairperson of the commission.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 427; 1993 a. 184; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

8.185  Write-in candidates for president and vice president.
(1)  The names of candidates for president and vice president may be written in, in the place provided, on the general ballot at the general election for choosing the president and vice president of the United States. Write-in votes shall be listed as scattering unless the person whose name is written in has a list of presidential electors on file with the commission in accordance with this section or unless the person whose name is written in has received more than 10 percent of the total vote cast in the ward, or in the municipality if not divided into wards.
(2) Any candidates for the office of president and vice president of the United States as write-in candidates shall file a list of presidential electors and a declaration of candidacy in the manner prescribed in s. 8.21 with the commission no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday preceding the day of the general election to choose the president and vice president of the United States. The list shall contain one presidential elector from each congressional district and 2 electors from the state at large and the names of the candidates for president and vice president for whom they intend to vote, if elected. Compliance with this subsection may be waived by the commission but only if the results of the general election indicate that a write-in candidate for the office of president is eligible to receive the electoral votes of this state except for noncompliance with this subsection. In such event, the write-in candidate shall have until 4:30 p.m. on the Friday following the general election to comply with the filing requirements of this subsection.
(3) If more than one list of presidential electors is filed with the commission by any write-in candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States, the first list filed shall be considered the valid list, provided that this list meets the additional requirements of this section.
(4) Write-in votes for president and vice president shall be counted as provided in s. 7.50 (2) (i).
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1977 c. 427; 1981 c. 377 ss. 21 to 23; 1983 a. 484; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2017 a. 366.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 6.04, Wis. adm. code.

8.19  Party name.
(1)  The state committee of any party polling less than 75,000 presidential votes in this state in the last election may change the name of the party. The new name may not duplicate that of an existing national party. A certificate of approval by the party’s national committee which has been certified by the national committee secretary, the state committee chairperson and the state committee secretary shall be filed with the commission.
(2) The new name shall take effect upon certification.
(3) Every political party entitled, under s. 5.62, to have its candidates on the partisan primary and general election ballots has exclusive right to the use of the name designating it at any election involving political parties. The commission shall not certify nor the county clerk print the name of any person whose nomination papers indicate a party name comprising a combination of existing party names, qualifying words, phrases, prefixes or suffixes in connection with any existing party name.
History: 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 93; 1993 a. 184; 2011 a. 75; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 6.04, Wis. adm. code.

8.20  Nomination of independent candidates.
(1)  Independent nominations may be made for any office to be voted for at any general or partisan special election.
(2)
(a) Nomination is by nomination papers. Each nomination paper shall have substantially the following words printed at the top:
I, the undersigned, request that the name of (insert candidate’s last name plus first name, nickname or initial, and middle name, former legal surname, nickname or middle initial or initials if desired, but no other abbreviations or titles), residing at (insert candidate’s street address) be placed on the ballot at the (general or special) election to be held on (date of election) as a candidate [(representing the (name of party)) or (representing the principle(s) of (statement of principles))] so that voters will have the opportunity to vote for (him or her) for the office of (name of office). I am eligible to vote in the (name of jurisdiction or district in which candidate seeks office). I have not signed the nomination paper of any other candidate for the same office at this election.
(b) Each candidate shall include his or her mailing address on the candidate’s nomination papers.
(c) In the case of candidates for the offices of president and vice president, the nomination papers shall contain both candidates’ names; the office for which each is nominated; the residence and post-office address of each; and the party or principles they represent, if any, in 5 words or less. In the case of candidates for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor, the nomination papers shall contain both candidates’ names or the name of a candidate for either office; the office for which each candidate is nominated; the residence and post-office address of each candidate; and the party or principles each candidate represents, if any, in 5 words or less.
(d) Nomination papers for president and vice president shall list one candidate for presidential elector from each congressional district and 2 candidates for presidential elector from the state at large who will vote for the candidates for president and vice president, if elected.
(3) The certification of a qualified circulator under s. 8.15 (4) (a) shall be appended to each nomination paper.
(4) The number of required signatures on nomination papers for independent candidates shall be the same as the number specified in s. 8.15 (6). For independent presidential electors intending to vote for the same candidates for president and vice president, the number of required signatures shall be not less than 2,000 nor more than 4,000 electors.
(5) Only one signature per person for the same office is valid. In addition to his or her signature, in order for the signature to be valid, each signer shall legibly print his or her name in a space provided next to his or her signature and shall list his or her municipality of residence for voting purposes, the street and number, if any, on which the signer resides, and the date of signing. Signers of each nomination paper shall reside in the same jurisdiction or district which the candidate named therein will represent, if elected.
(6) Nomination papers shall be accompanied by a declaration of candidacy under s. 8.21. If a candidate for state or local office has not filed a registration statement under s. 11.0202 (1) (a) at the time he or she files nomination papers, the candidate shall file the statement with the papers. A candidate for state office shall also file a statement of economic interests with the ethics commission under s. 19.43 (4) no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd day following the last day for filing nomination papers under sub. (8) (a), or no later than 4:30 p.m. on the next business day after the last day whenever that candidate is granted an extension of time for filing nomination papers under sub. (8) (a).
(7) Nomination papers shall be filed in the office of the commission for all state offices and the offices of U.S. senator and representative in congress, and in the office of county clerk or board of election commissioners for all county offices.
(8)
(a) Nomination papers for independent candidates for any office to be voted upon at a general election, except president, vice president and presidential elector, may be circulated no sooner than April 15 preceding the election and may be filed no later than 5 p.m. on the June 1 preceding the partisan primary, except as authorized in this paragraph. If an incumbent fails to file nomination papers and a declaration of candidacy by 5 p.m. on June 1 preceding the partisan primary, all candidates for the office held by the incumbent, other than the incumbent, may file nomination papers no later than 72 hours after the latest time prescribed in this paragraph. No extension of the time for filing nomination papers applies if the incumbent files written notification with the filing officer or agency with whom nomination papers are filed for the office which the incumbent holds, no later than 5 p.m. on the 2nd Friday preceding the latest time prescribed in this paragraph for filing nomination papers, that the incumbent is not a candidate for reelection to his or her office, and the incumbent does not file nomination papers for that office within the time prescribed in this paragraph.
(am) Nomination papers for independent candidates for president and vice president, and the presidential electors designated to represent them, may be circulated no sooner than July 1 and may be filed not later than 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday in August preceding a presidential election.
(b) Nomination papers for independent candidates for any office to be voted upon at a partisan special election shall be circulated and filed as provided in s. 8.50 (3) (a).
(9) Persons nominated by nomination papers without a recognized political party designation shall be placed on the official ballot at the general election and at any partisan election to the right or below the recognized political party candidates in their own column or row designated “Independent”. If the candidate’s name already appears under a recognized political party it may not be listed on the independent ballot, column or row.
History: 1971 c. 242, 304; 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 369; 1977 c. 107, 287, 427; 1979 c. 249, 260; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 29, 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1993 a. 140, 266; 1999 a. 6, 32, 182, 186; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 32, 75; 2013 a. 160; 2015 a. 117, 118; 2017 a. 366.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.09, 2.11, and 6.04, Wis. adm. code.

8.21 Declaration of candidacy.
(1)  Each candidate, except a candidate for presidential elector under s. 8.20 (2) (d), shall file a declaration of candidacy, no later than the latest time provided for filing nomination papers under s. 8.10 (2) (a), 8.15 (1), 8.20 (8) (a) or 8.50 (3) (a), or the time provided under s. 8.16 (2) or 8.35 (2) (c). A candidate shall file the declaration with the officer or agency with which nomination papers are filed for the office that the candidate seeks, or if nomination papers are not required, with the clerk or board of election commissioners of the jurisdiction in which the candidate seeks office.
(2) The declaration of candidacy shall be sworn to before any officer authorized to administer oaths. The declaration shall contain the name of the candidate in the form specified under s. 8.10 (2) (b) for candidates for nonpartisan office or s. 8.15 (5) (a) or 8.20 (2) (a) for candidates for partisan office and shall state all of the following:
(a) That the signer is a candidate for a named office.
(b) That the signer meets, or will at the time he or she assumes office meet, applicable age, citizenship, residency, or voting qualification requirements, if any, prescribed by the constitutions and laws of the United States and of this state.
(c) That the signer will otherwise qualify for office if nominated and elected.
(3) The declaration of candidacy shall include the candidate’s name in the form in which it will appear on the ballot.
(4) Each candidate for state and local office shall include in the declaration of candidacy all of the following:
(a) A statement that the candidate has not been convicted of any misdemeanor designated under state or federal law as a violation of the public trust or any felony for which the candidate has not been pardoned.
(b) A statement that discloses the candidate’s municipality of residence for voting purposes, and the street and number, if any, on which the candidate resides.
(5) The declaration of candidacy is valid with or without the seal of the officer who administers the oath.
(6) A candidate for state or local office shall file an amended declaration of candidacy under oath with the same officer or agency if any information contained in the declaration of candidacy changes at any time after the original declaration of candidacy is filed and before the candidate assumes office or is defeated for election or nomination.
History: 1983 a. 484 s. 94; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1993 a. 140; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 149.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 6.04, Wis. adm. code.
A candidate for election to Congress need not be a resident of the district at the time he or she files nomination papers and executes the declaration of intent to accept the office if elected. A candidate for Congress must be an inhabitant of the state at the time of election. 61 Atty. Gen. 155.

8.25  Election of state and federal officers.
(1)  Presidential electors. By general ballot at the general election for choosing the president and vice president of the United States there shall be elected as many electors of president and vice president as this state is entitled to elect senators and representatives in congress. A vote for the president and vice president nominations of any party is a vote for the electors of the nominees.
(2) United States senator. One senator to serve in the United States congress shall be chosen at the general election in 1962 and every 6 years thereafter and another in 1964 and every 6 years thereafter.
(3) Representative in congress. One representative to serve in the United States congress shall be chosen from each congressional district at the general election held in each even-numbered year.
(4) Constitutional officers; terms.
(a) A governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer and an attorney general shall be elected at the general election in 1970 and quadrennially thereafter. A state superintendent shall be elected on the first Tuesday in April 1917 and quadrennially thereafter.
(b)
1. The regular full term of office of the state superintendent commences on the first Monday of July, next succeeding the superintendent’s election.
2. The regular full term of each other officer enumerated in par. (a) commences on the first Monday of January, next succeeding the officer’s election.
(5) District attorney; term. A district attorney shall be elected for each prosecutorial unit specified in s. 978.01 at the general election in 2008 and quadrennially thereafter. The regular term of the office of district attorney commences on the first Monday in January next succeeding the officer’s election.
History: 1981 c. 62, 314; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31; 2007 a. 158.

8.28  Challenge to residency qualifications.
(1)  Any individual who believes that an individual holding or elected to state or local office is not a resident or inhabitant of this state or of the jurisdiction or district in which he or she serves, whenever such qualification is required by the constitution of this state or by any applicable law, may file a verified complaint with the attorney general alleging such facts as may cause him or her to believe that the individual is not qualified to hold office because of failure to meet a residency requirement.
(2) The attorney general may thereupon investigate whether such allegations are true. If the attorney general finds that the allegations of the complaint are true or for any other reason finds that the subject person who is holding or elected to office is not qualified because of failure to meet a residency requirement, the attorney general may commence an action under ch. 784 for a writ of quo warranto to have the subject person’s office declared vacant or to restrain any person not entitled to take office from assuming it. In the case of a person who is elected to office in the legislature, the clerk of court shall transmit a copy of the judgment to the presiding officer of the appropriate house, and the house shall determine whether the person is qualified to be seated or whether a vacancy exists.
History: 1979 c. 249; 1983 a. 484.

8.30  Candidates ineligible for ballot placement.
(1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, the official or agency with whom declarations of candidacy are required to be filed may refuse to place the candidate’s name on the ballot if any of the following apply:
(a) The nomination papers are not prepared, signed, and executed as required under this chapter.
(b) It conclusively appears, either on the face of the nomination papers offered for filing, or by admission of the candidate or otherwise, that the candidate is ineligible to be nominated or elected.
(c) The candidate, if elected, could not qualify for the office sought within the time allowed by law for qualification because of age, residence, or other impediment.
(2) If no registration statement has been filed by or on behalf of a candidate for state or local office in accordance with s. 11.0202 (1) (a) by the applicable deadline for filing nomination papers by such candidate, or the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy for an office for which nomination papers are not filed, the name of the candidate may not appear on the ballot. This subsection may not be construed to exempt a candidate from applicable penalties if he or she files a registration statement later than the time prescribed in s. 11.0202 (1) (a).
(2m) The official or agency with whom nomination papers and declarations of candidacy are required to be filed shall not place a candidate’s name on the ballot if the candidate’s name is ineligible for ballot placement under s. 5.05 (2m) (d) 2., 15.61 (3), or 19.49 (2) (c) 2.
(3) The official or agency with whom declarations of candidacy are required to be filed may not place a candidate’s name on the ballot if the official or agency is prohibited from doing so under s. 19.43 (4) or an ordinance adopted under s. 19.59 (3) (b).
(4) The official or agency with whom a declaration of candidacy is required to be filed may not place a candidate’s name on the ballot if the candidate fails to file a declaration of candidacy within the time prescribed under s. 8.21.
History: 1975 c. 93; 1979 c. 120, 328; 1979 c. 355 ss. 28, 29; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 149, 177; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 117, 118.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.09 and 2.11, Wis. adm. code.
A petitioner who timely filed with the county clerk rather than with the elections board under s. 8.10 (6) (a) is barred from the ballot. State ex rel. Ahlgrimm v. State Elections Board, 82 Wis. 2d 585, 263 N.W.2d 152 (1978).

8.35  Vacancies after nomination.
(1)  Any person who files nomination papers and qualifies to appear on the ballot may not decline nomination. The name of that person shall appear upon the ballot except in case of death of the person. A person who is appointed to fill a vacancy in nomination or who is nominated by write-in votes is deemed to decline nomination if he or she fails to file a declaration of candidacy within the time prescribed under sub. (2) (c) or s. 8.16 (2).
(2)
(a) If a vacancy occurs after nomination due to the death of a candidate of a recognized political party for a partisan office, the vacancy may be filled by the chairperson of the committee of the proper political party under s. 7.38, or the candidate committee, if any, in the case of independent candidates. Similar vacancies in nominations of candidates for nonpartisan local offices may be filled by a candidate committee or, if there is none, by the body which governs the local governmental unit in which the deceased person was a candidate for office. The chairperson, chief officer of the candidate committee, or clerk of the body making an appointment shall file a certificate of appointment with the official or agency with whom declarations of candidacy for the office are filed. For purposes of this paragraph, the official or agency need not recognize members of a candidate committee whose names were not filed under s. 11.0203 (1) (c) prior to the death of the candidate.
(b) If a vacancy in nomination occurs due to the death of a candidate, the officer or agency with whom nomination papers are filed for the office shall promptly notify the chairperson, committee or body, if any, that the vacancy may be filled within 4 days of the date of the notice, as shown by the postmark if the notice is mailed. The chairperson, committee or body may file a sworn certificate of nomination with the official or agency within the 4-day period.
(c) The official or agency with whom a proper certificate is filed under par. (b) shall promptly notify the candidate who is nominated and transmit to the candidate a declaration of candidacy form and, in the case of a candidate for state or local office, a registration statement form under s. 11.0203 (1). No later than 5 p.m. on the 3rd day after notification of nomination is mailed or personally delivered to the new nominee by the official or agency, the nominee shall file a declaration of candidacy and, in the case of a candidate for state or local office, a registration statement under s. 11.0203 (1). No later than 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd day after notification of nomination is mailed or personally delivered to a new nominee for state office or municipal judge by the official or agency, the nominee shall file a statement of economic interests under s. 19.43 (4). If the nominee fails to file the declaration of candidacy, the official or agency may refuse to place the candidate’s name on the ballot. If the nominee fails to file the registration statement or statement of economic interests, the official or agency may not place the candidate’s name on the ballot.
(d) If the ballots have been prepared, the committees or body filling the vacancy shall supply stickers as provided under s. 7.38 (3). No vacancy in a nomination occurs prior to the time of the primary election for an office, unless no primary is required for the office for which the nomination is made.
(e) This subsection does not apply in the event of the death of a candidate for nonpartisan office who has no opponent appearing on the election ballot.
(3) Whenever a nominee dies after the election ballots are prepared, and no nomination is made under this section, the votes cast for the deceased shall be counted and returned. If he or she receives a plurality of the votes cast, the vacancy shall be filled as in the case of a vacancy occurring by death after election.
(4)
(a)
1. When a candidate is appointed to fill a vacancy under this section, the funds remaining in the former candidate’s depository after payment of the former candidate’s lawful campaign debts, if any, shall be:
a. Donated to the former candidate’s local or state political party if the former candidate was a partisan candidate or donated to the charitable organization of the former candidate’s choice or the charitable organization chosen by the former candidate’s next of kin if the former candidate is deceased, or if no choice is made returned to the donors on a proportional basis; or
b. If the former candidate was a nonpartisan candidate, donated to the charitable organization of the former candidate’s choice or the charitable organization chosen by the former candidate’s next of kin if the former candidate is deceased; or
c. If no choice is made, returned to the donors on a proportional basis, with contributions which cannot be identified donated in accordance with subd. 1. a. or b.
2. A petitioner or personal representative may make the choice under subd. 1. a. or b. where subd. 1. c. applies.
(c) The treasurer of the former candidate’s committee shall submit to the appropriate filing officer a special report detailing the disposition of funds under par. (a) 1. If the former candidate is deceased and was serving as the treasurer of his or her own campaign committee, the former candidate’s petitioner or personal representative shall file the report. The report shall include a complete statement of all contributions, disbursements, and incurred obligations, pursuant to s. 11.0204 (1), covering the period from the day after the last date covered on the former candidate’s most recent report to the date of disposition.
(d) The newly appointed candidate shall file his or her report at the next appropriate interval under s. 11.0204 after his or her appointment. The appointed candidate shall include any transferred funds in his or her first report.
(e) Any person who violates this subsection may be punished as provided under s. 11.1400 or 11.1401.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 107, 340; 1979 c. 110 s. 60 (11); 1979 c. 311; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 131 s. 3; 1985 a. 303 s. 88; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1993 a. 184; 1995 a. 225; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 177; 2009 a. 89; 2011 a. 32; 2015 a. 117.
Circuit judge is a nonpartisan state office. A vacancy due to the death of a circuit court judge candidate may not be filled under sub. (2). Committee to Retain Byers v. Elections Board, 95 Wis. 2d 632, 291 N.W.2d 616 (Ct. App. 1980).

8.37  Filing of referenda petitions or questions. Unless otherwise required by law, all proposed constitutional amendments and any other measure or question that is to be submitted to a vote of the people, or any petitions requesting that a measure or question be submitted to a vote of the people, if applicable, shall be filed with the official or agency responsible for preparing the ballots for the election no later than 70 days prior to the election at which the amendment, measure or question will appear on the ballot. No later than the end of the next business day after a proposed measure is filed with a school district clerk under this section, the clerk shall file a copy of the measure or question with the clerk of each county having territory within the school district.
History: 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 75.

8.40  Petition requirements.
(1)  In addition to any other requirements provided by law, each separate sheet of each petition for an election, including a referendum, shall have on the face at the top in boldface print the word “PETITION”. Each signer of such a petition shall affix his or her signature to the petition, accompanied by his or her municipality of residence for voting purposes, the street and number, if any, on which the signer resides, and the date of signing. In addition, each signer shall legibly print his or her name in a space provided next to his or her signature. No signature is valid under this subsection unless the signer satisfies the requirements under this subsection.
(2) The certification of a qualified circulator stating his or her residence with street and number, if any, shall appear at the bottom of each separate sheet of each petition specified in sub. (1), stating that he or she personally circulated the petition and personally obtained each of the signatures; that the circulator knows that they are electors of the jurisdiction or district in which the petition is circulated; that the circulator knows that they signed the paper with full knowledge of its content; that the circulator knows their respective residences given; that the circulator knows that each signer signed on the date stated opposite his or her name; that the circulator is a qualified elector of this state, or if not a qualified elector of this state, that the circulator is a U.S. citizen age 18 or older who, if he or she were a resident of this state, would not be disqualified from voting under s. 6.03; and that the circulator is aware that falsifying the certification is punishable under s. 12.13 (3) (a). The circulator shall indicate the date that he or she makes the certification next to his or her signature.
(3) The commission shall, by rule, prescribe standards consistent with this chapter and s. 9.10 (2) to be used by all election officials and governing bodies in determining the validity of petitions for elections and signatures thereon.
History: 1989 a. 192; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 451; 2013 a. 160.; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10), 2017 a. 365 s. 111.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.09 and 2.11, Wis. adm. code.
The residence requirement for nomination paper circulators in sub. (2), as applied to Wisconsin residents who circulate papers outside the political subdivision in which they reside and to nonresidents violates the 1st amendment right of free speech. Frami v. Ponto, 255 F. Supp. 2d 962 (2003).

8.50  Special elections.Unless otherwise provided, this section applies to filling vacancies in the U.S. senate and house of representatives, executive state offices except the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, and district attorney, judicial and legislative state offices, county, city, village, and town offices, and the offices of municipal judge and member of the board of school directors in school districts organized under ch. 119. State legislative offices may be filled in anticipation of the occurrence of a vacancy whenever authorized in sub. (4)(e). No special election may be held after February 1 preceding the spring election unless it is held on the same day as the spring election, nor after August 1 preceding the general election unless it is held on the same day as the general election, until the day after that election. If the special election is held on the day of the general election, the primary for the special election, if any, shall be held on the day of the partisan primary. If the special election is held on the day of the spring election, the primary for the special election, if any, shall be held on the day of the spring primary.
(1) Special election order and notices. (a) When there is to be a special election, the special election for county office shall be ordered by the county board of supervisors except as provided in s. 17.21(5); the special election for city office shall be ordered by the common council; the special election for village office shall be ordered by the board of trustees; the special election for town office shall be ordered by the town board of supervisors; the special election for school board member in a school district organized under ch. 119 shall be ordered by the school board; the special election for municipal judge shall be ordered by the governing body of the municipality, except in 1st class cities, or if the judge is elected under s. 755.01(4) jointly by the governing bodies of all municipalities served by the judge; and all other special elections shall be ordered by the governor. When the governor or attorney general issues the order, it shall be filed and recorded in the office of the commission. When the county board of supervisors issues the order, it shall be filed and recorded in the office of the county clerk. When the county executive issues the order, it shall be filed in the office of the county board of election commissioners. When the common council issues the order, it shall be filed in the office of the city clerk. When the board of trustees issues the order, it shall be filed in the office of the village clerk. When the town board of supervisors issues the order, it shall be filed in the office of the town clerk. When the school board of a school district organized under ch. 119 issues the order, it shall be filed and recorded in the office of the city board of election commissioners. If a municipal judge is elected under s. 755.01(4), the order shall be filed in the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners of the county having the largest portion of the population of the jurisdiction served by the judge.
(b) Notice of any special election shall be given upon the filing of the order under par. (a) by publication in a newspaper under ch. 985. If the special election concerns a national or state office, the commission shall give notice as soon as possible to the county clerks. Upon receipt of notice from the commission, or when the special election is for a county office or a municipal judgeship under s. 755.01(4), the county clerk shall give notice as soon as possible to the municipal clerks of all municipalities in which electors are eligible to vote in the election and publish one type A notice for all offices to be voted upon within the county as provided in s. 10.06(2)(n). If the special election is for a city, village, or town office, the municipal clerk shall publish one type A notice as provided under s. 10.06(3)(f).
(c) The order and notice shall specify the office to be filled, the expiration date of the remaining term of office, the date of the election, the earliest date for circulating and deadline for filing nomination papers, the area involved in the election, the name of the incumbent before the vacancy occurred and a description of how the vacancy occurred, or for an election held under sub. (4)(e), the name of the incumbent and a description of how and when the vacancy is expected to occur. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the notice shall include the information specified in s. 10.01(2)(a).
(d) When the election concerns a national office or a special election for state office is held concurrently with the general election, the commission shall transmit to each county clerk a certified list of all persons for whom nomination papers have been filed in its office at least 62 days before the special primary, and in other cases the commission shall transmit the list to each county clerk at least 22 days before the special primary. If no primary is required, the list shall be transmitted at least 42 days prior to the day of the special election unless the special election concerns a national office or is held concurrently with the general election, in which case the list shall be transmitted at least 62 days prior to the day of the special election. Immediately upon receipt of the certified list, the county clerk shall prepare his or her ballots. For a county special election, the county clerk shall certify the candidates and prepare the ballots. If there is a primary, the county clerk shall publish one type B notice in a newspaper under ch. 10. When a primary is held, as soon as possible after the primary, the county clerk shall certify the candidates and prepare the ballots for the following special election. The clerk shall publish one type B notice in a newspaper under ch. 10 for the election.
(2) Date of special election. (a) The date for the special election shall be not less than 62 nor more than 77 days from the date of the order except when the special election is held to fill a vacancy in a national office or the special election is held on the day of the general election or spring election. If a special election is held concurrently with the spring election, the special election may be ordered not earlier than 92 days prior to the spring primary and not later than 49 days prior to that primary. If a special election is held concurrently with the general election or a special election is held to fill a national office, the special election may be ordered not earlier than 122 days prior to the partisan primary or special primary, respectively, and not later than 92 days prior to that primary.
(b) If a primary is required, the primary shall be on the day 4 weeks before the day of the special election except when the special election is held on the same day as the general election the special primary shall be held on the same day as the partisan primary or if the special election is held concurrently with the spring election, the primary shall be held concurrently with the spring primary, and except when the special election is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an odd-numbered year, the primary shall be held on the 2nd Tuesday of August in that year.
(3) Nomination, primary and canvass. (a) Nomination papers may be circulated no sooner than the day the order for the special election is filed and shall be filed not later than 5 p.m. 28 days before the day that the special primary will or would be held, if required, except when a special election is held concurrently with the spring election or general election, the deadline for filing nomination papers shall be specified in the order and the date shall be no earlier than the date provided in s. 8.10(2)(a) or 8.15(1), respectively, and no later than 35 days prior to the date of the spring primary or no later than June 1 preceding the partisan primary. Nomination papers may be filed in the manner specified in s. 8.10, 8.15, or 8.20. Each candidate shall file a declaration of candidacy in the manner provided in s. 8.21 no later than the latest time provided in the order for filing nomination papers. If a candidate for state or local office has not filed a registration statement under s. 11.05 at the time he or she files nomination papers, the candidate shall file the statement with the papers. A candidate for state office shall also file a statement of economic interests with the ethics commission no later than the end of the 3rd day following the last day for filing nomination papers specified in the order.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions for the partisan primary under s. 8.15 are applicable to all partisan primaries held under this section, and the provisions for spring primaries under s. 8.10 are applicable to all nonpartisan primaries held under this section. In a special partisan primary or election, the order of the parties on the ballot shall be the same as provided under s. 5.62(1) or 5.64(1)(b). No primary is required for a nonpartisan election in which not more than 2 candidates for an office appear on the ballot or for a partisan election in which not more than one candidate for an office appears on the ballot of each recognized political party. In every special election except a special election for nonpartisan state office where no candidate is certified to appear on the ballot, a space for write-in votes shall be provided on the ballot, regardless of whether a special primary is held.
(c) Notwithstanding ss. 5.37(4), 5.91(6) and 6.80(2)(f), whenever a special partisan primary is held concurrently with the presidential preference primary, an elector may choose the party column or ballot in which the elector will cast his or her vote separately for each of the 2 primaries. Whenever 2 or more special partisan primaries or one or more special partisan primaries and a partisan primary are held concurrently, the procedure prescribed in ss. 5.37(4), 5.91(6) and 6.80(2)(f) applies.
(d) The requirements for nominations and special primaries under this section apply to the filling of any office for which a municipal caucus is regularly used to nominate candidates.
(e) In a special election for a state or national office, the county clerk or board of election commissioners shall transmit the statement of the county board of canvassers to the elections commission no later than 7 days after the special primary and 13 days after the special election.
(4) Regulations on special elections. (b) A vacancy in the office of U.S. senator or representative in congress occurring prior to the 2nd Tuesday in April in the year of the general election shall be filled at a special primary and election. A vacancy in that office occurring between the 2nd Tuesday in April and the 2nd Tuesday in May in the year of the general election shall be filled at the partisan primary and general election.
(c) A vacancy in the office of secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general or state superintendent, occurring more than 6 months before the expiration of the current term, may be filled at a special election.
(d) Any vacancy in the office of state senator or representative to the assembly occurring before the 2nd Tuesday in May in the year in which a regular election is held to fill that seat shall be filled as promptly as possible by special election. However, any vacancy in the office of state senator or representative to the assembly occurring after the close of the last regular floorperiod of the legislature held during his or her term shall be filled only if a special session or extraordinary floorperiod of the legislature is called or a veto review period is scheduled during the remainder of the term. The special election to fill the vacancy shall be ordered, if possible, so the new member may participate in the special session or floorperiod.
(e) Whenever a member of the legislature is elected to another office after the commencement of his or her term, and the term of the new office or the period during which the legislator is eligible to assume that office commences prior to the end of the legislator’s original term of office, the governor may call a special election to fill the seat of the member in anticipation of a vacancy, upon receipt of a written resignation from that member which is effective on a date not later than the date of the proposed special election.
(f)1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3., a vacancy in the office of justice, court of appeals judge or circuit judge occurring in any year after the date of the spring election and on or before December 1 shall be filled, if in the office of circuit judge, at the succeeding spring election; if in the office of court of appeals judge, at the first succeeding spring election when no other court of appeals judge is to be elected from the same court of appeals district; or, if in the office of justice, at the first succeeding spring election when no other justice is to be elected. A vacancy in the office of justice, court of appeals judge or circuit judge occurring after December 1 and on or before the date of the succeeding spring election shall be filled, if in the office of circuit judge, at the 2nd succeeding spring election; if in the office of court of appeals judge, at the first spring election, beginning with the 2nd succeeding spring election, when no other court of appeals judge is to be elected from the same court of appeals district; or, if in the office of justice, at the first spring election, beginning with the 2nd succeeding spring election, when no other justice is to be elected.
2. If a vacancy in the office of justice, court of appeals judge or circuit judge occurs after December 1 and on or before the date of the succeeding spring election as the result of the resignation of the incumbent, if an election for that seat is scheduled to be held at the succeeding spring election and if the incumbent is not a candidate to succeed himself or herself, the vacancy shall be filled at the regularly scheduled election.
3. If a vacancy in the office of justice, court of appeals judge or circuit judge occurs after the date of the spring election for that seat and before the succeeding August 1 as the result of the resignation of the incumbent and the incumbent is not elected to succeed himself or herself, the vacancy shall be filled by the individual who was elected at the regularly scheduled election. If no individual is elected at the regularly scheduled election or if the individual who is elected dies or declines to serve, the vacancy shall be filled under subd. 1.
4. All vacancies filled under subds. 1. and 2. are for a full term commencing on August 1 succeeding the spring election at which they are filled.
(fm) A permanent vacancy in the office of municipal judge may be filled by temporary appointment of the municipal governing body, or, if the judge is elected under s. 755.01(4), jointly by the governing bodies of all municipalities served by the judge. The office shall then be permanently filled by special election. A person so elected shall serve for the residue of the unexpired term.
(g) If through neglect or failure, an elected officer who should have been chosen at the spring or general election is not chosen at that election, a special election may be held to fill the vacancy; but no special election may be held for any school or county officer after the time when the officer’s term would have commenced had such person been elected at the proper spring or general election, except as authorized under this section, and no election may be held to fill a vacancy in the office of justice or judge except as authorized in par. (f).
(h) Whenever the right to office of any person who is elected to the legislature or the U.S. senate or house of representatives ceases before the commencement of the term of office to which he or she is elected, a special election shall be held to fill the vacancy.
(i) When the governor so directs, a special election shall be held to fill any vacancy not provided for in this section. This paragraph does not apply to judicial offices.
(5) Campaign finance laws. All laws and rules promulgated under ch. 11 governing campaign finance and reporting, including all deadlines for filing reports and statements, are applicable to special elections, except as otherwise specifically provided.
History: 1971 c. 1, 40; 1973 c. 334 ss. 22, 57; 1973 c. 336; 1975 c. 80, 93, 199, 369; 1977 c. 26, 107, 187, 340, 427, 445, 447, 449; 1979 c. 27, 32, 260, 311; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31, 359; 1993 a. 184; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1999 a. 182; 2005 a. 248; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 32, 75; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 ss. 104 to 106, 266 (10); 2017 a. 366; 2019 a. 164.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.09, 2.11, and 6.04, Wis. adm. code.

8.55  Special referenda.
(1)  Whenever a special referendum is called, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the special referendum shall publish a type A notice of the special referendum on the 4th Tuesday preceding the special referendum.
(2) The clerk of the jurisdiction which calls a special referendum shall publish type B and C notices of the special referendum on the day preceding the special referendum.
(3) Whenever a special county referendum is called, the municipal clerk of each municipality which is wholly or partly contained within the county shall publish type D and E notices of the special referendum at the times specified in s. 10.06 (3). Whenever a special municipal referendum is called, the municipal clerk of that municipality shall publish type D and E notices of the special referendum at the times specified in s. 10.06 (3). Whenever a special referendum is called by a special purpose district, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls a special referendum shall publish type D and E notices of the referendum at the times specified in s. 10.06 (4). If an election for national, state, county or municipal office or a state, county or municipal referendum is called in a municipality on the same day that a special referendum is called by a special purpose district in the same municipality, the type D and E notices shall be published only by the municipal clerk.
(4) Whenever the clerks of more than one jurisdiction are required under this section to publish the same notice on the same day, they may publish one notice only and share the cost under s. 10.07 (1).
History: 1987 a. 391.

Return to Top

Chapter 9 – Post-Election Actions; Direct Legislation

9.01  Recount.
(1)  Petition; fees; general procedures.
(a)
1. Any candidate voted for at any election who is an aggrieved party, as determined under subd. 5., or any elector who voted upon any referendum question at any election may petition for a recount. The petitioner shall file a verified petition or petitions with the proper clerk or body under par. (ar) not earlier than the time of completion of the canvass following canvassing of any valid provisional ballots under s. 6.97 (4) and, except as provided in this subdivision, not later than 5 p.m. on the 3rd business day following the last meeting day of the municipal or county board of canvassers determining the election for that office or on that referendum question following canvassing of all valid provisional ballots or, if more than one board of canvassers makes the determination, not later than 5 p.m. on the 3rd business day following the last meeting day of the last board of canvassers which makes a determination following canvassing of all valid provisional ballots. If the commission chairperson or chairperson’s designee makes the determination for the office or the referendum question, the petitioner shall file the petition not earlier than the last meeting day of the last county board of canvassers to make a statement in the election or referendum following canvassing of all valid provisional ballots and not later than 5 p.m. on the 3rd business day following the day on which the commission receives the last statement from a county board of canvassers for the election or referendum following canvassing of all valid provisional ballots. With regard to an election for president, the petitioner shall file the petition not later than 5 p.m. on the first business day following the day on which the commission receives the last statement from a county board of canvassers for the election following canvassing of all valid provisional ballots.
2. Each verified petition under subd. 1. shall state all of the following:
a. That at the election the petitioner was a candidate for the office in question or that the petitioner voted on the referendum question in issue.
b. That the petitioner is informed and believes that a mistake or fraud has been committed in a specified ward or municipality in the counting and return of the votes cast for the office or upon the question or that another specified defect, irregularity, or illegality occurred in the conduct of the election.
c. If the petitioner is a candidate voted for at the election for which the petitioner seeks a recount, that the petitioner is an aggrieved party.
3. The petition under subd. 1. shall specify each ward, or each municipality where no wards exist, in which a recount is desired. If a recount is requested for all wards within a jurisdiction, each ward need not be specified.
4. The petition under subd. 1. may be amended to include information discovered as a result of the investigation of the board of canvassers or the commission chairperson or chairperson’s designee after the filing of the petition if the petitioner moves to amend the petition as soon as possible after the petitioner discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the information that is the subject of the amendment and if the petitioner was unable to include the information in the original petition.
5. In this paragraph, “ aggrieved party” means any of the following:
a. For an election at which 4,000 or fewer votes are cast for the office that the candidate seeks, a candidate who trails the leading candidate, as defined under par. (ag) 5., by no more than 40 votes, as determined under par. (ag) 5.
b. For an election at which more than 4,000 votes are cast for the office that the candidate seeks, a candidate who trails the leading candidate, as defined under par. (ag) 5., by no more than 1 percent of the total votes cast for that office, as determined under par. (ag) 5.
(ad) Upon receiving a petition for a recount, the clerk or body receiving the petition shall reasonably estimate any fee due under par. (ag) 2. The clerk or body shall provide the petitioner promptly with the total due or estimate.
(ag)
1. If the difference between the votes cast for the leading candidate and those cast for the petitioner or the difference between the affirmative and negative votes cast upon any referendum question is less than 10 if 4,000 or fewer votes are cast or not more than 0.25 percent of the total votes cast for the office or on the question if more than 4,000 votes are cast following canvassing of all valid provisional and absentee ballots, the petitioner is not required to pay a fee.
2. If subd. 1 does not apply to the difference between the votes cast for the leading candidate and those cast for the petitioner or the difference between the affirmative and negative votes cast upon any referendum question following canvassing of all valid provisional and absentee ballots, the petitioner shall pay a fee equal to the actual cost of performing the recount in each ward for which the petition requests a recount, or in each municipality for which the petition requests a recount where no wards exist, plus the actual cost incurred by the commission to provide services for performing the recount.
3. All fees estimated under par. (ad) shall be prepaid in cash or another form of payment which is acceptable to the officer to whom they are paid. No petition for which a fee is required is valid unless the proper calculated or estimated fee is paid at the time of filing.
3m. The petitioner shall pay any balance owing toward the fee due under subd. 2. within 45 days after the clerk or body receiving the petition provides the petitioner with a written statement of the amount due. If the petitioner has overpaid the fee due under subd. 2., the clerk or body receiving the petition shall refund the amount overpaid within 45 days after the board of canvassers makes its determination in the recount. If, as a result of the recount, the petitioner is the leading candidate, or the majority of votes cast on the referendum changes from affirmative to negative or from negative to affirmative, the clerk or body receiving the petition shall refund the amount paid within 45 days after the board of canvassers makes its determination in the recount. For purposes of this subdivision, a petitioner has not overpaid the fees due under subd. 2., and is therefore not entitled to a refund under this subdivision, if the recount results in a difference in the votes cast that is below the threshold for paying the fee under subd. 2.
4. The commission shall deposit all moneys received by it into the account under s. 20.510 (1) (g), and shall pay the fees required for each recount to the county clerks of the counties in which the recount is to be held and shall retain the amount necessary to pay for the actual cost incurred by the commission to provide services for performing the recount. The county clerk shall deposit fees received by him or her with the county treasurer. The municipal clerk shall deposit fees received by him or her with the municipal treasurer.
5. In this paragraph, the “leading candidate” includes every individual whose vote total at the time of the filing of the recount petition would entitle the individual to election or nomination to office. In an election in which more than one office of the same type is to be filled from the same territory, the number and percentage of votes cast under this paragraph shall be determined by first dividing the total number of votes cast for the office by the number of offices being filled at the election from the same territory.
(am) A person who files a petition under par. (a) may withdraw the petition. If the petitioner withdraws a petition before any board of canvassers that canvassed the original election begins its recount, the clerk or body shall refund any fee paid under par. (ag).
(ar)
1. In the event of a recount for any office, the petition shall be filed with the clerk or body with whom nomination papers are filed for that office.
2. In the event of a recount for a referendum, the petition shall be filed with the clerk of the jurisdiction in which the referendum is called, and, in the case of the state, with the commission.
3. Whenever a clerk receives a valid petition and any payment under par. (ag) 3., the clerk shall thereupon notify the proper board of canvassers. Whenever the commission receives a valid petition and any payment under par. (ag) 3., the commission shall promptly by certified mail or other expeditious means order the proper county boards of canvassers to commence the recount. County boards of canvassers shall convene no later than 9 a.m. on the 3rd day after receipt of an order and may adjourn for not more than one day at a time until the recount is completed in the county, except that the commission may permit extension of the time for adjournment. Returns from a recount ordered by the commission shall be transmitted to the office of the commission as soon as possible, but in no case later than 13 days from the date of the order of the commission directing the recount. The commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee may not make a determination in any election if a recount is pending before any county board of canvassers in that election. The commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee need not recount actual ballots, but shall verify the returns of the county boards of canvassers in making his or her determinations.
(b) Except as provided under par. (ar) 3., the proper board of canvassers shall reconvene no earlier than 9 a.m. on the day following delivery of notice to all candidates under sub. (2) and no later than 9 a.m. on the day following the last day for filing of a petition. The board of canvassers shall then proceed to recount the ballots in the wards or municipalities specified and to review the allegations of fact contained in the petition or petitions. The recount shall proceed for each ward or municipality as follows:
1. The board of canvassers shall first compare the poll lists and determine the number of voting electors.
2. The board of canvassers shall then examine the absentee ballot envelopes. Any defective absentee ballot envelopes shall be laid aside, properly marked and carefully preserved. The number of voters shall be reduced by the number of ballot envelopes set aside under this subdivision. An absentee ballot envelope is defective only if it is not witnessed or if it is not signed by the voter or if the certificate accompanying an absentee ballot that the voter received by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing.
3. The board of canvassers shall then examine the container or bag containing the ballots to be certain it has not been tampered with, opened, or opened and resealed. Any irregularities or possible tampering with the container or bag shall be noted.
4.
a. When the container or bag has been checked, it shall be opened and the contents removed. The board of canvassers shall, without examination other than what is necessary to determine that each is a single ballot, count the number of ballots in the container or bag, excluding ballots removed under s. 7.51 (2) (e).
b. The board of canvassers shall then, for each opened absentee ballot envelope that was laid aside as defective under subd. 2., without inspection, randomly draw one absentee ballot from the container or bag. In differentiating absentee ballots from other ballots, the board of canvassers shall presume that a ballot initialed only by the municipal clerk, the executive director of the board of election commissioners, or a deputy clerk or secretary is an absentee ballot. If there are more defective absentee ballot envelopes than there are probable absentee ballots, all of the probable absentee ballots shall be removed from the container or bag. Additional ballots shall be removed only if the number of remaining ballots still exceeds the number of voting electors recorded under subd. 1., reduced by the number of defective envelopes set aside under subd. 2. All ballots removed shall not be counted, but shall be marked as to the reason for their removal, set aside and carefully preserved.
c. If, after completing the steps set forth in subd. 4. b., the number of ballots still exceeds the number of voters, the board of canvassers shall place all ballots face up to check for blank ballots. Any blank ballots shall be so marked, set aside and carefully preserved.
d. If, after completing the steps set forth in subd. 4. c., the number of ballots still exceeds the number of voters reduced by the number of defective envelopes set aside under subd. 2., the board of canvassers shall place all ballots face down to check the initials. Any ballot not properly initialed by 2 inspectors or any absentee ballot not properly initialed by the municipal clerk, the executive director of the board of election commissioners, or a deputy clerk or secretary shall be temporarily set aside and the board of canvassers shall, without inspection, randomly draw from these ballots as many as are necessary to reduce the number of ballots to equal the number of voters. Any ballots removed for lack of initials shall not be counted but shall be marked, set aside and carefully preserved.
e. If, after completing the steps set forth in subd. 4. d., the number of ballots still exceeds the number of voters reduced by the number of defective envelopes set aside under subd. 2., the remaining ballots shall be returned to the container or bag and the board of canvassers shall draw a number of ballots equal to the excess number of ballots by chance and without inspection from the container or bag. These ballots shall not be counted but shall be marked as having been removed by the canvassers on recount due to an excess number of ballots, set aside and carefully preserved.
5. When the number of ballots and voters agree, or after noting that the number of voters exceeds the number of ballots, the board of canvassers shall return all ballots to be counted to the ballot box and shall turn the ballot box in such manner as to thoroughly mix the ballots. The recount shall then begin.
5m. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the recount shall be conducted in accordance with s. 7.51.
6. In recounting the votes cast on a voting machine in which the record of the votes cast is contained in the machine, the board of canvassers shall make a record of the number of the seal, if any, the number of the protective counter or other device, if one is provided, and shall open the recording compartment of the machine, and without unlocking the machine against voting, shall recount the votes thereon. If the machine is an electronic voting machine utilizing a detachable record of votes cast, the record shall be retabulated under s. 5.90.
7. When a machine is recounted, the board of canvassers shall proceed to inspect and examine the machine showing the votes cast for each office or referendum specified in the petition, and shall make a record of the votes for that office or referendum as shown on that voting machine, which they shall certify as correct, in the presence of at least one witness.
8. If upon the recount it is found that the original canvass of the returns has been correctly made from a voting machine and that a discrepancy still remains unaccounted for, the board of canvassers shall publicly unlock the voting and counting mechanism of the machine, and shall proceed to examine and test the machine to determine the cause of the discrepancy in returns from the machine. A similar test shall be performed for electronic voting machines to ascertain whether there is any malfunction in the machine. After the completion of the examination and test, the board of canvassers shall prepare a statement giving the results of the examination and test. The statement shall be witnessed by at least one witness.
8m. Where a voting machine or electronic voting system is used, and an error in the vote total as shown on the machine or record of votes cast is clearly apparent, the board of canvassers may change the vote total as shown by the machine or system and certify or use a different total to certify a different result than is indicated by the machine or system if there is evidence of a specific malfunction in the machine or system, if the malfunction could reasonably have caused the error, and if clear and convincing evidence exists which indicates the exact actual total number of votes cast. The burden of demonstrating that a vote total shown on a machine or record of votes cast is incorrect rests with the party seeking to change the recorded result on the basis of clear and convincing evidence.
8s. If an electronic voting system is used in which ballots are distributed to electors, and the board of canvassers makes a determination of elector intent under s. 7.50, the board of canvassers shall add to the result generated by the automatic tabulating equipment any votes counted by the board of canvassers in making its determination.
9. If upon the recount it appears that the original canvass of the returns by the election officials was incorrect, the statements and determinations of the board of canvassers shall be corrected accordingly.
10. Recounts at polling places utilizing an electronic voting system in which ballots are distributed to electors shall be performed in accordance with the procedure for recounting paper ballots insofar as applicable, except as provided in s. 5.90. Recounts at polling places utilizing electronic voting machines shall be performed in accordance with the procedure for recounting votes cast on mechanical voting machines, insofar as applicable, except as provided in s. 5.90.
11. All steps of the recount shall be performed publicly. Except as provided in subd. 12., all materials and ballots may be viewed and identified by the candidates, the person demanding the recount and their authorized representatives and counsel, but only members of the board of canvassers and tabulators assisting them may touch any of the materials or ballots. The candidates, the person demanding the recount and their authorized representatives and counsel may object to the counting of any ballot. Any errors shall be corrected.
12. Except as authorized in s. 6.47 (8), the board of canvassers shall not permit access to the name of any elector who has obtained a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) during the recanvass.
(2) Notice to candidates. When the recount concerns an election for an office, the clerk or body with whom the petition is filed shall promptly prepare a copy of the petition for delivery to each opposing candidate for the same office whose name appears on the ballot. In a recount proceeding for a partisan primary, the clerk or body shall prepare a copy of the petition for delivery to each opposing candidate for the same party nomination for the same office, to each opposing candidate for the party nomination of each other party for the same office and to each independent candidate qualifying to have his or her name placed on the ballot for the succeeding election. A candidate or agent designated by a candidate may personally accept delivery of a copy of the petition. Upon such delivery, the clerk or body shall require the candidate or agent to sign a receipt therefor. If a candidate or agent does not personally accept delivery, the clerk or body shall then promptly deliver the copies of the petition to the sheriff, who shall promptly deliver the copies of the petition to each candidate at the address given on the candidate’s nomination papers, without fee, in the manner provided for service of a summons in civil actions.
(3) Representation and observation. The petitioner, all opposing candidates and interested persons shall be entitled to be present in person and by counsel to observe the proceedings.
(4) Right to complete recount. Whenever a recount petition for part of the wards within a jurisdiction or district, or for part of the municipalities within a district where there are no wards, is filed under this section, the opposing candidate, or any voter or other interested party including a municipality if on a referendum question, may similarly file a petition for recount in any or all of the remaining wards or municipalities in the jurisdiction or district. The petition shall be filed not later than 5 p.m. 2 days after the board of canvassers completes the first recount. The proper board of canvassers shall reconvene at 9 a.m. on the next business day following the filing of the petition and proceed to recount the ballots in all wards or municipalities specified and to otherwise review the allegations of fact contained in the petition. Any errors shall be corrected.
(5) Oaths; minutes; witness fees; tabulators; timing; publication.
(a) The board of canvassers or the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee shall keep complete minutes of all proceedings before the board of canvassers or the chairperson or designee. The minutes shall include a record of objections and offers of evidence. If the board of canvassers or the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee receives exhibits from any party, the board of canvassers or the chairperson or designee shall number and preserve the exhibits. The board of canvassers or the chairperson or chairperson’s designee shall make specific findings of fact with respect to any irregularity raised in the petition or discovered during the recount. Any member of the board of canvassers or the chairperson or chairperson’s designee may administer oaths, certify official acts, and issue subpoenas for purposes of this section. Witness fees shall be paid by the county. In the case of proceedings before the commission chairperson or chairperson’s designee, witness fees shall be paid by the commission.
(b) The board of canvassers conducting a recount may select and employ tabulators to assist it in its duties. Tabulators shall perform their duties under the direction of the board of canvassers. Only the members of the board of canvassers are competent to make any determination as to the validity of any vote tabulated. Compensation of tabulators shall be determined under s. 7.03.
(bm) Upon the completion of its proceedings, a board of canvassers shall deliver to the commission one copy of the minutes of the proceedings kept under par. (a). In addition, in the case of a recount of an election for state or national office, for each candidate whose name appears on the ballot for that office under the name of a political party, the board of canvassers shall deliver one copy of the minutes to the chief officer, if any, who is named in any registration statement filed under s. 11.0302 by the state committee of that political party, and in the case of a recount of an election for county office, for each candidate whose name appears on the ballot for that office under the name of a political party, the board of canvassers shall deliver one copy of the minutes to the chief officer, if any, who is named in any registration statement filed under s. 11.0302 by the county committee of that political party.
(c) If the recount is made by a municipal or county board of canvassers and the result is required to be reported to a county board of canvassers or to the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee, the board of canvassers making the initial recount shall immediately certify the results to the county board of canvassers or to the commission chairperson or designee. If a county board of canvassers receives such results, it shall then convene not later than 9 a.m. on the next business day following receipt to examine the returns and determine the results. If the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee receives such results, the chairperson or designee shall publicly examine the returns and determine the results not later than 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day following receipt, but if that day is earlier than the latest day permitted for that election under s. 7.70 (3) (a), the commission chairperson or designee may examine the returns and determine the results not later than the day specified in s. 7.70 (3) (a).
(d) Whenever publication of an original determination is required, the county or municipal clerk shall publish the recount determination in the same manner.
(6) Appeal to circuit court.
(a) Within 5 business days after completion of the recount determination by the board of canvassers in all counties concerned, or within 5 business days after completion of the recount determination by the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee whenever a determination is made by the chairperson or designee, any candidate, or any elector when for a referendum, aggrieved by the recount may appeal to circuit court. The appeal shall commence by serving a written notice of appeal on the other candidates and persons who filed a written notice of appearance before each board of canvassers whose decision is appealed, or in the case of a statewide recount, before the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee. The appellant shall also serve notice on the commission if the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee is responsible for determining the election. The appellant shall serve the notice by certified mail or in person. The appellant shall file the notice with the clerk of circuit court together with an undertaking and surety in the amount approved by the court, conditioned upon the payment of all costs taxed against the appellant.
(b) If an appeal is filed from a recount determination in an election which is held in more than one judicial circuit, the chief judge of the judicial administrative district in which the election is held shall consolidate all appeals relating to that election and appoint a circuit judge, who shall be a reserve judge if available, to hear the appeal. If the election is held in more than one judicial administrative district, the chief justice of the supreme court shall make the appointment.
(7) Court procedures.
(a) The court with whom an appeal is filed shall forthwith issue an order directing each affected county, municipal clerk, or board, and the commission, to transmit immediately all ballots, papers and records affecting the appeal to the clerk of court or to impound and secure such ballots, papers and records, or both. The order shall be served upon each affected county, municipal clerk, or board, the commission, and all other candidates and persons who filed a written notice of appearance before any board of canvassers involved in the recount.
(b) The appeal shall be heard by a judge without a jury. Promptly following the filing of an appeal, the court shall hold a scheduling conference for the purpose of adopting procedures that will permit the court to determine the matter as expeditiously as possible. Within the time ordered by the court, the appellant shall file a complaint enumerating with specificity every alleged irregularity, defect, mistake or fraud committed during the recount. The appellant shall file a copy of the complaint with each person who is entitled to receive a copy of the order under par. (a). Within the time ordered by the court, the other parties to the appeal shall file an answer. Within the time ordered by the court, the parties to the appeal shall provide the court with any other information ordered by the court. At the time and place ordered by the court, the matter shall be summarily heard and determined and costs shall be taxed as in other civil actions. Those provisions of chs. 801 to 806 which are inconsistent with a prompt and expeditious hearing do not apply to appeals under this section.
(8) Scope of review.
(a) Unless the court finds a ground for setting aside or modifying the determination of the board of canvassers or the commission chairperson or chairperson’s designee, it shall affirm the determination.
(b) The court shall separately treat disputed issues of procedure, interpretations of law, and findings of fact.
(c) The court may not receive evidence not offered to the board of canvassers or the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee except for evidence that was unavailable to a party exercising due diligence at the time of the recount or newly discovered evidence that could not with due diligence have been obtained during the recount, and except that the court may receive evidence not offered at an earlier time because a party was not represented by counsel in all or part of a recount proceeding. A party who fails to object or fails to offer evidence of a defect or irregularity during the recount waives the right to object or offer evidence before the court except in the case of evidence that was unavailable to a party exercising due diligence at the time of the recount or newly discovered evidence that could not with due diligence have been obtained during the recount or evidence received by the court due to unavailability of counsel during the recount.
(d) The court shall set aside or modify the determination of the board of canvassers or the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee if it finds that the board of canvassers or the chairperson or chairperson’s designee has erroneously interpreted a provision of law and a correct interpretation compels a particular action. If the determination depends on any fact found by the board of canvassers or the commission chairperson or the chairperson’s designee, the court may not substitute its judgment for that of the board of canvassers or the chairperson or designee as to the weight of the evidence on any disputed finding of fact. The court shall set aside the determination if it finds that the determination depends on any finding of fact that is not supported by substantial evidence.
(9) Appeal to court of appeals.
(a) Within 30 days after entry of the order of the circuit court, a party aggrieved by the order may appeal to the court of appeals.
(b) If an appeal is filed in respect to an election which is held in more than one court of appeals district, the chief justice of the supreme court shall consolidate all appeals relating to that election and designate one district to hear the appeal, except that if an appeal is filed in respect to an election for statewide office or a statewide referendum, the appeal shall be heard by the 4th district court of appeals.
(c) The court of appeals shall give precedence to the appeal over other matters not accorded similar precedence by law.
(10) Standard forms and methods. The commission shall prescribe standard forms and procedures for the making of recounts under this section. The procedures prescribed by the commission shall require the boards of canvassers in recounts involving more than one board of canvassers to consult with the commission staff prior to beginning any recount in order to ensure that uniform procedures are used, to the extent practicable, in such recounts.
(11) Exclusive remedy. This section constitutes the exclusive judicial remedy for testing the right to hold an elective office as the result of an alleged irregularity, defect or mistake committed during the voting or canvassing process.
History: 1971 c. 251; 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1971 c. 336; 1973 c. 313; 1973 c. 334 ss. 23 to 26, 57; 1975 c. 41, 422; 1977 c. 394 s. 53; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 200; 1979 c. 260 ss. 66 to 68, 93; 1979 c. 311, 355; 1983 a. 183; 1983 a. 484 s. 172 (3); 1983 a. 538; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1993 a. 213; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 49, 182; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265, 321; 2005 a. 149, 451; 2007 a. 1, 96; 2011 a. 75, 115; 2015 a. 36, 117; 2015 a. 118 ss. 107 to 119, 266 (10); 2015 a. 261; 2017 a. 120, 366.
Cross-reference: See also s. EL 6.04, Wis. adm. code.
A challenge of compliance with procedures for absent voting is within the board of canvassers’ jurisdiction. Absent connivance, fraud, or undue influence, substantial compliance with statutory voting procedures is sufficient. Appeal From Recount in Election Contest, 105 Wis. 2d 468, 313 N.W.2d 869 (Ct. App. 1981).
Sub. (8) does not require the party against whom the board rules to object to the board’s determination to preserve the issue for judicial review. Clifford v. Colby School District, 143 Wis. 2d 581, 421 N.W.2d 852 (Ct. App. 1988).
Post-election eligibility challenges are properly brought under this section. Logerquist v. Nasewaupee Canvassers, 150 Wis. 2d 907, 442 N.W.2d 551 (Ct. App. 1989).
The recount statute does not violate due process or equal protection and does not deny the electorate the right to have the winning candidate hold office. The relationship of recount and quo warranto actions is discussed. Shroble v. Prusener, 185 Wis. 2d 103, 517 N.W.2d 169 (1994).
When the board of canvassers’ actions in a recount reflected proper application of the statutes, the reviewing court’s finding that the board had another option available to it was immaterial. DeBroux v. City of Appleton Board of Canvassers, 206 Wis. 2d 321, 557 N.W.2d 423 (Ct. App. 1996), 96-1287.
This section is the exclusive remedy for any claimed election fraud or irregularity. Generally, to successfully challenge an election, the challenger must show the probability of an altered outcome in the absence of the challenged irregularity. Carlson v. Oconto County Board of Canvassers, 2001 WI App 20, 240 Wis. 2d 438, 623 N.W.2d 195, 00-1788.
A party’s failure to timely file an appeal under sub. (6) does not preclude the party from later intervening in another’s appeal. To appeal under sub. (6) requires a party to be aggrieved. A party advocating a position that prevailed is not aggrieved. Roth v. LaFarge School District Board of Canvassers, 2001 WI App 221, 247 Wis. 2d 708, 634 N.W.2d 882, 01-0160.
The sub. (6) (a) requirement that a vote-recount appeal to the circuit court be served on the other candidates is fundamental. That a candidate who was not served knew about the appeal and sought and was permitted to intervene in an appeal of a recount was immaterial to the validity of that appeal. The command that “other candidates” be served with the appeal is mandatory rather than directory. Logic v. City of South Milwaukee Board of Canvassers, 2004 WI App 219, 277 Wis. 2d 421, 689 N.W.2d 692, 04-1642.

9.10  Recall.
(1)  Right to recall; petition signatures.
(a) The qualified electors of the state, of any county, city, village, or town, of any congressional, legislative, judicial, town sanitary, or school district, or of any prosecutorial unit may petition for the recall of any incumbent elective official by filing a petition with the same official or agency with whom nomination papers or declarations of candidacy for the office are filed demanding the recall of the officeholder.
(b) Except as provided in par. (c), a petition for recall of an officer shall be signed by electors equal to at least 25 percent of the vote cast for the office of governor at the last election within the same district or territory as that of the officeholder being recalled.
(c) If no statistics are available to calculate the required number of signatures on a petition for recall of an officer, the number of signatures shall be determined as follows:
1. The area of the district in square miles shall be divided by the area of the municipality in square miles in which it lies.
2. The vote for governor at the last general election in the municipality within which the district lies shall be multiplied by 25 percent of the quotient determined under subd. 1. to determine the required number of signatures.
3. If a district is in more than one municipality, the method of determination under subds. 1. and 2. shall be used for each part of the district which constitutes only a fractional part of any area for which election statistics are kept.
(d) The official or agency with whom declarations of candidacy are filed for each office shall determine and certify to any interested person the number of signatures required on a recall petition for that office.
(2) Petition requirements.
(a) Every recall petition shall have on the face at the top in bold print the words “RECALL PETITION”. Other requirements as to preparation and form of the petition shall be governed by s. 8.40.
(b) A recall petition for a city, village, town, town sanitary district, or school district office shall contain a statement of a reason for the recall which is related to the official responsibilities of the official for whom removal is sought.
(c) A petition requesting the recall of each elected officer shall be prepared and filed separately.
(d) No petition may be offered for filing for the recall of an officer unless the petitioner first files a registration statement under s. 11.0902 with the filing officer with whom the petition is filed. The petitioner shall append to the registration a statement indicating his or her intent to circulate a recall petition, the name of the officer for whom recall is sought and, in the case of a petition for the recall of a city, village, town, town sanitary district, or school district officer, a statement of a reason for the recall which is related to the official responsibilities of the official for whom removal is sought. No petitioner may circulate a petition for the recall of an officer prior to completing registration. The last date that a petition for the recall of an officer may be offered for filing is 5 p.m. on the 60th day commencing after registration. After the recall petition has been offered for filing, no name may be added or removed. No signature may be counted unless the date of the signature is within the period provided in this paragraph.
(e) An individual signature on a petition sheet may not be counted if:
1. The signature is not dated.
2. The signature is dated outside the circulation period.
3. The signature is dated after the date of the certification contained on the petition sheet.
4. The residency of the signer of the petition sheet cannot be determined by the address given.
5. The signature is that of an individual who is not a resident of the jurisdiction or district from which the elective official being recalled is elected.
6. The signer has been adjudicated not to be a qualified elector on grounds of incompetency or limited incompetency as provided in s. 6.03 (3).
7. The signer is not a qualified elector by reason of age.
8. The circulator knew or should have known that the signer, for any other reason, was not a qualified elector.
(em) No signature on a petition sheet may be counted if:
1. The circulator fails to sign the certification of circulator.
2. The circulator is not a qualified circulator.
(f) The filing officer or agency shall review a verified challenge to a recall petition if it is made prior to certification.
(g) The burden of proof for any challenge rests with the individual bringing the challenge.
(h) Any challenge to the validity of signatures on the petition shall be presented by affidavit or other supporting evidence demonstrating a failure to comply with statutory requirements.
(i) If a challenger can establish that a person signed the recall petition more than once, the 2nd and subsequent signatures may not be counted.
(j) If a challenger demonstrates that someone other than the elector signed for the elector, the signature may not be counted, unless the elector is unable to sign due to physical disability and authorized another individual to sign in his or her behalf.
(k) If a challenger demonstrates that the date of a signature is altered and the alteration changes the validity of the signature, the signature may not be counted.
(L) If a challenger establishes that an individual is ineligible to sign the petition, the signature may not be counted.
(m) No signature may be stricken on the basis that the elector was not aware of the purpose of the petition, unless the purpose was misrepresented by the circulator.
(n) No signature may be stricken if the circulator fails to date the certification of circulator.
(p) If a signature on a petition sheet is crossed out by the petitioner before the sheet is offered for filing, the elimination of the signature does not affect the validity of other signatures on the petition sheet.
(q) Challenges are not limited to the categories set forth in pars. (i) to (L).
(r) A petitioner may file affidavits or other proof correcting insufficiencies, including but not limited to:
4. Failure of the circulator to sign the certification of circulator.
5. Failure of the circulator to include all necessary information.
(s) No petition for recall of an officer may be offered for filing prior to the expiration of one year after commencement of the term of office for which the officer is elected.
(3) State, county, congressional, legislative and judicial offices.
(a) This subsection applies to the recall of all elective officials other than city, village, town, town sanitary district, and school district officials. City, village, town, town sanitary district, and school district officials are recalled under sub. (4).
(b) Within 10 days after the petition is offered for filing, the officer against whom the petition is filed may file a written challenge with the official, specifying any alleged insufficiency. If a challenge is filed, the petitioner may file a written rebuttal to the challenge with the official within 5 days after the challenge is filed. If a rebuttal is filed, the officer against whom the petition is filed may file a reply to any new matter raised in the rebuttal within 2 days after the rebuttal is filed. Within 14 days after the expiration of the time allowed for filing a reply to a rebuttal, the official shall file the certificate or an amended certificate. Within 31 days after the petition is offered for filing, the official with whom the petition is offered for filing shall determine by careful examination whether the petition on its face is sufficient and so state in a certificate attached to the petition. If the official finds that the amended petition is sufficient, the official shall file the petition and call a recall election to be held on the Tuesday of the 6th week commencing after the date of filing of the petition. If Tuesday is a legal holiday, the recall election shall be held on the first day after Tuesday which is not a legal holiday. If the official finds that the petition is insufficient, the certificate shall state the particulars creating the insufficiency. The petition may be amended to correct any insufficiency within 5 days following the affixing of the original certificate. Within 5 days after the offering of the amended petition for filing, the official with whom the petition is filed shall again carefully examine the face of the petition to determine sufficiency and shall attach a certificate stating the findings. Upon showing of good cause, the circuit court for the county in which the petition is offered for filing may grant an extension of any of the time periods provided in this paragraph.
(bm) Within 7 days after an official makes a final determination of sufficiency or insufficiency of a recall petition under par. (b), the petitioner or the officer against whom the recall petition is filed may file a petition for a writ of mandamus or prohibition with the circuit court for the county where the recall petition is offered for filing. Upon filing of such a petition, the only matter before the court shall be whether the recall petition is sufficient. The court may stay the effect of the official’s order while the petition is under advisement and may order the official to revise the election schedule contained in the order if a revised schedule is necessitated by judicial review. Whenever the recall petitioner files a petition under this paragraph, the officer against whom the recall petition is filed shall be a party to the proceeding. The court shall give the matter precedence over other matters not accorded similar precedence by law.
(c) The official against whom the recall petition is filed shall be a candidate at the recall election without nomination unless the official resigns within 10 days after the original filing of the petition. Candidates for the office may be nominated under the usual procedure of nomination for a special election by filing nomination papers not later than 5 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday preceding the election and have their names placed on the ballot at the recall election.
(d) If more than 2 persons compete for a nonpartisan office, a recall primary shall be held. The names of the 2 persons receiving the highest number of votes in the recall primary shall be certified to appear on the ballot in the recall election, but if any person receives a majority of the total number of votes cast in the recall primary, a recall election shall not be held. If the incumbent receives a majority of the votes cast, the incumbent shall be retained in office for the remainder of the term. If another candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, that candidate shall be elected to serve for the residue of the unexpired term of the incumbent. Write-in votes are permitted only at a recall primary or at a recall election in which no primary is held.
(e) For any partisan office, a recall primary shall be held for each political party which is entitled to a separate ballot under s. 5.62 (1) (b) or (2) and from which more than one candidate competes for the party’s nomination in the recall election. The primary ballot shall be prepared in accordance with s. 5.62, insofar as applicable. The person receiving the highest number of votes in the recall primary for each political party shall be that party’s candidate in the recall election. Independent candidates shall be shown on the ballot for the recall election only.
(f) If a recall primary is required, the date specified under par. (b) shall be the date of the recall primary and the recall election shall be held on the Tuesday of the 4th week commencing after the recall primary or, if that Tuesday is a legal holiday, on the first day after that Tuesday which is not a legal holiday.
(4) City, village, town, town sanitary district, and school district offices.
(a) Within 10 days after a petition for the recall of a city, village, town, town sanitary district, or school district official, is offered for filing, the officer against whom the petition is filed may file a written challenge with the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners or school district clerk with whom it is filed, specifying any alleged insufficiency. If a challenge is filed, the petitioner may file a written rebuttal to the challenge with the clerk or board of election commissioners within 5 days after the challenge is filed. If a rebuttal is filed, the officer against whom the petition is filed may file a reply to any new matter raised in the rebuttal within 2 days after the rebuttal is filed. Within 14 days after the expiration of the time allowed for filing a reply to a rebuttal, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall file the certificate or an amended certificate. Within 31 days after the petition is offered for filing, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall determine by careful examination of the face of the petition whether the petition is sufficient and shall so state in a certificate attached to the petition. If the petition is found to be insufficient, the certificate shall state the particulars creating the insufficiency. The petition may be amended to correct any insufficiency within 5 days following the affixing of the original certificate. Within 2 days after the offering of the amended petition for filing, the clerk or board of election commissioners shall again carefully examine the face of the petition to determine sufficiency and shall attach to the petition a certificate stating the findings. Immediately upon finding an original or amended petition sufficient, except in cities over 500,000 population, the municipal clerk or school district clerk shall transmit the petition to the governing body or to the school board. Immediately upon finding an original or amended petition sufficient, in cities over 500,000 population, the board of election commissioners shall file the petition in its office.
(d) Promptly upon receipt of a certificate under par. (a), the governing body, school board, or board of election commissioners shall call a recall election. The recall election shall be held on the Tuesday of the 6th week commencing after the date on which the certificate is filed, except that if Tuesday is a legal holiday the recall election shall be held on the first day after Tuesday which is not a legal holiday.
(e) The official against whom the recall petition is filed shall be a candidate at the recall election without nomination unless the official resigns within 10 days after the date of the certificate. Candidates for the office may be nominated under the usual procedure of nomination for a special election by filing nomination papers or declarations of candidacy not later than 5 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday preceding the election and have their names placed on the ballot at the recall election.
(f) If more than 2 persons compete for an office, a recall primary shall be held. The names of the 2 persons receiving the highest number of votes in the recall primary shall be certified to appear on the ballot in the recall election, but if any person receives a majority of the total number of votes cast in the recall primary, a recall election shall not be held. If the incumbent receives a majority of the votes cast, the incumbent shall be retained in office for the remainder of the term. If another candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, that candidate shall be elected to serve for the residue of the unexpired term of the incumbent. Write-in votes are permitted only at a recall primary or at a recall election in which no primary is held.
(g) If a recall primary is required, the date specified under par. (d) shall be the date of the recall primary and the recall election shall be held on the Tuesday of the 4th week commencing after the recall primary or, if that Tuesday is a legal holiday, on the first day after that Tuesday which is not a legal holiday.
(h) All candidates for any village, town, and town sanitary district office, other than the official against whom the recall petition is filed, shall file nomination papers, regardless of the method of nomination of candidates for town or village office under s. 8.05.
(5) Voting method; election results.
(a) The recall primary or election of more than one official may be held on the same day. If more than one official of the same office designation elected at large for the same term from the same district or territory is the subject of a recall petition, there shall be a separate election contest for the position held by each official. Candidates shall designate which position they are seeking on their nomination papers. Instructions shall appear on the ballot to electors to vote for each position separately.
(b) The official against whom a recall petition has been filed shall continue to perform the duties of his or her office until a certificate of election is issued to his or her successor. The person receiving a plurality of votes at the recall election or a majority of votes at a primary when authorized under sub. (3) (d) or (4) (f) shall be declared elected for the remainder of the term. If the incumbent receives the required number of votes he or she shall continue in office. Except as provided in sub. (4) (f), if another person receives the required number of votes that person shall succeed the incumbent if he or she qualifies within 10 days after receiving a certificate of election.
(6) Limitation on recall elections. After one recall petition and recall election, no further recall petition may be filed against the same official during the term for which he or she was elected.
(7) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to facilitate the operation of article XIII, section 12, of the constitution and to extend the same rights to electors of cities, villages, towns, town sanitary districts, and school districts.
History: 1977 c. 187 s. 134; 1977 c. 403, 447; 1979 c. 260; 1983 a. 219, 491, 538; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31, 192; 1991 a. 269, 315; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 56; 2015 a. 117.
Cross-reference: See also ss. EL 2.09, 2.11, and 6.04, Wis. adm. code.
Striking an entire page of signatures for one invalid signature violated the electorate’s right to recall. Stahovic v. Rajchel, 122 Wis. 2d 370, 363 N.W.2d 243 (Ct. App. 1984).
This section applies to members of Congress. 68 Atty. Gen. 140.

9.20  Direct legislation.
(1)  A number of electors equal to at least 15 percent of the votes cast for governor at the last general election in their city or village may sign and file a petition with the city or village clerk requesting that an attached proposed ordinance or resolution, without alteration, either be adopted by the common council or village board or be referred to a vote of the electors. The individual filing the petition on behalf of the electors shall designate in writing an individual to be notified of any insufficiency or improper form under sub. (3).
(2) The preparation and form of the direct legislation petition shall be governed by s. 8.40.
(2m) After the petition has been offered for filing, no name may be erased or removed. No signature may be considered valid or counted unless the date is less than 60 days before the date offered for filing.
(3) Within 15 days after the petition is filed, the clerk shall determine by careful examination whether the petition is sufficient and whether the proposed ordinance or resolution is in proper form. The clerk shall state his or her findings in a signed and dated certificate attached to the petition. If the petition is found to be insufficient or the proposed ordinance or resolution is not in proper form, the certificate shall give the particulars, stating the insufficiency or improper form. The petition may be amended to correct any insufficiency or the proposed ordinance or resolution may be put in proper form within 10 days following the affixing of the original certificate and notification of the individual designated under sub. (1). When the original or amended petition is found to be sufficient and the original or amended ordinance or resolution is in proper form, the clerk shall so state on the attached certificate and forward it to the common council or village board immediately.
(4) The common council or village board shall, without alteration, either pass the ordinance or resolution within 30 days following the date of the clerk’s final certificate, or submit it to the electors at the next spring or general election, if the election is more than 70 days after the date of the council’s or board’s action on the petition or the expiration of the 30-day period, whichever first occurs. If there are 70 days or less before the election, the ordinance or resolution shall be voted on at the next election thereafter. The council or board by a three-fourths vote of the members-elect may order a special election for the purpose of voting on the ordinance or resolution at any time prior to the next election, but not more than one special election for direct legislation may be ordered in any 6-month period.
(5) The clerk shall cause notice of the ordinance or resolution that is being submitted to a vote to be given as provided in s. 10.06 (3) (f).
(6) The ordinance or resolution need not be printed in its entirety on the ballot, but a concise statement of its nature shall be printed together with a question permitting the elector to indicate approval or disapproval of its adoption.
(7) If a majority vote in favor of adoption, the proposed ordinance or resolution shall take effect upon publication under sub. (5). Publication shall be made within 10 days after the election.
(8) City ordinances or resolutions adopted under this section shall not be subject to the veto power of the mayor and city or village ordinances or resolutions adopted under this section shall not be repealed or amended within 2 years of adoption except by a vote of the electors. The common council or village board may submit a proposition to repeal or amend the ordinance or resolution at any election.
History: 1977 c. 102; 1983 a. 484; 1989 a. 192, 273; 2015 a. 37.
This section implements legislative powers reserved by the people. Subject to certain conditions, a common council has no authority to make an initial judgment of the constitutionality or validity of proposed direct legislation. State ex rel. Althouse v. Madison, 79 Wis. 2d 97, 255 N.W.2d 449 (1977).
A proposal that is administrative, rather than legislative in character, is not the proper subject of initiative proceedings. State ex rel. Becker v. City of Milwaukee Common Council, 101 Wis. 2d 680, 305 N.W.2d 178 (Ct. App. 1981).
A city clerk has a mandatory duty to forward to the common council a sufficient petition and ordinance in proper form. State ex rel. North v. Goetz, 116 Wis. 2d 239, 342 N.W.2d 747 (Ct. App. 1983).
The power of initiative does not extend to legislative decisions that have already been made by the legislative body. Schaefer v. Potosi Village Board, 177 Wis. 2d 287, 501 N.W.2d 901 (Ct. App. 1993).
If statutes establish procedures for the accomplishment of legislation in a certain area, an initiative may not effect legislation that would modify the statutory directives that would bind a municipality if it were legislating in the same area. Section 62.23 establishes such procedures for zoning; zoning may not be legislated or modified by initiative. An ordinance constituting a pervasive regulation of, or prohibition on, the use of land is zoning. Heitman v. City of Mauston, 226 Wis. 2d 542, 595 N.W.2d 450 (Ct. App. 1999), 98-3133.
There are 4 exceptions to the sub. (4) requirement that requested direct legislation be either passed or submitted to the electors: 1) when the proposed direct legislation involves executive or administrative matters, rather than legislative ones; 2) when it compels the repeal of an existing ordinance, or compels the passage of an ordinance in clear conflict with existing ordinances; 3) when it seeks to exercise legislative powers not conferred on a municipality; and 4) when it would modify statutorily prescribed directives that would bind a municipality if it were attempting to legislate in the same area. Mount Horeb Community Alert v. Village Board of Mt. Horeb, 2002 WI App 80, 252 Wis. 2d 713, 643 N.W.2d 186, 01-2217.
Mandamus is the appropriate action when a city council refuses either option of sub. (1) Mount Horeb Community Alert v. Village Board of Mt. Horeb, 2002 WI App 80, 252 Wis. 2d 713, 643 N.W.2d 186, 01-2217.
A proposed ordinance, initiated by a group of citizens, to require a village to hold a binding referendum prior to the start of construction on any new village building project requiring a capital expenditure of $1 million or more was an appropriate subject of direct legislation. Mount Horeb Community Alert v. Village Board of Mt. Horeb, 2003 WI 100, 263 Wis. 2d 544, 665 N.W.2d 229, 01-2217.
Section 893.80 (1) (b), which requires the filing of a notice of claim before an action may be commenced against a municipality, did not apply to an action for mandamus seeking to compel a city council to comply with this section. Oak Creek Citizen’s Action Committee v. City of Oak Creek, 2007 WI App 196, 304 Wis. 2d 702; 738 N.W.2d 168, 06-2697.
A “concise statement” under sub. (6), properly construed, means a brief statement of the general purpose of the proposed ordinance. It is not required that the ballot must contain every essential element of the proposed ordinance. Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Inc. v. City of Milwaukee, 2011 WI App 45, 332 Wis. 2d 459, 798 N.W.2d 287, 09-1874.
When an ordinance was never implemented because an injunction was issued and 2 years passed before the injunction was vacated, the 2-year time period excluded the time between the issuance of an injunction and its vacation. In that circumstance, returning the parties to the position they were in as of the date on which the temporary injunction is the only reasonable construction of sub. (8). Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Inc. v. City of Milwaukee, 2011 WI App 45, 332 Wis. 2d 459, 798 N.W.2d 287, 09-1874.
Vox Populi: Wisconsin’s’ Direct Legislation Statute. Bach. Wis. Law. May 2008.

Return to Top

Chapter 10 – Election Notices

10.01  Election notice form.
(1)  The form of the various election notices shall be prescribed by the commission to standardize election notices. To accomplish this purpose, the commission shall make rules and draft whatever forms it considers necessary. Notification or certification lists of candidates or referenda questions sent to the county clerks shall prescribe the form in which the county clerks shall publish the relevant portions of the notice and any additional county offices and referenda questions. The commission shall also prescribe the provisions for municipal notices which shall be sent to each county clerk who shall immediately forward them to each municipal clerk.
(2) For election purposes there shall be 5 basic types of notices, modified as necessary to apply to the various elections, which shall be published in substantially the same form as prescribed by the commission. The 5 types of notices are:
(a) Type A — The type A notice shall be entitled “Notice of Election”. The notice shall list the date of the election. For an election to fill any office, the notice shall list each office to be filled and the incumbent for each; the length of the term of each office and the expiration date of the term; and the beginning date for circulating, the place and deadline for filing declarations of candidacy and nomination papers, where required, for each office listed and the date of the primary election, if required. If a redistricting since the most recent election makes the description of the incumbent’s office of limited usefulness, the notice may contain supplementary information describing the territory in which an election is to be held. For an election at which a referendum is held, the notice shall contain the text of the question and a statement specifying where a copy of the resolution directing submission of the question may be obtained. Whenever an election is noticed to be held within a district, the notice shall contain a statement specifying where information concerning district boundaries may be obtained. The type A notice shall be published once by the county clerk of each county for each national, state or county election, and once by the clerk of each municipality or special purpose district for each municipal or special purpose district election, at the times designated in s. 10.06.
(b) Type B — The type B notice shall include the relevant facsimile ballots and the relevant portions of voting instructions to electors under s. 10.02 for each office or referendum and shall specify the date of the election. In counties or municipalities where an electronic voting system in which ballots are distributed to electors is used, the notice shall include the information specified in s. 5.94. The type B notice shall be published once by the county clerks, and for primaries and other elections in municipalities or special purpose districts, once by the clerk of the municipality or special purpose district on the day preceding each primary and other election.
(c) Type C — The type C notice shall be entitled “Notice of Referendum”. The notice shall be given whenever a referendum is held. The notice shall contain the date of the referendum, the entire text of the question and the proposed enactment, if any, as well as an explanatory statement of the effect of either a “yes” or “no” vote. For state questions, the statement shall be prepared by the attorney general. For county questions, the statement shall be prepared by the corporation counsel. For other questions, the statement shall be prepared by the attorney for the jurisdiction in which the question is submitted. County clerks and, for questions submitted by municipalities or special purpose districts, the clerk of the municipality or special purpose district shall publish the type C notice once at the same time that the type B notice is published. The type C notice shall be printed in the newspaper as close as possible to that portion of the type B notice showing the facsimile referendum ballot.
(d) Type D — The type D notice shall state the hours the polls will be open and the polling places to be utilized at the election or shall include a concise statement of how polling place information may be obtained. In cities over 500,000 population, the board of election commissioners shall determine the form of the notice. In other municipalities and special purpose districts, the clerk of the municipality or special purpose district shall give the polling place information in the manner the governing body of the municipality or special purpose district decides will most effectively inform the electors. The type D notice shall be published by the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of each municipality once on the day before each spring primary and election, each special national, state, county or municipal election at which the electors of that municipality are entitled to vote and each partisan primary and general election. The clerk of each special purpose district which calls a special election shall publish a type D notice on the day before the election, and the day before the special primary, if any, except as authorized in s. 8.55 (3).
(e) Type E — The type E notice shall state the qualifications for absentee voting, the procedures for obtaining an absentee ballot in the case of registered and unregistered voters, the places and the deadlines for application and return of application, including any alternate site under s. 6.855, and the office hours during which an elector may cast an absentee ballot in the municipal clerk’s office or at an alternate site under s. 6.855. The municipal clerk shall publish a type E notice on the 4th Tuesday preceding each spring primary and election, on the 4th Tuesday preceding each partisan primary and general election, on the 4th Tuesday preceding the primary for each special national, state, county or municipal election if any, on the 4th Tuesday preceding a special county or municipal referendum, and on the 3rd Tuesday preceding each special national, state, county or municipal election to fill an office which is not held concurrently with the spring or general election. The clerk of each special purpose district which calls a special election shall publish a type E notice on the 4th Tuesday preceding the primary for the special election, if any, on the 4th Tuesday preceding a special referendum, and on the 3rd Tuesday preceding a special election for an office which is not held concurrently with the spring or general election except as authorized in s. 8.55 (3).
History: 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 275; 1979 c. 260, 311; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 31; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 75; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

10.02  Type B notice content.
(1)  Before any election an appropriate type B notice shall be published in substantially the form prescribed by the commission at the times prescribed in s. 10.06. The type B notice shall include the following relevant sections and be within the guidelines established in this section.
(2)
(a) The headline or caption, the introductory paragraph and the voting instructions shall be printed once at the beginning of the notice followed by a facsimile of each ballot to be used at the election. The headline or caption shall be conspicuously displayed, but the caption together with the necessary spacing above and below shall not exceed 1 1/4 inches in depth. The introductory paragraph and voting instructions shall be set solid in the type of the regular reading matter of the newspaper but no smaller than 5 1/2-point nor larger than 10-point type.
(b) Following the introductory paragraph, but preceding the facsimile ballot notice, shall appear the statement of information to electors in the form prescribed in sub. (3).
(c) The facsimile ballots shall follow the voting instructions. The size and style of type and the general display of the facsimile ballots shall be prescribed by the commission and shall conform to the form prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (1) (a). The party columns shall not exceed 2-1/6 inches in width and the ballot size may be reduced. Voting machine facsimile ballots shall show a reduced diagram of the front of the voting machine and instructions to electors on how to vote on the machine. If the ballots in the wards or election districts within a county or municipality are identical but for the names of different candidates, districts or seats, the facsimile ballot may show the ballot for one ward or election district, accompanied by a list of candidates, districts and seats to be voted upon in the other wards or election districts.
(3) The notice shall contain the following:
FACSIMILE BALLOT NOTICE
OF …. ELECTION
Office of …. [County] [Municipal] Clerk.
To the Electors of …. [County] [Municipality]:
Notice is hereby given of a …. election to be held in the several wards in the [county] [municipality] of …., on the …. day of …., …. (year), at which the officers named below shall be chosen. The names of the candidates for each office to be voted for, whose nominations have been certified to or filed in this office, are given under the title of the office and under the appropriate party or other designation, each in its proper column, together with the questions submitted to a vote, in the sample ballot below.
INFORMATION TO ELECTORS
Except where a different statement is prescribed by the commission for use in whole or in part by municipalities using electronic voting systems under s. 5.95, the voting instructions shall be given substantially as follows:
(a) Upon entering the polling place and before being permitted to vote, an elector shall state his or her name and address. If an elector is not registered to vote, an elector may register to vote at the polling place serving his or her residence if the elector presents proof of identification in a form specified by law unless the elector is exempted from this requirement, and, if the document presented does not constitute proof of residence, the elector provides proof of residence. Where ballots are distributed to electors, the initials of 2 inspectors must appear on the ballot. Upon being permitted to vote, the elector shall retire alone to a voting booth or machine and cast his or her ballot, except that an elector who is a parent or guardian may be accompanied by the elector’s minor child or minor ward. An election official may inform the elector of the proper manner for casting a vote, but the official may not in any manner advise or indicate a particular voting choice.
(b)
1. The elector shall make a cross (X) next to or separately depress the levers or buttons next to each candidate’s name for whom he or she intends to vote, or shall insert or write in the name of a candidate.
2. At a partisan primary, the elector shall select the party ballot of his or her choice and shall make a cross (X) next to or depress the lever or button next to the candidate’s name for each office for whom the elector intends to vote, or shall insert or write in the name of the elector’s choice for a candidate.
3. When casting a presidential preference vote, the elector shall select the party ballot of his or her choice and make a cross (X) next to or depress the button or lever next to the candidate’s name for whom he or she intends to vote or shall, in the alternative, make a cross (X) next to or depress the button or lever next to the words “Uninstructed delegation”, or shall write in the name of his or her choice for a candidate.
4. At a nonpartisan primary, the elector shall make a cross (X) next to or depress the button or lever next to the candidate’s name for each office for whom he or she intends to vote, or insert or write in the name of his or her choice for a candidate.
(c) In presidential elections, the elector shall make a cross (X) next to or depress the button or lever next to the set of candidates for president and vice president for whom he or she intends to vote. A vote for candidates for president and vice president is a vote for the presidential electors of those candidates.
(d) On referenda questions, the elector shall make a cross (X) next to or depress the button or lever next to the answer which he or she intends to give.
(e) The vote should not be cast in any other manner. If the elector spoils a ballot, he or she shall return it to an election official who shall issue another in its place, but not more than 3 ballots shall be issued to any one elector. If the ballot has not been initialed by 2 inspectors or is defective in any other way, the elector shall return it to the election official, who shall issue a proper ballot in its place. Not more than 5 minutes’ time shall be allowed inside a voting booth or machine. Unofficial ballots or a memorandum to assist the elector in marking his or her ballot may be taken into the booth and copied. The sample ballot shall not be shown to anyone so as to reveal how the ballot is marked.
(f) After an official paper ballot is marked, it shall be folded so the inside marks do not show but so the printed endorsements and inspectors’ initials on the outside do show. After casting his or her vote, the elector shall leave the voting machine or booth, and where paper ballots are distributed to the electors, deposit his or her folded ballot in the ballot box or deliver it to an inspector for deposit in the box, and shall leave the polling place promptly.
(g) An elector may select an individual to assist in casting his or her vote if the elector declares to the presiding official that he or she is unable to read, has difficulty reading, writing or understanding English or that due to disability is unable to cast his or her ballot. The selected individual rendering assistance may not be the elector’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector.
(h) The following is a facsimile of the official ballot: (insert facsimile of ballot)
…., (County Clerk)
(Municipal Clerk)
History: 1971 c. 304 s. 29 (2); 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 85, 199; 1977 c. 107, 427, 447; 1979 c. 311; 1981 c. 377; 1983 a. 484 ss. 119, 172 (3); 1985 a. 304; 1989 a. 31; 1997 a. 250; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23, 32; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).

10.03  Cross-references required. Whenever possible the complete election notice shall appear on a single page of the newspaper. If this is impracticable, a footnote in 12-point caps shall indicate the page where the notice is continued. At the top of each succeeding page, or column of the notice, shall appear in 12-point caps and figures the notation, “For information to Electors and other facsimile ballots, see page ….”.
History: 1993 a. 213.

10.04  Newspaper selection and fees.
(1)  Election notices required by law to be published may be published only in newspapers qualified under ch. 985.
(2)
(a) County clerks shall publish election notices in all newspapers published within the county that qualify under ch. 985 unless the county board provides otherwise by resolution.
(b) The board of election commissioners or governing body of a municipality may authorize by resolution the publication of election notices in more than one newspaper. The resolution may name the newspapers in which all election notices shall appear.
(3)
(a) Whenever, in chs. 5 to 12, provision is made for the publication of a notice on a specific date and a weekly newspaper is chosen, the notice shall appear in that newspaper’s closest preceding issue. Whenever, in chs. 5 to 12, provision is made for the publication of a notice on the day before an election and the county or municipal clerk who is responsible for publishing the notice determines that, due to the method of delivering newspapers in the municipality, more effective notice will be provided by publication at an earlier date, the municipal clerk may publish the notice not earlier than 3 days before the election.
(b) Whenever, in chs. 5 to 12, provision is made for publication of an election notice by more than one insertion, this may be done (in counties over 200,000 population) by publication in one or more newspapers on the dates prescribed or in different newspapers at least equal in number to the number of insertions required. When different newspapers are used, the publications shall always be in each newspaper’s latest issue preceding the last given date for publishing that notice.
(4) Compensation for publishing all notices may not exceed that authorized for legal notices under s. 985.08.
History: 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 89; 1985 a. 304.

10.05  Posting of notice. Unless specifically designated elsewhere, this section applies to villages, towns and school districts. Whenever a notice is required to be published, a village, town or school district may post 3 notices in lieu of publication under ch. 985 whenever there is not a newspaper published within the village, town or school district or whenever the governing body of the village, town or school district chooses to post in order to supplement notice provided in a newspaper. Whenever the manner of giving notice is changed by the governing body, the body shall give notice of the change in the manner used before the change. Whenever posting is used, the notices shall be posted no later than the day prescribed by law for publication, or if that day falls within the week preceding the election to be noticed, at least one week before the election. All notices given for the same election shall be given in the same manner.
History: 1987 a. 391.

10.06  Basic election notices.
(1)  Elections commission.
(a) On or before November 15 preceding a spring election the commission shall send a type A notice to each county clerk.
(c) As soon as possible after the deadline for filing nomination papers for the spring election, but no later than the 2nd Tuesday in January, the commission shall send a type B notice certifying the list of candidates to each county clerk if a primary is required.
(e) As soon as possible following the state canvass of the spring primary vote, but no later than the first Tuesday in March, the commission shall send a type B notice certifying to each county clerk the list of candidates for the spring election. When no state spring primary is held, this notice shall be sent under par. (c). When there is a referendum, the commission shall send type A and C notices certifying each question to the county clerks as soon as possible, but no later than the first Tuesday in March.
(f) On or before the 3rd Tuesday in March preceding a partisan primary and general election the commission shall send a type A notice to each county clerk.
(h) As soon as possible after the deadline for determining ballot arrangement for the partisan primary on June 10, the commission shall send a type B notice to each county clerk certifying the list of candidates for the partisan primary.
(i) As soon as possible after the state canvass, but no later than the 4th Tuesday in August, the commission shall send a type B notice certifying the list of candidates and type A and C notices certifying each question for any referendum to each county clerk for the general election.
(2)  County clerks.
(a) On the 4th Tuesday in November preceding a spring election each county clerk shall publish a type A notice based on the notice received from the commission for all state offices to be filled at the election by any electors voting in the county and a similar notice incorporating any county offices.
(b) Upon receipt of the type B notice from the commission preceding the spring election each county clerk shall add any county offices, prepare the ballots, and send notice to each municipal clerk of the spring primary. When there is no state spring primary within the county, but there is to be a county spring primary, the county clerk shall prepare the ballots and send notice to each municipal clerk.
(d) On the Monday preceding the spring primary, when held, the county clerk shall publish a type B notice.
(e) Upon receipt of the type B notice from the commission each county clerk shall add any county offices and referenda, prepare the ballots and send notice to each municipal clerk of the coming spring election.
(f) On the 4th Tuesday preceding the spring election, the county clerk shall publish a type A notice of any state or county referendum to be held at the election.
(g) On the Monday preceding the spring election, the county clerk shall publish a type B notice containing the same information prescribed in par. (a). In a year in which the presidential preference primary is held, the county clerk shall also publish notice of the presidential preference primary. In addition, the county clerk shall publish a type C notice on the Monday preceding the spring election for all state and county referenda to be voted upon by electors of the county.
(gm) On the first Tuesday in April the county clerk shall send notice of the coming partisan primary and general election to each municipal clerk.
(h) On the 2nd Tuesday in April preceding a partisan primary and general election, the county clerk shall publish a type A notice based on the notice received from the commission for all national and state offices to be filled at the election by any electors voting in the county and incorporating county offices.
(j) On the Monday preceding the partisan primary the county clerk shall publish a type B notice.
(k) Upon receipt of the type B notice from the commission preceding the general election, the county clerk shall add county offices and referenda, if any, and send notice to each municipal clerk of the coming general election and prepare the ballots.
(L) On the 4th Tuesday preceding the general election, the county clerk shall publish a type A notice of any state or county referendum to be held at the election.
(m) On the Monday preceding the general election the county clerk shall publish a type B notice containing the same information prescribed in par. (h). In addition, the county clerk shall publish a type C notice on the Monday preceding the general election for all state and county referenda to be voted upon by electors of the county.
(n) On the 4th Tuesday preceding any special primary or election for national, state or county office, or any special county referendum, the county clerk shall publish a type A notice. On the day preceding any special primary or election for national, state or county office, the county clerk shall publish a type B notice. On the day preceding a special county referendum, the county clerk shall publish type B and C notices for the referendum.
(3)  Municipal clerks.
(a) On the 4th Tuesday in November preceding a spring municipal election the municipal clerk shall publish one type A notice for municipal offices. Publication shall be on the following day if Tuesday is a holiday.
(am) As soon as possible following the deadline for filing nomination papers for any municipal election when there is to be an election for a county or state office or a county or statewide referendum, but no later than 3 days after such deadline, the municipal clerk of each municipality in which voting machines or ballots containing the names of candidates for both local offices and national, state or county offices are used shall certify the list of candidates for municipal office to the county clerk if a primary is required, unless the municipality prepares its own ballots under s. 7.15 (2) (c).
(as) On the 4th Tuesday preceding the spring primary, when held, the municipal clerk shall publish a type E notice. In cities and villages, the municipal clerk shall publish a type A notice on the 4th Tuesday preceding the spring primary of any direct legislation questions to be voted on at the primary.
(b) If there is to be a municipal primary, the municipal clerk shall publish a type B notice on the Monday before the primary election. In cities and villages, the municipal clerk shall publish a type C notice on the Monday before the primary election of any direct legislation questions to be voted on at the primary.
(bm) As soon as possible following the municipal canvass of the primary vote or the qualification of the candidates under s. 8.05 (1) (j) when a municipal caucus is held, if there is to be an election for a county or state office or a county or statewide referendum, but no later than 3 days after such date, the municipal clerk of each municipality in which voting machines or ballots containing the names of candidates for both local offices and national, state or county offices are used shall certify the list of candidates for municipal office and municipal referenda appearing on the ballot to the county clerk, unless the municipality prepares its own ballots under s. 7.15 (2) (c).
(bs) On the 4th Tuesday preceding the spring election, the municipal clerk shall publish a type E notice. If there are municipal referenda, the municipal clerk shall publish a type A notice of the referenda at the same time.
(c) On the Monday before the spring election, the municipal clerk shall publish a type B notice and a type D notice. If there are municipal referenda, the municipal clerk shall publish a type C notice at the same time.
(cm) On the 4th Tuesday preceding the partisan primary and general election, when held, the municipal clerk shall publish a type E notice. If there are municipal referenda, the municipal clerk shall publish a type A notice of the referenda at the same time.
(d) On the Monday preceding the general election, the municipal clerk shall publish a type D notice. If there are municipal referenda, the municipal clerk shall publish type B and C notices at the same time.
(e) When electronic or mechanical voting machines or electronic voting systems in which ballots are distributed to electors are used in a municipality at a municipal election, the municipal clerk shall publish a type B notice on the Monday before the election. The notice shall include all offices and questions to be voted on at the election. The cost of this notice shall be shared under s. 5.68 (2) and (3).
(f) At least 40 days prior to any special primary or election for municipal office, the municipal clerk shall publish a type A notice. On the 4th Tuesday prior to any special primary for national, state, county or municipal office, the municipal clerk shall publish a type E notice. On the 3rd Tuesday prior to any special election for national, state, county or municipal office which is not held concurrently with the spring or general election, the municipal clerk shall publish a type E notice. On the 4th Tuesday prior to any special county referendum, the municipal clerk shall publish a type E notice. On the 4th Tuesday prior to any special municipal referendum, the municipal clerk shall publish type A and E notices. On the day preceding any special primary or election for municipal office, or any special municipal referendum, the municipal clerk shall publish a type B notice. The municipal clerk shall publish a type C notice on the day preceding a special municipal referendum. On the day preceding any special primary or election for national, state, county or municipal office, or a special county or municipal referendum, the municipal clerk shall publish a type D notice.
(4)  Other clerks.
(a) Unless otherwise provided, on the 4th Tuesday in November preceding an election for any office other than a national, state, county or municipal office, the clerk of the jurisdiction in which the election is held shall publish a type A notice.
(b) Unless otherwise provided, at least 40 days prior to any special primary or election for any office other than a national, state, county or municipal office, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the primary or election shall publish a type A notice.
(c) On the 4th Tuesday prior to any referendum other than a county or municipal referendum, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the referendum shall publish a type A notice.
(d) On the 4th Tuesday prior to any special primary for any office other than a national, state, county or municipal office, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the election for which the primary is held shall publish a type E notice.
(e) On the 3rd Tuesday prior to any special election for an office other than a national, state, county or municipal office which is not held concurrently with the spring or general election, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the election shall publish a type E notice.
(f) On the 4th Tuesday prior to any special referendum other than a county or municipal referendum, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the referendum shall publish a type E notice.
(g) On the day preceding any primary or election for any office other than a national, state, county or municipal office, the clerk of the jurisdiction in which the primary or election is held shall publish a type B notice.
(h) On the day preceding any special primary or election for any office other than a national, state, county or municipal office, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the election shall publish a type D notice.
(i) On the day preceding any referendum other than a state, county or municipal referendum, the clerk of the jurisdiction which calls the referendum shall publish type B, C and D notices.
History: 1973 c. 280; 1973 c. 334 s. 57; 1975 c. 275, 422; 1977 c. 107, 340, 427; 1979 c. 260, 311; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304, 332; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 273; 1995 a. 16 s. 2; 1999 a. 182; 2001 a. 16, 109; 2003 a. 24; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 32, 45, 75; 2013 a. 165; 2015 a. 118 ss. 120, 266 (10).

10.07  Combination of notices; cost.
(1)  Except as provided in sub. (2) in the case of voting machine ballots, whenever any county clerk or municipal or school district clerks within the same county are directed to publish any notice or portion of a notice under this chapter on the same date in the same newspaper, the text of which is identical, the clerks may publish one notice only. The cost of publication of such notice or the portion of the notice required shall be apportioned equally between the county and each municipality or school district sharing in its publication.
(2) When a voting machine ballot or ballot to be used with an electronic voting system includes 2 or more levels of government, the cost of giving the type B notice shall be prorated under s. 5.68 (3).
History: 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 311; 1985 a. 304 ss. 130m, 156.

Return to Top

Chapter 11 – Campaign Financing

11.0100  Construction. This chapter shall be construed to impose the least possible restraint on persons whose activities do not directly affect the elective process, consistent with the right of the public to have a full, complete, and readily understandable accounting of those activities expressly advocating for or against candidates for office or for or against referendums. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to regulate issue discussion, debate, or advocacy; grassroots outreach or lobbying; nonpartisan voter registration or turnout efforts; or the rights of the media.
History: 2015 a. 117.
Campaign finance in Wisconsin after Buckley. 1976 WLR 816.

11.0101  Definitions. In this chapter:
(1) “Candidate” means an individual about whom any of the following applies:
(a) The individual takes any of the following affirmative actions to seek nomination or election to a state or local office:
1. Files nomination papers with the appropriate filing officer.
2. Is nominated as a candidate for state or local office by a caucus under s. 8.05 (1) or by a political party and the nomination is certified to the appropriate filing officer.
3. Receives a contribution, makes a disbursement, or gives consent for another person to receive a contribution or make a disbursement in order to bring about the individual’s nomination or election to a state or local office.
(b) The individual holds a state or local office and is the subject of a recall petition.
(c) The individual holds a state or local office.
(2) “Candidate committee” means a committee authorized by a candidate or a candidate’s agent to make or accept contributions or make disbursements in support of a candidate’s campaign.
(3) “Candidate’s agent” means an individual who has control over the day-to-day operation of the candidate committee, but does not include an employee of a political party or a legislative campaign committee that is not also an employee of the candidate.
(4) “Charitable organization” means any organization described in section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5) “Clearly identified” means any of the following with regard to a communication supporting or opposing a candidate:
(a) The candidate’s name appears or is stated.
(b) A photograph or drawing of the candidate appears.
(c) The candidate’s identity is apparent by unambiguous reference.
(5m) “Commission” means the ethics commission.
(6) “Committee” means a candidate committee, legislative campaign committee, political action committee, independent expenditure committee, political party, recall committee, and referendum committee.
(7) “Conduit” means a person other than an individual that receives a contribution of money, deposits the contribution in an account held by the person, and releases the contribution to a candidate committee, legislative campaign committee, political party, or political action committee at the direction of the contributor.
(8)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), “contribution” means any of the following:
1. A gift, subscription, loan, advance, or transfer of money to a committee.
2. With the committee’s consent under s. 11.1109, a transfer of tangible personal property or services to a committee, valued as provided under s. 11.1105.
3. A transfer of funds between committees.
4. The purchase of a ticket for a fundraising event for a committee regardless of whether the ticket is used to attend the event.
(b) “Contribution” does not include any of the following:
1. Services that an individual provides to a committee, if the individual is not specifically compensated for providing the services to the committee.
2. Any unreimbursed travel expenses that an individual incurs to volunteer his or her personal services to a committee.
3. The costs of preparing and transmitting personal correspondence.
4. Interest earned on an interest-bearing account.
5. Rebates or awards earned in connection with the use of a debit or credit card.
6. A loan from a commercial lending institution that the institution makes in its ordinary course of business.
7. The reuse of surplus materials or the use of unused surplus materials acquired in connection with a previous campaign for or against the same candidate, political party, or recall if the materials were previously reported as a contribution.
8. The cost of invitations, food, and beverages in connection with an event held in a private residence on behalf of a candidate committee.
9. Any communication that does not expressly advocate for the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate.
10. A communication made exclusively between an organization and its members. In this subdivision, a member of an organization means a shareholder, employee, or officer of the organization, or an individual who has affirmatively manifested an interest in joining, supporting, or aiding the organization.
11. Any cost incurred to conduct Internet activity by an individual acting in his or her own behalf, or acting in behalf of another person if the individual is not compensated specifically for those services, including the cost or value of any computers, software, Internet domain names, Internet service providers, and any other technology that is used to provide access to or use of the Internet, but not including professional video production services purchased by the individual.
12. Any news story, commentary, or editorial by a broadcasting station, cable television operator, producer, or programmer, Internet site, or newspaper or other periodical publication, including an Internet or other electronic publication unless a committee owns the medium in which the news story, commentary, or editorial appears.
13. An expenditure of funds by a sponsoring organization for a political action committee’s administrative or solicitation expenses.
14. An expenditure of funds by a sponsoring organization for an independent expenditure committee’s administrative or solicitation expenses.
15. An expenditure of funds by a sponsor, as defined in s. 11.0705 (1), for a conduit’s administrative or solicitation expenses.
(9) “Corporation” includes a foreign limited liability company, as defined in s. 183.0102 (8) and a limited liability company, as defined in s. 183.0102 (10), if the foreign limited liability company or the limited liability company elect to be treated as a corporation by the federal internal revenue service, pursuant to 26 CFR 301.7701-3, or if the foreign limited liability company or the limited liability company has publicly traded shares.
(10)
(a) “Disbursement” means any of the following:
1. An expenditure by a committee from the committee’s depository account.
2. The transfer of tangible personal property or services by a committee.
3. A transfer of funds between committees.
(b) “Disbursement” does not include any of the following:
1. A communication made exclusively between an organization and its members. In this subdivision, a member of an organization means a shareholder, employee, or officer of the organization, or an individual who has affirmatively manifested an interest in joining, supporting or aiding the organization.
2. A communication or Internet activity by an individual acting in his or her own behalf, or acting in behalf of another person if the individual is not compensated specifically for those services, including the cost or value of computers, software, Internet domain names, Internet service providers, and any other technology that is used to provide access to or use of the Internet, but not including professional video production services purchased by the individual.
3. Any news story, commentary, or editorial by a broadcasting station, cable television operator, producer, or programmer, Internet site, or newspaper or other periodical publication, including an Internet or other electronic publication unless a committee owns the medium in which the news story, commentary, or editorial appears.
4. A nominal fee paid for a communication to the general public.
5. An expenditure of funds by a sponsoring organization for a political action committee’s administrative or solicitation expenses.
6. An expenditure of funds by a sponsoring organization for an independent expenditure committee’s administrative or solicitation expenses.
7. An expenditure of funds by a sponsor, as defined in s. 11.0705 (1), for a conduit’s administrative or solicitation expenses.
8. An expenditure of funds for a political action committee’s fundraising and administrative expenses.
9. An expenditure of funds for an independent expenditure committee’s fundraising and administrative expenses.
10. An expenditure of funds for a conduit’s fundraising and administrative expenses.
(11) “Express advocacy” means a communication that contains terms such as the following with reference to a clearly identified candidate and that unambiguously relates to the election or defeat of that candidate:
(a) “Vote for”.
(b) “Elect”.
(c) “Support”.
(d) “Cast your ballot for”.
(e) “Smith for … (an elective office)”.
(f) “Vote against”.
(g) “Defeat”.
(h) “Reject”.
(i) “Cast your ballot against”.
(12) “Federal account committee” means a committee of a state political party organization that makes contributions to candidates for national office and is registered with the federal election commission.
(13) “Federal candidate committee” means a committee of a candidate for the U.S. senate or house of representatives from this state that the candidate designates under 2 USC 432 (e).
(14) “Filing officer” means the commission, board of election commissioners, or official assigned to a committee or conduit under s. 11.0102.
(15) “General election” means the election held in even-numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November to elect United States senators, representatives in congress, presidential electors, state senators, representatives to the assembly, district attorneys, state officers other than the state superintendent and judicial officers, and county officers other than supervisors and county executives.
(16) “Independent expenditure” means an expenditure for express advocacy by a person, if the expenditure is not made in coordination with a candidate, candidate committee, candidate’s agent, legislative campaign committee, or political party, as prohibited under s. 11.1203.
(17) “Independent expenditure committee” means any person, other than an individual, or any permanent or temporary combination of 2 or more persons unrelated by marriage that satisfies any of the following:
(a) It has the major purpose of making independent expenditures, as specified in the person’s organizational or governing documents, the person’s bylaws, resolutions of the person’s governing body, or registration statements filed by the person under this chapter.
(b) It uses more than 50 percent of its total spending in a 12-month period on independent expenditures and expenditures made to support or defeat a referendum. In this subdivision, total spending does not include a committee’s fundraising or administrative expenses.
(18) “Intentionally” has the meaning given in s. 939.23 (3).
(18m) “Internet activity” includes sending or forwarding an electronic message; providing a hyperlink or other direct access on a person’s Internet site to an Internet site operated by another person; blogging; creating, maintaining, or hosting an Internet site; payment by a person of a nominal fee for the use of an Internet site operated by another person; or any other form of communication distributed over the Internet.
(19) “Legislative campaign committee” means a committee organized in either house of the legislature to support a candidate of a political party for legislative office.
(21) “National political party committee” means a national committee as defined in 2 USC 431 (14).
(22) “Negotiable instrument” includes an electronic transfer of funds.
(23) “Obligation” means any express agreement to make a disbursement, including all of the following:
(a) A loan or loan guarantee.
(b) A promise or a payment to purchase, rent, or lease tangible personal property.
(c) A promise or a payment for a service that has been or will be performed.
(24) “Partisan primary” means the primary held the 2nd Tuesday in August to nominate candidates to be voted for at the general election.
(25)
(a) Subject to par. (b), “political action committee” means any person, other than an individual, or any permanent or temporary combination of 2 or more persons unrelated by marriage that satisfies any of the following:
1. It has the major purpose of express advocacy, as specified in the person’s organizational or governing documents, the person’s bylaws, resolutions of the person’s governing body, or registration statements filed by the person under this chapter.
2. It uses more than 50 percent of its total spending in a 12-month period on expenditures for express advocacy, expenditures made to support or defeat a referendum, and contributions made to a candidate committee, legislative campaign committee, or political party. In this subdivision, total spending does not include a committee’s fundraising or administrative expenses.
(b) “Political action committee” does not include a candidate committee, legislative campaign committee, political party, or recall committee.
(26)
(a) “Political party” means all of the following:
1. A state committee under whose name candidates appear on a ballot at any election and all county, legislative, local, and other affiliated committees authorized to operate under the same name.
2. A committee described under subd. 1. that makes and accepts contributions and makes disbursements to support or oppose a candidate for state or local office or to support or oppose a referendum held in this state.
(b) “Political party” does not include a legislative campaign committee.
(27) “Recall committee” means a committee formed for the purpose of supporting or opposing the recall of any of the following:
(a) An incumbent elective official holding a state office.
(b) An incumbent elective official holding a local office.
(28) “Referendum committee” means an entity that satisfies all of the following:
(a) It satisfies either of the following:
1. It has the major purpose of making expenditures to support or defeat a referendum, as specified in the entity’s organizational or governing documents, the entity’s bylaws, resolutions of the entity’s governing body, or registration statements filed by the entity under this chapter.
2. It uses more than 50 percent of its total spending in a 12-month period on expenditures made to support or defeat a referendum. In this subdivision, total spending does not include a committee’s fundraising or administrative expenses.
(b) It is organized by any person, other than an individual, or by any permanent or temporary combination of 2 or more persons unrelated by marriage.
(c) It does not receive contributions or make disbursements or contributions for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence a candidate’s nomination or election.
(29) “Special election” means any election, other than those described in subs. (15), (24), (30), (32), and (33) to fill vacancies or to conduct a referendum.
(30) “Special primary” means the primary held 4 weeks before the special election, except as follows:
(a) If the special election is held on the same day as the general election, the special primary shall be held on the same day as the general primary.
(b) If the special election is held concurrently with the spring election, the primary shall be held concurrently with the spring primary.
(31) “Sponsoring organization” means an entity that establishes, administers, or financially supports a political action committee or an independent expenditure committee.
(32) “Spring election” means the election held on the first Tuesday in April to elect judicial, educational, and municipal officers, nonpartisan county officers and sewerage commissioners, and to express preferences for the person to be the presidential candidate for each political party in a year in which electors for president and vice president are to be elected.
(33) “Spring primary” means the nonpartisan primary held on the 3rd Tuesday in February to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at the spring election.
(34) “Treasurer” means the individual who registers a committee with a filing officer and who makes reports on behalf of the committee.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2015 a. 118 s. 121; 2017 a. 366 s. 99.

11.0102  Determination of filing officer and duty to file; fees.
(1)  Each committee and conduit required to register and report under this chapter shall have and shall file each registration statement and report required under this chapter with one filing officer as follows:
(a) The following shall file with the commission:
1. A candidate committee of a candidate for state office, as defined in s. 5.02 (23).
2. A conduit.
3. A legislative campaign committee.
4. A political action committee.
4m. An independent expenditure committee.
5. A political party.
6. A recall committee as defined in s. 11.0101 (27) (a).
7. Except as provided in pars. (f) and (g), a referendum committee.
(b) Subject to pars. (c) and (d), a candidate committee for a candidate seeking local office shall file with the clerk of the most populous jurisdiction for which the candidate seeks office.
(c) A candidate committee for a candidate for municipal judge elected under s. 755.01 (4) shall file with the county clerk or board of election commissioners of the county having the largest portion of the population in the jurisdiction served by the judge.
(d) A candidate committee for a candidate for school board member shall file with the school district clerk.
(e) A recall committee as defined in s. 11.0101 (27) (b) shall file with the filing officer for candidates for that office.
(f) A referendum committee acting to support or oppose any local referendum, other than a school district referendum, shall file with the clerk of the most populous jurisdiction in which the referendum will be conducted.
(g) A referendum committee acting to support or oppose a school district referendum shall file with the school district clerk.
(2)
(a) Except as provided in pars. (c) and (d), each committee that is required to register under this chapter shall annually pay a filing fee of $100 to the commission. The commission may accept payment under this subsection by credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment mechanism, and may charge a surcharge to that committee to recover the actual costs associated with the acceptance of that electronic payment.
(b) A committee that is subject to par. (a) shall pay the fee specified in par. (a) together with the report filed by that committee on the 15th day of the month of January in each year. If a committee that is subject to par. (a) registers under this chapter or changes status so that par. (a) becomes applicable to the committee during a calendar year, the committee shall pay the fee for that year with the filing of the committee’s registration statement or at any time before the change in status becomes effective.
(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a candidate committee.
(d) Paragraph (a) does not apply to any committee for any year during which the committee does not make disbursements exceeding a total of $2,500.
(3) Each filing officer, other than the commission, shall do all of the following:
(a) Obtain the forms and manuals prescribed by the commission under s. 11.1304 (1) and (3) and election laws provided by the commission under s. 7.08 (4).
(b) Develop a filing, coding, and cross-indexing system consonant with the purposes of this chapter.
(c) Make all of the following available, without charge, to any committee required to file reports or statements with the officer:
1. Forms prescribed by the commission for the making of reports and statements. The filing officer shall notify the committee that all forms are available on the commission’s Internet site. Whenever a filing officer sends a form or notice of the filing requirements under this chapter to the treasurer of a candidate committee, the filing officer shall also send a notice to the candidate.
2. Upon request, copies of manuals under par. (a).
(d) The filing officer shall provide copies of manuals and election laws to persons other than a committee under par. (c) at cost.
(e) Notify the commission, in writing, of any facts within the filing officer’s knowledge or evidence in the officer’s possession, including errors or discrepancies in reports or statements and delinquencies in filing which may be grounds for civil action or criminal prosecution. The commission may transmit a copy of the notification submitted under this paragraph to the district attorney.
(f) Make available a list of delinquents for public inspection.
(g) Compile and maintain on an electronic system a current list of all reports and statements received by or required of and pertaining to each committee registered under this chapter.
(h) Make the reports and statements filed with the officer available for public inspection and copying, commencing as soon as practicable but not later than the end of the 2nd day following the day during which they are received.
(i) Upon the request of any person, permit copying of any report or statement described under par. (g) at cost.
(j) Determine whether each report or statement required to be filed under this chapter has been filed in the form and by the time prescribed by law, and whether it conforms on its face to the requirements of this chapter. The officer shall immediately send to any committee that is delinquent in filing, or that has filed otherwise than in the proper form, a notice that the committee has failed to comply with this chapter. Whenever a candidate committee has appointed an individual other than the candidate as campaign treasurer, the officer shall send the notice to both the candidate and the treasurer of the candidate committee.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2017 a. 365.

11.0103  Reporting; general.
(1)  Report must be complete.
(a) Each committee and conduit required to register under this chapter shall be subject to the reporting requirements applicable to that committee or conduit. Each committee and conduit required to file a report under this chapter shall make a good faith effort to obtain all required information.
(b) Failure to receive a form or notice from a filing officer does not exempt a committee or conduit from a reporting requirement under this chapter.
(2) Contributions; when received; when reported.
(a)
1. A contribution is received by a candidate committee for purposes of this chapter when it is under the control of the candidate or the treasurer or agent of the candidate.
2. A contribution is received by a committee for purposes of this chapter when it is under the control of the treasurer or agent of the committee.
(b) Unless it is returned or donated within 15 days of receipt under par. (a), a contribution must be reported as received on the date received.
(3) Contents of report; filing dates; certification; short form; contents.
(a) A committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period, and shall include all contributions received, disbursements made, and obligations incurred as of the end of:
1. The 15th day preceding the primary or election in the case of the preprimary and preelection report.
2. The last day of the immediately preceding month in the case of a continuing report required under this chapter.
3. The 22nd day following the special election in the case of a postelection report required under this chapter.
(b) Each committee shall ensure that each report is filed with the appropriate filing officer on the dates designated in this chapter. In the event that any report is required to be filed under this chapter on a nonbusiness day, a committee may file the report on the next business day thereafter.
(c)
1. Except as provided in subd. 2., the committee’s treasurer shall certify to the correctness of each report filed under this chapter.
2. Either the candidate or the treasurer of the candidate’s committee shall certify to the correctness of each report filed under this chapter.
(d) The commission shall prescribe a simplified, short form for compliance with this section by a committee treasurer who has not engaged in any financial transaction since the last date included on the treasurer’s preceding report.
(4) Preprimary and preelection reports; inactivity.
(a) A contribution made or accepted, a disbursement made, or an obligation incurred to support or oppose a candidate at a primary that is made, accepted, or incurred during the period covered by the preprimary report is considered to be made, accepted, or incurred to support or oppose that candidate at the primary, regardless of whether the candidate is opposed at the primary.
(b) A contribution made or accepted, disbursement made, or obligation incurred to support or oppose a candidate at an election that is made, accepted, or incurred during the period covered by the preelection report is considered to be made, accepted, or incurred to support or oppose that candidate at the election, regardless of whether the candidate is opposed at the election.
(c)
1.
a. Except as provided in subd. 2., a committee that makes or accepts a contribution, makes a disbursement, or incurs an obligation to support or oppose a candidate at a primary during the period covered by the preelection report, but does not engage in such activity during the period covered by the preprimary report, is not required to file a preprimary report.
b. Except as provided in subd. 2., a committee that makes or accepts a contribution, makes a disbursement, or incurs an obligation to support or oppose a candidate at an election during the period covered by the report that follows the preelection report, but does not engage in such activity during the period covered by the preelection report, is not required to file a preelection report.
2. A candidate committee that makes or accepts a contribution, makes a disbursement, or incurs an obligation to support or oppose a candidate at a primary during the period covered by the preprimary report shall file both the preprimary and preelection reports, regardless of whether the candidate committee engages in such activity during the period covered by the preelection report.
(5) Nonresident reporting. Notwithstanding the reporting requirements that would otherwise apply under this chapter, but subject to the applicable thresholds for submitting reports, a committee that does not maintain an office or a street address in this state shall submit reports on a form prescribed by the commission of all disbursements made and obligations incurred with respect to an election for a state or local office in this state and contributions from sources in this state.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).
A minor political party that historically has been the object of harassment by government officials and private parties cannot be required to disclose the identities of contributors and recipients of campaign disbursements. Brown v. Socialist Workers ’74 Campaign Comm. 459 U.S. 87 (1982).
See also Wisconsin Socialist Workers 1976 Campaign Committee v. McCann, 433 F. Supp. 540 (1977).

11.0104  Reporting exemptions: limited activity.
(1)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), any committee which does not anticipate accepting or making contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations, and any conduit which does not anticipate accepting or releasing contributions, in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,000 in a calendar year may file an amended registration statement with the appropriate filing officer indicating that fact. The committee or conduit shall certify the amended registration in the manner required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c) and shall include the information required to be reported by that committee or conduit on its continuing reports.
(b) In no case may a candidate committee file an amended registration under this section covering any period ending sooner than the date of the election in which the candidate committee is participating.
(2) Upon receipt of a properly executed amended registration by a committee or conduit, the appropriate filing officer shall suspend the requirement imposed upon that committee or conduit by this chapter to file continuing reports. An indication of limited activity under this section is effective only for the calendar year in which it is granted, unless the committee or conduit alters its status before the end of such year or files a termination report under s. 11.0105.
(3) An indication of limited activity made under sub. (1) may be revoked. If revoked, the committee or conduit shall comply with the reporting requirements applicable to the committee or conduit under this chapter as of the date of revocation, or the date that aggregate contributions, disbursements, or obligations for the calendar year exceed $2,000. If the revocation is not timely, the committee or conduit violates s. 11.1201.
(4) A committee or conduit that files an amended registration statement under sub. (1) is not required to file a termination report under s. 11.0105.
(5) If a committee or conduit files an amended registration statement under sub. (1) and within 60 days thereafter receives and accepts an unanticipated contribution, the committee or conduit shall do one of the following within 60 days after receipt of the unanticipated contribution:
(a) File an amended registration statement. An amended registration statement supersedes the previous registration statement. The individual who certifies to the accuracy of the registration statement shall also certify that the amended registration statement is filed on account of the receipt of unanticipated contributions and the failure to file a correct registration statement was not intentional.
(b) Return the contribution to the contributor or donate the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0105  Reporting exemptions: dissolution of committee or conduit and termination reports.
(1)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b) and s. 11.0104 (4), whenever any committee or conduit dissolves or determines that obligations will no longer be incurred, contributions will no longer be received or, in the case of a conduit, accepted and released, and disbursements will no longer be made during a calendar year, and the committee has no outstanding incurred obligations, the committee or conduit shall file with the appropriate filing officer a termination report that indicates a cash balance of zero at the end of the reporting period. The committee or conduit shall certify the termination report in the manner required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c) and the committee shall include the information required to be reported by that committee on its continuing reports.
(b) In no case may a candidate committee file a termination report covering any period ending sooner than the date of the election in which the candidate committee is participating.
(2) A committee to which s. 11.0102 (2) applies shall pay the fee imposed under that subsection with a termination report filed under this section.
(3) The committee shall include in the termination report filed under this section the manner in which residual funds were disposed. Residual funds may be used for any purpose not prohibited by law, returned to the donors in an amount not exceeding the original contribution, or donated to a charitable organization or the common school fund.
(4) If a committee files a termination report under sub. (1) and within 60 days thereafter receives and accepts an unanticipated contribution, the committee shall do one of the following within 60 days after receipt of the unanticipated contribution:
(a) File an amended termination report. An amended report supersedes the previous report. The individual who certifies to the accuracy of the report shall also certify to a statement that the amended report is filed on account of the receipt of unanticipated contributions and the failure to file a correct termination report was not intentional.
(b) Return the contribution to the contributor or donate the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0106  Disbursements; form. Every disbursement which is made by a committee registered under this chapter from the committee’s depository account shall be made by negotiable instrument.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0107  Nonapplicability. Federal account committees, federal candidate committees, and national political party committees are not required to register or report under this chapter.
History: 2015 a. 117.

SUBCHAPTER II – CANDIDATE COMMITTEES

11.0201  Registration; treasurer and depositories.
(1)  Each candidate shall either designate a treasurer of his or her candidate committee to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter or serve as the treasurer and comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter. If the candidate appoints a treasurer, the candidate and the candidate’s treasurer shall cosign the registration statement of the candidate’s committee.
(2)
(a) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the candidate committee depository account.
(b) Notwithstanding par. (a), any candidate who serves as his or her own treasurer and who is authorized to file and files an amended registration statement under s. 11.0104 may designate a single personal account as his or her candidate committee depository account, and may intermingle personal and other funds with campaign funds. If a candidate establishes a separate candidate committee depository account, the candidate shall transfer all campaign funds in the personal account to the new depository account. Disbursements made from a personal account under this paragraph need not be identified in accordance with s. 11.0106.
(3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of a candidate committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent.
(4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the candidate committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the candidate committee participates.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0202  Registration; timing; candidate committee required.
(1)  Time of registration.
(a) Each candidate, through his or her candidate committee, shall file a registration statement with the appropriate filing officer giving the information required under s. 11.0203 as soon as practicable after the individual qualifies as a candidate under s. 11.0101 (1).
(b) A candidate who receives no contributions, makes no disbursements, and incurs no obligations shall file the registration statement as provided in this subsection, but need not designate a campaign depository account until the first contribution is received, disbursement is made, or obligation is incurred.
(2) Candidate committee required.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), no candidate may make or accept contributions, make disbursements, or incur obligations except through a candidate committee registered under this subchapter.
(b) A candidate does not violate this subsection by taking any of the following actions:
1. Accepting a contribution, making a disbursement, or incurring an obligation in the amount required to rent a postal box, or in the minimum amount required by a bank or trust company to open a checking account, prior to the time of registration, if the disbursement is properly reported on the first report submitted under s. 11.0204 after the date that the candidate committee is registered, whenever a reporting requirement applies to the candidate committee.
2. Accepting a contribution, making a disbursement, or incurring an obligation required for the production of nomination papers.
(c) Except as provided in par. (d), no candidate may establish more than one candidate committee.
(d) An individual who holds a state or local elective office may establish a second candidate committee under this subchapter for the purpose of pursuing a different state or local office.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0203  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The candidate committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a candidate committee and shall include all of the following, where applicable, on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the candidate committee.
(b) The name and mailing address of the candidate committee treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.
(c) In the case of a candidate committee of an independent candidate for partisan office or a candidate for nonpartisan county or municipal office, a list of the members of the committee, in addition to those specified in par. (b), if any, whom the filing officer shall recognize as eligible to fill a nomination vacancy if the candidate dies before the election.
(d) The name and address of the depository account of the candidate committee and of any other institution where funds of the committee are kept.
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending a candidate committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information.
(a) The candidate committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement.
(b) A candidate or the treasurer of the candidate’s committee may report a change in the candidate committee’s registration statement.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0204  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions and disbursements.
(a) Each candidate, through his or her candidate committee, shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, and incurred by the candidate committee. The candidate committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the candidate committee, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to which the candidate committee has made a contribution, together with the amount of the contribution.
3. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the candidate committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
4. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the candidate committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the candidate committee shall specify whether the candidate committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee.
5. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 4.
6. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
7. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the candidate committee in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $20, together with all of the following:
a. The full name and mailing address of the lender.
b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution.
c. The date and amount of the loan.
d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any.
e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor.
f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period.
8. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made.
9. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred.
10. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from any other committees, other income, and loans.
11. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period.
(b) The candidate committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period.
(2) Reports; candidates at spring primary. A candidate committee of a candidate at a spring primary or of a candidate at a special primary held to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary. If a candidate for a nonpartisan state office at an election is not required to participate in a spring primary, the candidate committee shall file a preprimary report at the time prescribed in s. 11.0103 (4) preceding the date specified for the holding of the primary, were it to be required.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(3) Reports; candidates at spring elections. A candidate committee of a candidate at a spring election or of a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(4) Reports; candidates at partisan primary. A candidate committee of a candidate at a partisan primary or of a special primary held to nominate candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(5) Reports; candidates at general elections. A candidate committee of a candidate at a general election or of a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(d) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(6) Reports; candidates holding office but not up for election at general election. A candidate committee of a candidate holding an office voted for at the general election but not up for election in the current election cycle shall do all of the following:
(a) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(b) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(7) Reports of late contributions. If any contribution or contributions of $1,000 or more cumulatively are received by a candidate committee for a candidate for state office from a single contributor later than 15 days prior to a primary or election and the contribution or contributions are not included in the preprimary or preelection report required of the committee under this chapter, the treasurer of the committee or the individual receiving the contribution shall, within 72 hours of receipt, provide the appropriate filing officer with the information required to be reported for contributions received by the committee under this subchapter in such manner as the commission may prescribe. The information shall also be included in the committee’s next regular report.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0205  Transfers between candidates for governor and lieutenant governor. The candidate committee for governor and the candidate committee for lieutenant governor of the same political party may receive contributions and make disbursements for both candidates from either candidate committee’s depository account.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0206  Soliciting funds on behalf of certain organizations. Notwithstanding s. 19.45 (2), a candidate may solicit a donation for use by a nonprofit organization with which he or she is associated, as defined in s. 19.42 (2).
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0207  Continuing compliance. An individual does not cease to be a candidate for purposes of compliance with this chapter or ch. 12 after the date of an election and no candidate or candidate committee is released from any requirement or liability otherwise imposed under this chapter or ch. 12 simply because the election date has passed.
History: 2015 a. 117.

SUBCHAPTER III – POLITICAL PARTIES

11.0301  Registration; treasurer and depositories.
(1)  Each political party required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter.
(2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the political party depository account.
(3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of the political party without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent.
(4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the political party in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the political party participates.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0302  Registration; timing. Every political party that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose a candidate in a calendar year shall, upon its inception and prior to making or accepting any such contribution, making any such disbursement, or incurring any such obligation file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0303.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0303  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The political party shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a political party and shall include all of the following on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the political party.
(b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.
(c) The name and address of the depository account of the political party and of any other institution where funds of the political party are kept.
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending a political party’s registration statement and any form or report required of the political party under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information.
(a) The political party shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement.
(b) The administrator or treasurer of a political party may report a change in the political party’s registration statement.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0304  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions and disbursements.
(a) Each political party shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, and incurred by the political party. The political party shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the political party, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to which the political party has made a contribution, together with the amount of the contribution.
3. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the political party for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
4. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the political party. If the contribution exceeds $10, the political party committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee.
5. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 4.
6. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
7. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the political party in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $20, together with all of the following:
a. The full name and mailing address of the lender.
b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution.
c. The date and amount of the loan.
d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any.
e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor.
f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period.
8. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made.
9. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred.
10. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans.
11. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period.
(b) The political party shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period.
(2) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring primary. A political party that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary. If a candidate for a nonpartisan state office at an election is not required to participate in a spring primary, the political party shall file a preprimary report at the time prescribed in s. 11.0103 (4) preceding the date specified for the holding of the primary, were it to be required.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(3) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring election. A political party that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(4) Reports to support or oppose candidates at partisan primary. A political party that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a partisan primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(5) Reports to support or oppose candidates at general election. A political party that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a general election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(d) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(6) Reports by political party committees. Every committee of a political party that is required to file statements and reports under this subchapter shall file all statements and reports with the commission. A congressional, legislative, county, or local party committee may designate a state committee of a political party as its reporting agent for purposes of this subchapter, but such designation does not permit combining reports. The state committee treasurer shall inform the commission of a designation made under this subsection.
(7) Reports of late contributions. If any contribution or contributions of $1,000 or more cumulatively are received by a political party from a single contributor later than 15 days prior to a primary or election and the contribution or contributions are not included in the preprimary or preelection report required of the political party under this chapter, the treasurer of the political party shall, within 72 hours of receipt, provide the appropriate filing officer with the information required to be reported for contributions received by the political party under this subchapter in such manner as the commission may prescribe. The information shall also be included in the political party’s next regular report.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

SUBCHAPTER IV – LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEES

11.0401  Registration; treasurer and depositories.
(1)  Each legislative campaign committee required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter.
(2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the legislative campaign committee depository account.
(3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of a legislative campaign committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent.
(4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the legislative campaign committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the legislative campaign committee participates.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0402  Registration; timing. Every legislative campaign committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose a candidate in a calendar year shall, upon its inception and prior to making or accepting any such contribution, making any such disbursement, or incurring any such obligation, file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0403.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0403  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The legislative campaign committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a legislative campaign committee and shall include all of the following on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the legislative campaign committee.
(b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.
(c) The name and address of the depository account of the legislative campaign committee and of any other institution where funds of the legislative campaign committee are kept.
(d) A statement signed by the leader of the party in the house for which the legislative campaign committee is established attesting to the fact that the legislative campaign committee is the only authorized legislative campaign committee for that party in that house.
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending a legislative campaign committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information.
(a) The legislative campaign committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement.
(b) The administrator or treasurer of a legislative campaign committee may report a change in the committee’s registration statement.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0404  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions and disbursements.
(a) Each legislative campaign committee shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, and incurred by the committee. The legislative campaign committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the legislative campaign committee, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to which the legislative campaign committee has made a contribution, together with the amount of the contribution.
3. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the legislative campaign committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
4. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the legislative campaign committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the legislative campaign committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee.
5. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 4.
6. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
7. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the legislative campaign committee in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $20, together with all of the following:
a. The full name and mailing address of the lender.
b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution.
c. The date and amount of the loan.
d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any.
e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor.
f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period.
8. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made.
9. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred.
10. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans.
11. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period.
(b) The legislative campaign committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period.
(2) Reports to support or oppose candidates at partisan primary. A legislative campaign committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a partisan primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(3) Reports to support or oppose candidates at general election. A legislative campaign committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a general election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(d) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(4) Reports of late contributions. If any contribution or contributions of $1,000 or more cumulatively are received by a legislative campaign committee from a single contributor later than 15 days prior to a primary or election and the contribution or contributions are not included in the preprimary or preelection report required of the committee under this chapter, the treasurer of the committee shall, within 72 hours of receipt, provide the appropriate filing officer with the information required to be reported for contributions received by the committee under this subchapter in such manner as the commission may prescribe. The information shall also be included in the committee’s next regular report.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

SUBCHAPTER V – POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES

11.0501  Registration; treasurer and depositories.
(1)  Each political action committee required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter.
(2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the political action committee depository account.
(3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of a political action committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent.
(4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the political action committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the political action committee participates.
(5) No person may register more than one political action committee under this subchapter, except that a person may register both a political action committee under this subchapter and an independent expenditure committee under subchapter VI.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0502  Registration; timing.
(1)  Every political action committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose a candidate in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500 shall file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0503.
(2) A political action committee that triggers the registration requirement under sub. (1) shall file the registration statement no later than the 10th business day commencing after receipt of the first contribution by the political action committee exceeding the amount specified under sub. (1), before making any disbursement exceeding that amount, and before incurring obligations exceeding that amount.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0503  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The political action committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a political action committee and shall include all of the following, where applicable, on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the political action committee.
(b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.
(d) The name and address of the depository account of the political action committee and of any other institution where funds of the committee are kept.
(e) The name and address of the political action committee’s sponsoring organization, if any.
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending a political action committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information.
(a) The political action committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement.
(b) The administrator or treasurer of a political action committee may report a change in the committee’s registration statement.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0504  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions and disbursements.
(a) Each political action committee shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, and incurred by the committee. The political action committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the political action committee, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to which the political action committee has made a contribution, together with the amount of the contribution.
3. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the political action committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
4. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the political action committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the political action committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee.
5. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 4.
6. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
7. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the political action committee in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $20, together with all of the following:
a. The full name and mailing address of the lender.
b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution.
c. The date and amount of the loan.
d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any.
e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor.
f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period.
8. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made.
9. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred.
10. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans.
11. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period.
(b) The political action committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period.
(2) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring primary. A political action committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary. If a candidate for a nonpartisan state office at an election is not required to participate in a spring primary, the political action committee shall file a preprimary report at the time prescribed in s. 11.0103 (4) preceding the date specified for the holding of the primary, were it to be required.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(3) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring election. A political action committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(4) Reports to support or oppose candidates at partisan primary. A political action committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a partisan primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(5) Reports to support or oppose candidates at general election. A political action committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a general election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(d) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0505  Reporting; specific express advocacy.
(1)  Disbursements.
(a) A political action committee spending $2,500 or more in the aggregate on express advocacy shall submit statements to the commission under par. (b) if the express advocacy is made during the period beginning on the day that is 60 days prior to the day of the primary or election involving the candidate identified under par. (b) 5. and ending on the day of the primary or election involving that candidate.
(b) A political action committee required to report under this section shall submit statements to the commission providing all of the following information:
1. The dates on which the committee made the disbursements.
2. The name and address of the persons who received the disbursements.
3. The purpose for making the disbursements.
4. The amount spent for each act of express advocacy.
5. The name of any candidate identified in the express advocacy, the office that the candidate seeks, and whether the express advocacy supports or opposes that candidate.
6. An affirmation, made under oath, that the political action committee will comply with the prohibition on coordination under s. 11.1203 with respect to any candidate or agent or candidate committee who is supported or opposed by the express advocacy.
7. The name and mailing and street address of the political action committee’s designated agent in this state.
(2) Exception.
(a) A political action committee that is required to report under this section is not required to submit the information described under sub. (1) (b) regarding disbursements made before reaching the $2,500 threshold under sub. (1) (a). For purposes of this section, a disbursement for express advocacy is the amount spent directly on developing, producing, and disseminating the express advocacy.
(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:
1. A communication, other than an advertisement, appearing in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any news organization, unless the facilities are controlled by any committee or candidate.
2. A communication made exclusively between an organization and its members. In this subdivision, a member of an organization means a shareholder, employee, or officer of the organization, or an individual who has affirmatively manifested an interest in joining, supporting, or aiding the organization.
(3) Timing. A political action committee that is required to report under this section shall submit the report to the commission no later than 72 hours after making the disbursements.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

SUBCHAPTER VI – INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTEES

11.0601  Registration; treasurer and depositories.
(1)  Each independent expenditure committee required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter.
(2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the independent expenditure committee depository account.
(3)
(a) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of an independent expenditure committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent.
(b) An independent expenditure committee may not make a contribution to a committee, other than a referendum committee or another independent expenditure committee.
(4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the independent expenditure committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the independent expenditure committee participates.
(5) A person may register more than one independent expenditure committee under this subchapter.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0602  Registration; timing.
(1)  Every independent expenditure committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose a candidate in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500 shall file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0603.
(2) An independent expenditure committee that triggers the registration requirement under sub. (1) shall file the registration statement no later than the 10th business day commencing after receipt of the first contribution by the independent expenditure committee exceeding the amount specified under sub. (1), before making any disbursement exceeding that amount, and before incurring obligations exceeding that amount.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0603  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The independent expenditure committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as an independent expenditure committee and shall include all of the following on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the independent expenditure committee.
(b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.
(c) The name and address of the depository account of the independent expenditure committee and of any other institution where funds of the committee are kept.
(f) The name and address of the independent expenditure committee’s sponsoring organization, if any.
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending an independent expenditure committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information.
(a) The independent expenditure committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement.
(b) The administrator or treasurer of an independent expenditure committee may report a change in the committee’s registration statement.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0604  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions and disbursements.
(a) Each independent expenditure committee shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, and incurred by the committee. The independent expenditure committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the independent expenditure committee, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to which the independent expenditure committee has made a contribution, together with the amount of the contribution.
3. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the independent expenditure committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
4. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the independent expenditure committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the independent expenditure committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee.
5. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 4.
6. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
7. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the independent expenditure committee in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $20, together with all of the following:
a. The full name and mailing address of the lender.
b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution.
c. The date and amount of the loan.
d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any.
e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor.
f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period.
8. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made.
9. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred.
10. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans.
11. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period.
(b) The independent expenditure committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period.
(2) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring primary. An independent expenditure committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary. If a candidate for a nonpartisan state office at an election is not required to participate in a spring primary, the independent expenditure committee shall file a preprimary report at the time prescribed in s. 11.0103 (4) preceding the date specified for the holding of the primary, were it to be required.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(3) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring election. An independent expenditure committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(4) Reports to support or oppose candidates at partisan primary. An independent expenditure committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a partisan primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(5) Reports to support or oppose candidates at general election. An independent expenditure committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a general election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(d) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0605  Reporting; specific express advocacy.
(1)  Disbursements.
(a) An independent expenditure committee spending $2,500 or more in the aggregate on express advocacy shall submit statements to the commission under par. (b) if the express advocacy is made during the period beginning on the day that is 60 days prior to the day of the primary or election involving the candidate identified under par. (b) 5. and ending on the day of the primary or election involving that candidate.
(b) An independent expenditure committee required to report under this section shall submit statements to the commission providing all of the following information:
1. The dates on which the committee made the disbursements.
2. The name and address of the persons who received the disbursements.
3. The purpose for making the disbursements.
4. The amount spent for each act of express advocacy.
5. The name of any candidate identified in the express advocacy, the office that the candidate seeks, and whether the express advocacy supports or opposes that candidate.
6. An affirmation, made under oath, that the independent expenditure committee will comply with the prohibition on coordination under s. 11.1203 with respect to any candidate or agent or candidate committee who is supported or opposed by the express advocacy.
7. The name and mailing and street address of the independent expenditure committee’s designated agent in this state.
(2) Exception.
(a) An independent expenditure committee that is required to report under this section is not required to submit the information described under sub. (1) (b) regarding disbursements made before reaching the $2,500 threshold under sub. (1) (a). For purposes of this section, a disbursement for express advocacy is the amount spent directly on developing, producing, and disseminating the express advocacy.
(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:
1. A communication, other than an advertisement, appearing in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any news organization, unless the facilities are controlled by any committee or candidate.
2. A communication made exclusively between an organization and its members. In this subdivision, a member of an organization means a shareholder, employee, or officer of the organization, or an individual who has affirmatively manifested an interest in joining, supporting, or aiding the organization.
(3) Timing. An independent expenditure committee that is required to report under this section shall submit the report to the commission no later than 72 hours after making the disbursements.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

SUBCHAPTER VII – CONDUITS

11.0701  Registration; administrator and depositories.
(1)  Each conduit required to register under this chapter shall designate an administrator to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter.
(2) The administrator shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the conduit depository account.
(3) Except as provided in s. 11.0705, the conduit administrator may release a contribution to a committee only upon the contributor’s direction.
(4) The administrator shall maintain the records of the conduit in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the conduit participates.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0702  Registration; timing. Every conduit that accepts and releases contributions made to support or oppose a candidate in a calendar year shall, upon its inception and prior to accepting or releasing any such contribution, file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0703.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0703  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The conduit shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a conduit and shall include all of the following, where applicable, on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the conduit.
(b) The name and mailing address of the administrator of the conduit and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the administrator on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the administrator at the administrator’s address indicated upon the form.
(c) The name and address of the depository account of the conduit and of any other institution where funds of the conduit are kept.
(d) The name and mailing address of a sponsor, as defined in s. 11.0705 (1), to which contributions may be redirected as provided under s. 11.0705 (2).
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending a conduit’s registration statement shall certify that all information contained in the statement is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information. The conduit shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement or by the conduit administrator.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0704  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions.
(a) Each conduit shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified by the administrator as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), providing the following information covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to whom contributions were released during the reporting period, together with the sum total of all contributions released to that committee during the reporting period.
2. Whether, during the reporting period, any contribution was redirected to a sponsor as permitted under s. 11.0705.
(b) A conduit releasing a contribution of money to the recipient shall, in writing at the time the contribution is released, identify itself to the recipient as a conduit and report to the recipient the following information about each contribution released by it:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the conduit which contribution is being released to the recipient, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the recipient for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
(2) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring primary. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall, annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(3) Reports to support or oppose candidates at spring election. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(b) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
(4) Reports to support or oppose candidates at partisan primary. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a partisan primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(b) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(5) Reports to support or oppose candidates at general election. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a general election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities shall do all of the following:
(a) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(b) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(c) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0705  Redirected contributions.
(1)  Definitions. In this section, “sponsor” means a person, other than an individual or a candidate committee, that is associated with a conduit.
(2) Redirection. If all of the following apply, a conduit may redirect any contribution received from an individual to a sponsor or, if there is no sponsor, to an administrative fund of the conduit:
(a) The conduit has held the contribution for at least 24 consecutive months, including the 24 months immediately preceding March 29, 2014, over which time the individual or organization that made the contribution has made no contact with the conduit.
(b) Either of the following apply:
1. The conduit has, over the 24-month period described in par. (a), attempted in good faith to contact the individual that made the contribution at least 5 times, and has documented each such attempt, but has been unable to make contact with the individual. A conduit may satisfy the requirement to contact the individual by telephoning the individual at the last-known telephone number; by sending a text message to the individual at the last-known cellular telephone number or pager number capable of receiving text messages; by sending a facsimile transmission to the individual at the last-known facsimile transmission number; by sending a letter or postcard to the individual by U.S. mail; by sending a message by electronic mail; or by any combination of the foregoing. A conduit may not satisfy the requirement to attempt in good faith to contact the individual at least 5 times if all 5 attempted contacts occur within a period of 30 consecutive days.
2. The surviving spouse or executor of the estate of a deceased individual that made the contribution authorizes the redirection of the contribution.
History: 2015 a. 117.

SUBCHAPTER VIII – REFERENDUM COMMITTEES

11.0801  Registration; treasurer and depositories.
(1)  Each referendum committee required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter.
(2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the referendum committee depository account.
(3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of a referendum committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent.
(4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the referendum committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the referendum committee participates.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0802  Registration; timing.
(1)  Every referendum committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations for the purpose of influencing a particular vote at a referendum in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $10,000 shall file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0803.
(2) A referendum committee that triggers the registration requirement under sub. (1) shall file the registration statement no later than the 10th business day commencing after receipt of the first contribution by the referendum committee exceeding the amount specified under sub. (1), before making any disbursement exceeding that amount, and before incurring obligations exceeding that amount.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0803  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The referendum committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a referendum committee and shall include all of the following on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the referendum committee.
(b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.
(c) The name and address of the depository account of the referendum committee and of any other institution where funds of the committee are kept.
(d) The nature of any referendum that is supported or opposed.
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending a referendum committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information.
(a) The referendum committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement.
(b) The administrator or treasurer of a referendum committee may report a change in the committee’s registration statement.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0804  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions and disbursements.
(a) Each referendum committee shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, or incurred by the committee. The referendum committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the referendum committee, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the referendum committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
3. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the referendum committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the referendum committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee.
4. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 3.
5. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
6. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the referendum committee in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $20, together with all of the following:
a. The full name and mailing address of the lender.
b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution.
c. The date and amount of the loan.
d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any.
e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor.
f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period.
7. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made.
8. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred.
9. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans.
10. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period.
(b) The referendum committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period.
(2) Reports to support or oppose a referendum at spring primary. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations to support or oppose a referendum appearing on a spring primary ballot shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(3) Reports to support or oppose a referendum at spring election. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations to support or oppose a referendum appearing on a spring election ballot shall do all the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(4) Reports to support or oppose a referendum at partisan primary. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations in support of or in opposition to a referendum appearing on a partisan primary ballot shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(5) Reports in support of or opposition to a referendum at general election. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations to support or oppose a referendum appearing on a general election ballot shall do all the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election.
(b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).
Limitations on contributions to committees formed to support or oppose referenda are discussed. Citizens Against Rent Control v. Berkeley, 454 U.S. 290 (1981).

SUBCHAPTER IX – RECALL COMMITTEES

11.0901  Registration; treasurer and depositories.
(1)  Each recall committee required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter.
(2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the recall committee depository account.
(3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of a recall committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent.
(4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the recall committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the recall committee participates.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0902  Registration; timing.
(1)  Every recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose a recall in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,000 shall file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0903.
(2) A recall committee that triggers the registration requirement under sub. (1) shall file the registration statement no later than the 10th business day commencing after receipt of the first contribution by the recall committee exceeding the amount specified under sub. (1), before making any disbursement exceeding that amount, and before incurring obligations exceeding that amount.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0903  Registration; required information.
(1)  Required information. The recall committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a recall committee and shall include all of the following on the registration statement:
(a) The name and mailing address of the recall committee.
(b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.
(c) The name and address of the depository account of the recall committee and of any other institution where funds of the committee are kept.
(2) Certification. The individual responsible for filing or amending a recall committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete.
(3) Change of information.
(a) The recall committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement.
(b) The administrator or treasurer of a recall committee may report a change in the committee’s registration statement.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

11.0904  Reporting.
(1)  Contributions and disbursements.
(a) Each recall committee shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions received, disbursements made, and obligations incurred by the committee. The recall committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report:
1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the recall committee, together with the amount of the contribution.
2. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to which the recall committee has made a contribution, together with the amount of the contribution.
3. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the recall committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200.
4. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the recall committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the recall committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee.
5. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 4.
6. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
7. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the recall committee in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $20, together with all of the following:
a. The full name and mailing address of the lender.
b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution.
c. The date and amount of the loan.
d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any.
e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor.
f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period.
8. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made.
9. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred.
10. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans.
11. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period.
(b) The recall committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period.
(2) Reports to support or oppose the recall of nonpartisan state or local office holder elected at spring election; primary. A recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose the recall of a nonpartisan state or local office holder, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall election.
(c) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(3) Reports to support or oppose the recall of a nonpartisan state or local office holder elected at spring election; election. A recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose the recall of a nonpartisan state or local office holder, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall election.
(b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(4) Reports to support or oppose the recall of partisan state or local office holder; primary. A recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose the recall of a partisan state or local office holder, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following:
(a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall primary.
(b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall election.
(c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
(5) Reports to support or oppose the recall of partisan state or local office holder; general election. A recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose the recall of a partisan state or local office holder, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all of the following:
(a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall election.
(b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July.
(c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on the 15th day of the month in the months of January and July, and on the 4th Tuesday in September.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

SUBCHAPTER X – OTHER PERSONS

11.1001  Reporting; specific express advocacy.
(1)  Disbursements.
(a) Any person, other than a committee, spending $2,500 or more in the aggregate on express advocacy shall submit statements to the commission under par. (b) if the express advocacy is made during the period beginning on the day that is 60 days prior to the day of the primary or election involving the candidate identified under par. (b) 5. and ending on the day of the primary or election involving that candidate.
(b) A person required to report under this section shall submit statements to the commission providing all of the following information:
1. The dates on which the person made the disbursements.
2. The name and address of the persons who received the disbursements.
3. The purpose for making the disbursements.
4. The amount spent for each act of express advocacy.
5. The name of any candidate identified in the express advocacy, the office that the candidate seeks, and whether the express advocacy supports or opposes that candidate.
6. An affirmation, made under oath, that the person will comply with the prohibition on coordination under s. 11.1203 with respect to any candidate or agent or candidate committee who is supported or opposed by the express advocacy.
7. The name and mailing and street address of the person’s designated agent in this state.
(2) Exception.
(a) A person who is required to report under this section is not required to submit the information described under sub. (1) (b) regarding disbursements made before reaching the $2,500 threshold under sub. (1) (a). For purposes of this section, a disbursement for express advocacy is the amount spent directly on developing, producing, and disseminating the express advocacy.
(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:
1. A communication, other than an advertisement, appearing in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any news organization, unless the facilities are controlled by any committee or candidate.
2. A communication made exclusively between an organization and its members. In this subdivision, a member of an organization means a shareholder, employee, or officer of the organization, or an individual who has affirmatively manifested an interest in joining, supporting, or aiding the organization.
(3) Timing. A person who is required to report under this section shall submit the report to the commission no later than 72 hours after making the disbursements.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

SUBCHAPTER XI – CONTRIBUTIONS

11.1101  Contribution limits.
(1)  Individual limits. An individual may contribute to a candidate committee no more than the following amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the individual supports [See Figure 11.1101 following]:
(a) Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state superintendent, or justice, $20,000.
(b) Candidates for state senator, $2,000.
(c) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000.
(d) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts which contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000.
(e) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000.
(f) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000.
(g) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000.
(h) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following:
1. Five hundred dollars.
2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $6,000.
(2) Candidate committees. A candidate committee may contribute to another candidate committee no more than the following amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the committee supports [See Figure 11.1101 following]:
(a) Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state superintendent, or justice, $20,000.
(b) Candidates for state senator, $2,000.
(c) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000.
(d) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts which contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000.
(e) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000.
(f) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000.
(g) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000.
(h) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following:
1. Five hundred dollars.
2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $6,000.
(3) Political action committees. A political action committee may contribute to a candidate committee no more than the following amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the committee supports [See Figure 11.1101 following]:
(a) Candidates for governor, $86,000.
(b) Candidates for lieutenant governor, $26,000.
(c) Candidates for attorney general, $44,000.
(d) Candidates for secretary of state, state treasurer, state superintendent, or justice, $18,000.
(e) Candidates for state senator, $2,000.
(f) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000.
(g) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts which contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000.
(h) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000.
(i) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000.
(j) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000.
(k) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following:
1. Four hundred dollars.
2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $5,000.
(4) Other persons. A person, other than a person subject to sub. (1), (2), or (3) or s. 11.1112, may contribute to a candidate committee no more than the following amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the committee supports:
(a) Candidates for governor, $86,000.
(b) Candidates for lieutenant governor, $26,000.
(c) Candidates for attorney general, $44,000.
(d) Candidates for secretary of state, state treasurer, state superintendent, or justice, $18,000.
(e) Candidates for state senator, $2,000.
(f) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000.
(g) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts that contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000.
(h) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000.
(i) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000.
(j) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000.
(k) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following:
1. Four hundred dollars.
2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $5,000.
Figure 11.1101: – See PDF for table
History: 2015 a. 117, 261; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.

11.1103  Applicable periods.
(1)  For an individual who is a candidate for an office that the individual holds, the limits under s. 11.1101 (1) to (3) apply during the term of that office.
(2) For an individual who is a candidate for an office that the individual does not hold, the limits under s. 11.1101 (1) to (3) apply during the period beginning on the date on which the individual becomes a candidate under s. 11.0101 (1) (a) and ending on the day before the term of office begins for the office sought by the candidate.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1104  Exceptions. Except as provided in subs. (3) (b) and (4) (b) and s. 11.1112, the following contributions may be made in unlimited amounts:
(1) Contributions to a political action committee.
(2) Contributions transferred between political action committees.
(3)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), contributions to a legislative campaign committee.
(b) A political action committee or a person subject to the limits under s. 11.1101 (4) may contribute no more than $12,000 in any calendar year to a legislative campaign committee.
(4)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), contributions to a political party.
(b) A political action committee or a person subject to the limits under s. 11.1101 (4) may contribute no more than $12,000 in any calendar year to a political party.
(5) Contributions made by a political party or legislative campaign committee to a candidate committee.
(6) Contributions paid to a segregated fund established and administered by a political party or legislative campaign committee for purposes other than making contributions to a candidate committee or making disbursements for express advocacy, except that a political action committee or a person subject to s. 11.1101 (4) may contribute no more than $12,000 in any calendar year to such a fund.
(7) Contributions that a candidate makes to his or her candidate committee from the candidate’s personal funds or property or the personal funds or property that are owned jointly or as marital property with the candidate’s spouse.
(8) Contributions transferred between the candidates for governor and lieutenant governor of the same political party.
(9) Contributions used to pay legal fees and other expenses incurred as a result of a recount under s. 9.01.
(10) Contributions used to pay legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with or in response to circulating, offering to file, or filing a petition to recall an office holder prior to the time that a recall primary or election is ordered, or after that time if incurred to contest or defend the order.
(11) Contributions to a recall committee.
(12) Contributions to a referendum committee.
(13) Contributions to an independent expenditure committee.
History: 2015 a. 117, 261.

11.1105  Valuation.
(1)  Except as provided in s. 11.1111, for purposes of complying with a contribution limit under this section, the value of a contribution of any tangible or intangible item, other than money, is the item’s fair market value at the time that the individual or committee made the contribution.
(2) Except as provided in s. 11.1111, for purposes of complying with a contribution limit under this section, the value of a contribution of a service is the fair market value of the service at the time that the individual or committee made the contribution.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1106  Conduit contributions.
(1)  For purposes of this chapter, a contribution released by a conduit to a committee is to be reported by the committee as a contribution from the individual who made the contribution and not as a contribution from the conduit.
(2) A contribution of money received from a conduit, accompanied by the information required under s. 11.0704 (1), is considered to be a contribution from the original contributor.
(3) Each filing officer shall place a copy of any report received under s. 11.0704 in the file of the conduit and the file of the recipient.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1107  Limitation on cash contributions. Every contribution of money exceeding $100 shall be made by negotiable instrument or evidenced by an itemized credit card receipt bearing on the face the name of the remitter. No committee required to report under this chapter may accept a contribution made in violation of this section. The committee shall promptly return the contribution, or donate it to the common school fund or to a charitable organization in the event that the donor cannot be identified.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1108  Anonymous contributions. No committee may accept an anonymous contribution exceeding $10. If an anonymous contribution exceeds $10, the committee shall donate the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization and report the donation as required under this chapter.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1109  In-kind contributions. Before making a contribution, as defined under s. 11.0101 (8) (a) 2., to a committee, the prospective contributor shall notify the candidate or candidate’s agent or the administrator or treasurer of the committee and obtain that individuals oral or written consent to the contribution.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1110  Return of contributions.
(1)  A committee required to report under this chapter may return a contribution at any time before or after it has been deposited.
(2)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), the subsequent return of a contribution deposited contrary to law does not constitute a defense to a violation.
(b) A committee that accepts a contribution contrary to law, reports that contribution, and returns that contribution within 15 days after the filing date for the reporting period in which the contribution is received does not violate the contribution or source limits under this subchapter.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1111  Valuation of opinion poll results.
(1)  In this section:
(a) “Election period” means any of the following:
1. The period beginning on December 1 and ending on the date of the spring election.
2. The period beginning on May 1 and ending on the date of the general election.
3. The period beginning on the first day for circulating nomination papers and ending on the date of a special election.
(b) “Initial recipient” means the individual who or committee which commissions a public opinion poll or voter survey.
(c) “Results” means computer output or a written or verbal analysis.
(d) “Voter survey” includes acquiring information that identifies voter attitudes concerning candidates or issues.
(2) If a committee receives opinion poll or voter survey results during the first 15 days after the initial recipient receives the results, and the committee received the results during an election period, the committee shall report the results as a contribution. The committee shall report the contribution’s value as 100 percent of the cost incurred by the initial recipient to commission the poll or survey, except that if more than one committee receives the results, the committees shall report the contribution’s value as 100 percent of the amount allocated to the committee under sub. (5).
(3) If the committee receives the opinion poll or voter survey results 16 to 60 days following the day on which the initial recipient received the results, and the committee received the results during an election period, the committee shall report the results as a contribution valued at 50 percent of the cost incurred by the initial recipient to commission the poll or survey, except that if more than one committee receives the results, the committees shall report the contribution’s value as 50 percent of the amount allocated to the committee under sub. (5).
(4) If the committee receives the opinion poll or voter survey results more than 60 days after the initial recipient received the results, the committee is not required to report the results as a contribution.
(5) If a person contributes opinion poll or voter survey results to more than one committee, the person shall apportion the value of the poll or survey to each committee receiving the results by one of the following methods and shall provide the apportioned values to the committees:
(a) Determine the share of the cost of the opinion poll or voter survey that is allocable to each recipient based on the allocation formula used by the person that conducted the poll or survey.
(b) Determine the share of the cost of the opinion poll or voter survey that is allocable to each recipient by dividing the cost of the poll or survey equally among all the committees receiving the results.
(c) Determine the share of the cost of the opinion poll or voter survey that is allocable to each recipient as follows:
1. Divide the number of question results received by each recipient by the total number of question results received by all recipients.
2. Multiple the total cost of the poll or survey by the number determined under subd. 1.
(6) If a person makes a contribution of opinion poll or voter survey results to a committee after the person has apportioned the value of the results to previous recipients under sub. (5), the person shall make a good faith effort to apportion the value to the committee, considering the value apportioned to other recipients under sub. (5), and shall report that value to the committee. For purposes of this subsection, the total value of the contributor’s aggregate contributions may exceed the original cost of the poll or survey.
(7) A person who contributes opinion poll or voter survey results shall maintain records sufficient to support the contribution’s value and shall provide the contribution’s value to the recipient.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1112  Corporations, cooperatives, and tribes. No foreign or domestic corporation, no association organized under ch. 185 or 193, no labor organization, and no federally recognized American Indian Tribe may make a contribution to a committee, other than an independent expenditure committee or referendum committee, but may make a contribution to a segregated fund as provided under s. 11.1104 (6) in amounts not to exceed $12,000 in the aggregate in a calendar year.
History: 2015 a. 117.
The government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether. Federal law prohibiting corporations and unions from using their general treasury funds to make independent expenditures for speech defined as an “electioneering communication” or for speech expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate is unconstitutional. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310, 130 S. Ct. 876, 175 L. Ed. 2d 753 (2010).

11.1113  Sole proprietors, partnerships, and limited liability companies.
(1)  Sole proprietorships. A contribution made to a committee by a sole proprietorship is considered a contribution made by the individual who is the sole proprietor and subject to the limits under this subchapter.
(2) Partnerships. A contribution made to a committee by a partnership is considered a contribution made by each of the contributing partners and subject to the limits under this subchapter. A partnership that makes a contribution to a committee shall provide to the committee the names of the contributing partners and the amount of the individual contribution made by each partner. For purposes of determining the individual contribution amounts made by each partner, the partnership shall attribute the individual contributions according to each partner’s share of the partnership’s profits, unless the partners agree to apportion the contribution in a different manner.
(3) Limited liability companies.
(a) A contribution made to a committee by a limited liability company treated as a partnership by the federal internal revenue service pursuant to 26 CFR 301.7701-3 is considered a contribution made by each of the contributing members and subject to the limits under this subchapter. A limited liability company that makes a contribution under this paragraph shall affirm to the candidate committee that it is treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes and eligible to make the contribution. The company shall provide to the committee the names of the contributing members and the amount of the individual contribution made by each member. For purposes of determining the individual contribution amounts made by each member, the company shall attribute the individual contributions according to each member’s share of the company’s profits, unless the members agree to apportion the contribution in a different manner.
(b) A contribution made to a candidate committee by a single-member limited liability company in which the sole member is an individual is considered a contribution made by that individual and subject to the individual limits under s. 11.1101 (1). A limited liability company that makes a contribution under this paragraph shall affirm to the candidate committee that it is a single-member limited liability company in which the sole member is an individual and eligible to make the contribution.
History: 2015 a. 117; 2017 a. 366.

11.1114  Two candidate committees.
(1)  If a candidate establishes a 2nd candidate committee under s. 11.0202 (2) to pursue a state or local office for which the contribution limit under this subchapter is higher than the contribution limit for the office that the candidate originally sought, the 2nd candidate committee may accept contributions up to the higher limit, but shall take into account the amount of any contributions transferred from the first candidate committee to the 2nd candidate committee to determine whether the 2nd candidate committee has reached or exceeded the higher limits.
(2) If a candidate establishes a 2nd candidate committee under s. 11.0202 (2) to pursue a state or local office for which the contribution limit under this subchapter is lower than the contribution limit for the office that the candidate originally sought, the first candidate committee may transfer its contributions to the 2nd candidate committee in an amount not to exceed the contribution limits applicable to the 2nd candidate committee.
(3) Upon termination of a 2nd candidate committee, the 2nd candidate committee may transfer any of its remaining funds to the first candidate committee in amounts not to exceed the contribution limits applicable to the persons who contributed to the first candidate committee.
History: 2015 a. 117.

SUBCHAPTER XII – PROHIBITED PRACTICES

11.1201  False reports and statements. No person may prepare or submit a false report or statement to a filing officer under this chapter.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1202  Earmarking.
(1)  The treasurer of a candidate committee may agree with a prospective contributor that a contribution is received to be used for a specific purpose not prohibited by law. That purpose may not include a disbursement to a committee to support or oppose another candidate.
(2) When a contribution is made to a committee other than a candidate committee, the contributor may not direct the committee to make a disbursement to a committee to support or oppose another candidate.
(3) Except for transfers of membership-related moneys between committees of the same political party, no committee may transfer to another committee the earmarked contributions of others. Transfers of membership-related moneys between political parties shall be treated in the same manner as other transfers.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1203  Coordination.
(1)  No political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person required to report under s. 11.1001, or individual may make an expenditure for express advocacy for the benefit of a candidate that is coordinated with that candidate, candidate’s committee, or candidate’s agent, nor with any legislative campaign committee of the candidate’s political party, or a political party, in violation of the contribution limits under s. 11.1101 or the source restrictions under s. 11.1112.
(2)
(a) For purposes of this section, an expenditure for express advocacy is coordinated if any of the following applies:
1. The candidate, candidate’s agent, legislative campaign committee of the candidate’s political party, or the candidate’s political party communicates directly with the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual making the expenditure to specifically request that the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual make the expenditure that benefits the candidate and the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual explicitly assents to the request before making the expenditure.
2. The candidate, candidate’s agent, legislative campaign committee of the candidate’s political party, or the candidate’s political party exercises control over the expenditure or the content, timing, location, form, intended audience, number, or frequency of the communication.
(b) If an expenditure for express advocacy is coordinated, but not in violation of the coordination prohibitions under sub. (1), all of the following apply:
1. The political action committee or independent expenditure committee making the expenditure shall report the expenditure as required under this chapter.
2. The candidate committee shall report the expenditure as a contribution.
(3) None of the following are considered coordinated communications prohibited under this section:
(a) Candidates endorsing and soliciting contributions for other candidates.
(b) Candidates, candidate committees, legislative campaign committees, and political parties responding to inquiries about a candidate’s or political party’s position on legislative or policy issues.
(c) Using publicly available information to create, produce, or distribute a communication if sub. (2) does not apply to such use.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1204  Unlawful political contributions.
(1)  Subject to sub. (2), no person may, directly or indirectly, make any contribution other than from funds or property belonging to the person. No person may, directly or indirectly, give funds or property to another person for the purpose of making a contribution in other than the first person’s name.
(2) A conduit releasing a contribution of money in the manner prescribed in s. 11.0704 does not violate sub. (1).
(3) No person may intentionally receive or accept any contribution made in violation of this chapter.
History: 2015 a. 117.
The unit of prosecution under s. 11.24 (1), 1977 stats., is every transfer of funds to another person accompanied by the false listing of any single contributor. An individual illegally furnishing funds from a corporate account may be convicted under s. 11.24 (1), 1977 stats. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).

11.1205  Use of government materials by candidates.
(1)
(a) Except as provided in sub. (2), no person elected to state or local office who becomes a candidate for national, state, or local office may use public funds for the cost of materials or distribution for 50 or more pieces of substantially identical material distributed after:
1. In the case of a candidate who is nominated by nomination papers, the first day authorized by law for circulation of nomination papers as a candidate.
2. In the case of a candidate who is nominated at a primary election by write-in votes, the day the board of canvassers issues its determination that the person is nominated.
3. In the case of a candidate who is nominated at a caucus, the date of the caucus.
4. In the case of any other candidate who is nominated solely by filing a declaration of candidacy, the first day of the month preceding the month which includes the last day for filing the declaration.
(b) This subsection applies until after the date of the election or after the date of the primary election if the person appears as a candidate on a primary election ballot and is not nominated at the primary election.
(2) This section does not apply to use of public funds for the costs of the following:
(a) Answers to communications of constituents.
(b) Actions taken by a state or local government administrative officer pursuant to a specific law, ordinance or resolution which authorizes or directs the actions to be taken.
(c) Communications between members of the legislature regarding the legislative or deliberative process while the legislature is in session.
(d) Communications not exceeding 500 pieces by members of the legislature relating solely to the subject matter of a special session or extraordinary session, made during the period between the date that the session is called or scheduled and 14 days after adjournment of the session.
History: 2015 a. 117.
Section 11.33, 1979 stats., applies to persons elected to state office who are seeking reelection or election to a different office and to the use of public funds for political purposes. 69 Atty. Gen. 259.

11.1206  Travel by public officers.
(1)  No person may use any vehicle or aircraft owned by the state or by any local governmental unit for any trip which is exclusively for the purposes of campaigning to support or oppose any candidate for national, state, or local office, unless use of the vehicle or aircraft is required for purposes of security protection provided by the state or local governmental unit.
(2) No person may use any vehicle or aircraft owned by the state or by any local governmental unit for purposes that include campaigning to support or oppose any candidate for national, state, or local office, unless the person pays to the state or local governmental unit a fee which is comparable to the commercial market rate for the use of a similar vehicle or aircraft and for any services provided by the state or local governmental unit to operate the vehicle or aircraft. If a trip is made in part for a public purpose and in part for the purpose of campaigning, the person shall pay for the portion of the trip attributable to campaigning, but in no case less than 50 percent of the cost of the trip. The portion of the trip attributable to campaigning shall be determined by dividing the number of appearances made for campaign purposes by the total number of appearances. Fees payable to the state shall be prescribed by the secretary of administration and shall be deposited in the account under s. 20.855 (6) (h). Fees payable to a local governmental unit shall be prescribed by the governing body of the governmental unit.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1207  Political solicitation involving public officials and employees restricted.
(1)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), no person may solicit or receive from any state officer or employee or from any officer or employee of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority any contribution during established hours of employment or while the officer or employee is engaged in his or her official duties.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to communications about a referendum.
(2) No person may solicit or receive from any officer or employee of a political subdivision of this state any contribution during established hours of employment or while the officer or employee is engaged in his or her official duties.
(3) Every person who has charge or control in a building, office, or room occupied for any purpose by this state, by any political subdivision thereof, or by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority shall prohibit the entry of any person into that building, office, or room for the purpose of making or receiving a contribution.
(4) No person may enter or remain in any building, office, or room occupied for any purpose by the state, by any political subdivision thereof or by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority or send or direct a letter or other notice thereto for the purpose of requesting or collecting a contribution.
(5) This section does not apply to a response by a legal custodian or subordinate of the custodian to a request to locate, reproduce, or inspect a record under s. 19.35 if the request is processed in the same manner as the custodian or subordinate responds to other requests to locate, reproduce, or inspect a record under s. 19.35.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1208  Unlawful political disbursements and obligations.
(1)  No person may intentionally receive or accept anything of value, or any promise or pledge thereof, constituting a disbursement made or obligation incurred contrary to law.
(2)
(a) Except as provided in pars. (b) and (c), a committee may not make a disbursement or incur an obligation for the committee’s or an individual’s strictly personal use.
(b) A committee may accept contributions and make disbursements from a campaign depository account for any of the following:
1. For the purpose of making disbursements in connection with a campaign for national office.
2. For payment of civil penalties incurred by the committee under this chapter but not under any other chapter.
3. For the purpose of making a donation to a charitable organization or the common school fund.
4. For payment of the expenses of nonpartisan campaigns to increase voter registration or participation.
(c) A candidate committee may accept contributions and make disbursements from a campaign depository account for payment of inaugural expenses of an individual who is elected to state or local office. Inaugural expenses paid from contributions made to the campaign depository account are reportable under s. 11.0204 (1) as disbursements and are subject to the limits under s. 11.1101.
(3) No contributions to or disbursements from a committee’s depository account may be invested for the purpose of producing income unless the investment is in direct obligations of the United States and of agencies and corporations wholly owned by the United States, commercial paper maturing within one year from the date of investment, preferred shares of a corporation, or securities of an investment company registered under the federal investment company act of 1940 (15 USC 80a) and registered for public offer and sale in this state of the type commonly referred to as a “money market fund”.
(4) No person may make or accept a contribution, make a disbursement, make an expenditure, or incur an obligation in violation of 11 CFR 110.20 and 52 USC 30121.
History: 2015 a. 117.

SUBCHAPTER XIII – ADMINISTRATION

11.1301  Defense fund authorized.
(1)  Any candidate or public official who is being investigated for, charged with, or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12, or whose agent is so investigated, charged, or convicted, may establish a defense fund for disbursements supporting or defending the candidate, official, or agent, or any dependent of the candidate, official, or agent, while that person is being investigated for, or while the person is charged with or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12.
(2) No person may use a contribution received from a contributor to a candidate committee fund for a purpose for which a defense fund is authorized under sub. (1) unless the person obtains the contributor’s authorization. Notwithstanding s. 11.1202 (3), any contributor may authorize the transfer of all or part of a contribution from a campaign fund to a defense fund.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1302  Donations to charitable organizations or school fund. Any committee may make a donation to a charitable organization or the common school fund from the committee’s depository account. No later than 5 days after a committee makes a donation to a charitable organization or the common school fund from the committee’s depository account, the committee shall notify the committee’s filing officer in writing of the name of the donee and the date of the donation, and shall provide an explanation for not retaining the amount donated in the committee’s depository account.
History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1303  Attribution of political contributions, disbursements and communications.
(1)  No disbursement may be made anonymously and no contribution or disbursement may be made in a fictitious name or by one person or organization in the name of another.
(2)
(a) Every printed advertisement, billboard, handbill, sample ballot, television or radio advertisement, or other communication containing express advocacy which is paid for by any contribution or disbursement shall clearly identify its source.
(b) Every communication described under par. (a) the cost of which is paid for or reimbursed by a committee, or for which a committee assumes responsibility, whether by accepting a contribution or making a disbursement, shall identify its source by the words “Paid for by” followed by the name of the committee making the payment or reimbursement or assuming responsibility for the communication and may include the name of the treasurer or other authorized agent of the committee.
(c) Every communication for express advocacy the cost of which exceeds $2,500 and is paid for or reimbursed by any person, other than a committee, shall identify its source by the words “Paid for by” followed by the name of the person.
(d) In addition to the requirements of pars. (a) to (c), a person required to submit an affirmation under oath, as provided under s. 11.0505 (1) (b) 6., 11.0605 (1) (b) 6., or 11.1001 (1) (b) 6. shall also include the words “Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s agent or committee” in every communication containing express advocacy.
(e) Communications described in pars. (a) to (c) and made by a candidate committee may identify the name of the candidate committee except that no abbreviation may be used to identify the committee.
(em) Each printed advertisement, billboard, handbill, paid television or radio advertisement, or other communication made for the purpose of influencing the recall from or retention in office of an individual holding a state or local office shall clearly identify its source in the manner prescribed in pars. (b) and (c).
(f) This subsection does not apply to communications containing express advocacy printed on small items on which the information required by this subsection cannot be conveniently printed, including text messages, social media communications, and certain small advertisements on mobile phones. The commission may, by rule, specify small items or other communications to which this subsection shall not apply.
(g) The attributions required by this subsection in written communications shall be readable, legible, and readily accessible.
(3) Whenever any person receives payment from another person, in cash or in-kind, for the direct or indirect cost of conducting a poll concerning support or opposition to a candidate, political party, or referendum, the person conducting the poll shall, upon request of any person who is polled, disclose the name and address of the person making payment for the poll and, in the case of a committee, the name of the treasurer of the committee making payment.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2017 a. 365 s. 111.

11.1304  Duties of the ethics commission. The commission shall:
(1) Prescribe forms for making the reports, statements, and notices required by this chapter. The commission shall make the forms available free of charge on the commission’s Internet site and shall distribute or arrange for the distribution of all forms for use by other filing officers.
(2) Upon request, transmit a form described under sub. (1), free of charge, by facsimile or by 1st class mail.
(3)
(a) Prepare and publish for the use of persons required to file reports and statements under this chapter a manual setting forth simply and concisely recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting.
(b) Prepare, publish, and revise as necessary a manual simply and concisely describing the filing and registration requirements established in this chapter in detail, as well as other major provisions of this chapter and ch. 12.
(4) Develop a filing, coding, and cross-indexing system consonant with the purposes of this chapter.
(5) Assign an identification number to each committee for whom the commission acts as a filing officer under s. 11.0102 (1) and to each conduit.
(6)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), require each committee for whom the commission serves as filing officer under s. 11.0102 (1) to file each campaign finance report that is required to be filed under this chapter in an electronic format. The commission shall permit an authorized individual to provide at the time of filing an electronic signature, as defined in s. 137.11 (8), that is subject to a security procedure, as defined in s. 137.11 (13). A committee that files a report under this subsection in an electronic format may file with the commission that portion of the report signed by an authorized individual rather than submit the electronic signature of that individual. The commission shall provide complete instructions to any committee that files a report under this subsection.
(b) Permit a committee that accepts contributions in a total amount or value of $1,000 or less during a campaign period to opt out of the requirement to file a campaign finance report in an electronic format as specified in par. (a). In this paragraph, the campaign period of a candidate committee begins and ends as provided under s. 11.1103, and the campaign period of any other committee begins on January 1 of each odd-numbered year and ends on December 31 of the following year.
(7) Compile and maintain on an electronic system a current list of all reports and statements received by or required of and pertaining to each committee registered under this chapter.
(8) Maintain a duplicate record of any statement submitted by a political action committee under s. 11.0505 or by an independent expenditure committee under s. 11.0605 or by a person under subch. X together with the record of each candidate to whom it relates.
(9) Determine whether each report or statement required to be filed under this chapter has been filed in the form and by the time prescribed by law, and whether it conforms on its face to the requirements of this chapter.
(10) Immediately send to any committee or conduit which is delinquent in filing, or which has filed otherwise than in the proper form, a notice that the committee or conduit has failed to comply with this chapter. Whenever a candidate committee has appointed an individual other than the candidate as campaign treasurer, the commission shall send the notice to both the candidate and the treasurer of the candidate committee.
(11) Receive and maintain in an orderly manner all reports and statements required to be filed with the state under the federal election campaign act. The commission shall:
(a) Preserve such reports and statements for a period of 6 years from date of receipt.
(b) Compile and maintain a current list of all reports and statements pertaining to each candidate who is required to file a report or statement under the federal election campaign act.
(c) Promptly compile and release for public inspection a list of all reports received from candidates for national office and from committees supporting or opposing such candidates which are required to be filed with the state under the federal election campaign act, as soon as possible after each deadline for receipt of such reports as provided by federal law.
(12) Make the reports and statements filed under this chapter, including those reports and statements filed under sub. (11), available on the commission’s Internet site for public inspection and copying, commencing as soon as practicable but not later than the end of the 2nd day following the day during which they are received. No information copied from such reports and statements may be sold or utilized by any person for any commercial purpose.
(13) Upon the request of any person, permit copying of any report or statement described under sub. (12) by hand or by duplicating machine at cost.
(14) Include in its annual report under s. 19.47 (5) compilations of any of the following in its discretion:
(a) Total reported contributions, disbursements, and incurred obligations for all committees registered and reporting under this chapter during the biennium.
(b) Total amounts contributed during the biennium, reported by contribution amounts as determined by the commission, to each type of committee registered and reporting under this chapter.
(c) Total amounts expended during the biennium, reported by disbursement amounts as determined by the commission, by each type of committee registered and reporting under this chapter.
(d) Total amounts expended for influencing nominations and elections whenever separate information is reported.
(e) Aggregate amounts contributed by any contributors shown to have contributed more than $100.
(15) Prepare and publish from time to time special reports comparing the various totals and categories of contributions and disbursements made with respect to preceding elections.
(16) Make available a list of delinquents for public inspection.
(17) Promulgate rules to administer this chapter.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m).

SUBCHAPTER XIV – PENALTIES

11.1400  Civil penalties.
(1)  Any person who violates this chapter may be required to forfeit not more than $500 for each violation.
(2) In addition to the penalty under sub. (1), any person who is delinquent in filing a report required by this chapter may be required to forfeit not more than $50 or one percent of the annual salary of the office for which the candidate is being supported or opposed, whichever is greater, for each day of delinquency.
(3) Notwithstanding sub. (1), any person who makes any contribution in violation of this chapter may be required to forfeit treble the amount of the contribution or portion of that contribution which is illegally contributed.
(4) Notwithstanding sub. (1), any person who is subject to a requirement to pay a filing fee under s. 11.0102 and who fails to pay that fee within the time prescribed in that section shall forfeit $500 plus treble the amount of the fee payable by that person.
(5) Except as otherwise provided in ss. 19.49 (2) (b) 13. and 14. and (g) and 19.554, actions under this section may be brought by the commission or, upon the commission’s determination of probable cause, by the district attorney for the county where the defendant resides or, if the defendant is a nonresident, by the district attorney for the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred. For purposes of this subsection, a person other than an individual resides within a county if the person’s principal place of operation is located within that county.
(6) Any elector may file a verified petition with the commission requesting that civil action under this chapter be brought against any person or committee. The petition shall allege such facts as are within the knowledge of the petitioner to show probable cause that a violation of this chapter has occurred.
(7) When a candidate committee treasurer or candidate’s agent incurs an obligation or makes a disbursement, that action by the treasurer or agent is imputed to the candidate for purposes of civil liability under this subchapter.
(8) In civil actions under this chapter the acts of every member of a candidate committee are presumed to be with the candidate’s knowledge or approval until clearly proven otherwise.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 24g, 74 (1m).
Section 11.60, 1977 stats., is a civil penalty section even though some violations of it involve intent. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).
In a forfeiture action against a committee, assets of the committee, but not of its members, are reachable. Elections Board v. Ward, 105 Wis. 2d 543, 314 N.W.2d 120 (1982).

11.1401  Criminal penalties; prosecution.
(1)
(a) Whoever intentionally violates s. 11.1204 or any registration or reporting requirement under this chapter is guilty of a Class I felony.
(b) Whoever intentionally violates subch. XI or s. 11.1201, 11.1208, or 11.1303 is guilty of a Class I felony if the intentional violation does not involve a specific figure or if the intentional violation concerns a figure which exceeds $100 in amount or value.
(c) Whoever intentionally violates any of the following may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both:
1. Any provision of this chapter other than those provided in par. (a).
2. Any provision under par. (b) if the violation concerns a specific amount or value not exceeding $100.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in ss. 19.49 (2) (b) 13. and 14. and (h) and 19.554, and only after the commission has determined probable cause, all prosecutions under this section shall be conducted by the district attorney for the county where the defendant resides or, if the defendant is a nonresident, by the district attorney for the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred. For purposes of this subsection, a person other than a individual resides within a county if the person’s principal place of operation is located within that county.
(3)
(a) If a successful candidate for public office, other than a candidate for the legislature, is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) or (b), or of any violation of ch. 12 under s. 12.60 (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment enter a supplemental judgment declaring a forfeiture of the candidate’s right to office. The supplemental judgment shall be transmitted to the officer or agency authorized to issue the certificate of nomination or election to the office for which the person convicted is a candidate. If the candidate’s term has not yet begun, the candidate shall not take office. If the candidate’s term has begun, the office shall become vacant. The office shall then be filled in the manner provided by law.
(b) If a successful candidate for the legislature is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) or (b), or of any violation of ch. 12 under s. 12.60 (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment certify its findings to the presiding officer of the house of the legislature to which the candidate was elected.
History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 24h, 74 (1m).
Section 11.61 (1) (a), 1977 stats., does not require the state to prove that the defendant had actual knowledge of the violated statute. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).

Return to Top

Chapter 12 – Prohibited Election Practices

12.01  Definitions. The definitions given under s. 11.0101 apply to this chapter, except as follows:
(1) “Candidate” includes a candidate for national office.
(2) “Commission” means the elections commission.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 89; 1983 a. 484; 2015 a. 118; 2017 a. 366.

12.02  Construction. In this chapter, criminal intent shall be construed in accordance with s. 939.23.
History: 1977 c. 427.

12.03  Campaigning restricted.
(1)  No election official may engage in electioneering on election day. No municipal clerk or employee of the clerk may engage in electioneering in the clerk’s office or at the alternate site under s. 6.855 during the hours that ballots may be cast at those locations.
(2)
(a)
1. No person may engage in electioneering during polling hours on election day at a polling place.
2. No person may engage in electioneering in the municipal clerk’s office or at an alternate site under s. 6.855 during the hours that absentee ballots may be cast.
(b)
1. No person may engage in electioneering during polling hours on any public property on election day within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing a polling place.
2. No person may engage in electioneering during the hours that absentee ballots may be cast on any public property within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing the municipal clerk’s office or an alternate site under s. 6.855.
3. No person may engage in electioneering within 100 feet of an entrance to or within a qualified retirement home or residential care facility while special voting deputies are present at the home or facility under s. 6.875 (6).
(d) This subsection does not apply to the placement of any material on the bumper of a motor vehicle that is parked or operated at a place and time where electioneering is prohibited under this subsection.
(3) A municipal clerk, election inspector or law enforcement officer may remove posters or other advertising which is placed in violation of this section.
(4) In this section, “electioneering” means any activity which is intended to influence voting at an election.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 89; 1983 a. 484; 1993 a. 173; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 159.
Violators may not be deprived of the right to vote, although penalties may follow. Constitutional issues are discussed. 61 Atty. Gen. 441.

12.035  Posting and distribution of election-related material.
(1)  In this section, “election-related material” means any written matter which describes, or purports to describe, the rights or responsibilities of individuals voting or registering to vote at a polling place or voting an absentee ballot at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site under s. 6.855.
(2) The legislature finds that posting or distributing election-related material at the polling place, at locations where absentee ballots may be cast, or near the entrance to such locations when voting is taking place may mislead and confuse electors about their rights and responsibilities regarding the exercise of the franchise and tends to disrupt the flow of voting activities at such locations. The legislature finds that the restrictions imposed by this section on the posting or distribution of election-related material are necessary to protect the compelling governmental interest in orderly and fair elections.
(3)
(a) No person may post or distribute any election-related material during polling hours on election day at a polling place.
(b) No person may post or distribute any election-related material during polling hours on any public property on election day within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing a polling place.
(c) No person may post or distribute any election-related material at the office of the municipal clerk or at an alternate site under s. 6.855 during hours that absentee ballots may be cast.
(d) No person may post or distribute election-related material during the hours that absentee ballots may be cast on any public property within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site under s. 6.855.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to any of the following:
(a) The posting or distribution of election-related material posted or distributed by the municipal clerk or other election officials.
(b) The placement of any material on the bumper of a motor vehicle located on public property.
(5) A municipal clerk, election inspector, or law enforcement officer may remove election-related material posted in violation of sub. (3) and may confiscate election-related material distributed in violation of sub. (3).
History: 2005 a. 451.

12.04  Communication of political messages.
(1)  In this section:
(a) “Election campaign period” means:
1. In the case of an election for office, the period beginning on the first day for circulation of nomination papers by candidates, or the first day on which candidates would circulate nomination papers were papers to be required, and ending on the day of the election.
2. In the case of a referendum, the period beginning on the day on which the question to be voted upon is submitted to the electorate and ending on the day on which the referendum is held.
(b) “Political message” means a message intended for a political purpose or a message which pertains to an issue of public policy of possible concern to the electorate, but does not include a message intended solely for a commercial purpose.
(c) “Residential property” means property occupied or suitable to be occupied for residential purposes and property abutting that property for which the owner or renter is responsible for the maintenance or care. If property is utilized for both residential and nonresidential purposes, “residential property” means only the portion of the property occupied or suitable to be occupied for residential purposes.
(2) Except as provided in ss. 12.03 or 12.035 or as restricted under sub. (4), any individual may place a sign containing a political message upon residential property owned or occupied by that individual during an election campaign period.
(3) Except as provided in sub. (4), no county or municipality may regulate the size, shape, placement or content of any sign containing a political message placed upon residential property during an election campaign period.
(4)
(a) A county or municipality may regulate the size, shape or placement of any sign if such regulation is necessary to ensure traffic or pedestrian safety. A county or municipality may regulate the size, shape or placement of any sign having an electrical, mechanical or audio auxiliary.
(b) In addition to regulation under par. (a), a municipality may regulate the size, shape or placement of a sign exceeding 11 square feet in area. This paragraph does not apply to a sign which is affixed to a permanent structure and does not extend beyond the perimeter of the structure, if the sign does not obstruct a window, door, fire escape, ventilation shaft or other area which is required by an applicable building code to remain unobstructed.
(5)
(a) The renter of residential property may exercise the same right as the owner to place a sign upon the property under sub. (2) in any area of the property occupied exclusively by the renter. The terms of a lease or other agreement under which residential property is occupied shall control in determining whether property is occupied exclusively by a renter.
(b) The owner of residential property may exercise the right granted under sub. (2) in any portion of the property not occupied exclusively by a renter.
(6) This section does not apply to signs prohibited from being erected under s. 84.30.
History: 1985 a. 198; 1993 a. 246; 2005 a. 451; 2009 a. 173.

12.05  False representations affecting elections. No person may knowingly make or publish, or cause to be made or published, a false representation pertaining to a candidate or referendum which is intended or tends to affect voting at an election.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1993 a. 175.
A violation of this section does not constitute defamation per se. Tatur v. Solsrud, 174 Wis. 2d 735, 498 N.W.2d 232 (1993).

12.07  Election restrictions on employers.
(1)  No person may refuse an employee the privilege of time off for voting under s. 6.76 or subject an employee to a penalty therefor.
(2) No employer may refuse to allow an employee to serve as an election official under s. 7.30 or make any threats or offer any inducements of any kind to the employee for the purpose of preventing the employee from so serving.
(3) No employer or agent of an employer may distribute to any employee printed matter containing any threat, notice or information that if a particular ticket of a political party or organization or candidate is elected or any referendum question is adopted or rejected, work in the employer’s place or establishment will cease, in whole or in part, or the place or establishment will be closed, or the salaries or wages of the employees will be reduced, or other threats intended to influence the political opinions or actions of the employees.
(4) No person may, directly or indirectly, cause any person to make a contribution or provide any service or other thing of value to or for the benefit of a committee registered under ch. 11, with the purpose of influencing the election or nomination of a candidate to national, state or local office or the passage or defeat of a referendum by means of the denial or the threat of denial of any employment, position, work or promotion, or any compensation or other benefit of such employment, position or work, or by means of discharge, demotion or disciplinary action or the threat to impose a discharge, demotion or disciplinary action. This subsection does not apply to employment by a committee registered under ch. 11 in connection with a campaign or political party activities. This subsection also does not apply to information provided by any person that expresses that person’s opinion on any candidate or committee, any referendum or the possible effects of any referendum, or the policies advocated by any candidate or committee.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1983 a. 484; 1991 a. 316; 2005 a. 451; 2015 a. 117; 2017 a. 365 s. 111.

12.08  Denial of government benefits. No person may, directly or indirectly, cause any person to make a contribution or provide any service or other thing of value to or for the benefit of a committee registered under ch. 11, with the purpose of influencing the election or nomination of a candidate to national, state, or local office or the passage or defeat of a referendum by means of the denial or threat of denial of any payment or other benefit of a program established or funded in whole or in part by this state or any local governmental unit of this state, or a program which has applied for funding by this state or any local governmental unit of this state.
History: 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 2015 a. 117; 2017 a. 365 s. 111.

12.09  Election threats.
(1)  No person may personally or through an agent make use of or threaten to make use of force, violence, or restraint in order to induce or compel any person to vote or refrain from voting at an election.
(2) No person may personally or through an agent, by abduction, duress, or any fraudulent device or contrivance, impede or prevent the free exercise of the franchise at an election.
(3) No person may personally or through an agent, by any act compel, induce, or prevail upon an elector either to vote or refrain from voting at any election for or against a particular candidate or referendum.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1991 a. 316; 2005 a. 451.

12.11  Election bribery.
(1)  In this section, “anything of value” includes any amount of money, or any object which has utility independent of any political message it contains and the value of which exceeds $1. The prohibitions of this section apply to the distribution of material printed at public expense and available for free distribution if such materials are accompanied by a political message.
(1m) Any person who does any of the following violates this chapter:
(a) Offers, gives, lends or promises to give or lend, or endeavors to procure, anything of value, or any office or employment or any privilege or immunity to, or for, any elector, or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector to:
1. Go to or refrain from going to the polls.
2. Vote or refrain from voting.
3. Vote or refrain from voting for or against a particular person.
4. Vote or refrain from voting for or against a particular referendum; or on account of any elector having done any of the above.
(b) Receives, agrees or contracts to receive or accept any money, gift, loan, valuable consideration, office or employment personally or for any other person, in consideration that the person or any elector will, so act or has so acted.
(c) Advances, pays or causes to be paid any money to or for the use of any person with the intent that such money or any part thereof will be used to bribe electors at any election.
(2) This section applies to any convention or meeting held for the purpose of nominating any candidate for any election, and to the signing of any nomination paper.
(3)
(a) This section does not prohibit a candidate from publicly stating his or her preference for or support of any other candidate for any office to be voted for at the same election. A candidate for an office in which the person elected is charged with the duty of participating in the election or nomination of any person as a candidate for office is not prohibited from publicly stating or pledging his or her preference for or support of any person for such office or nomination.
(b) This section does not apply to money paid or agreed to be paid for or on account of authorized legal expenses which were legitimately incurred at or concerning any election.
(c) This section does not apply where an employer agrees that all or part of election day be given to its employees as a paid holiday, provided that such policy is made uniformly applicable to all similarly situated employees.
(d) This section does not prohibit any person from using his or her own vehicle to transport electors to or from the polls without charge.
(e) This section does not apply to any promise by a candidate to reduce public expenditures or taxes.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 93; 1983 a. 484; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 213.
There are constitutional limits on the state’s power to prohibit candidates from making promises in the course of an election campaign. Some promises are universally acknowledged as legitimate, indeed indispensable to decisionmaking in a democracy. Brown v. Hartlage, 456 U.S. 45 (1982).

12.13  Election fraud.
(1)  Electors. Whoever intentionally does any of the following violates this chapter:
(a) Votes at any election or meeting if that person does not have the necessary elector qualifications and residence requirements.
(b) Falsely procures registration or makes false statements to the municipal clerk, board of election commissioners or any other election official whether or not under oath.
(c) Registers as an elector in more than one place for the same election.
(d) Impersonates a registered elector or poses as another person for the purpose of voting at an election.
(e) Votes more than once in the same election.
(f) Shows his or her marked ballot to any person or places a mark upon the ballot so it is identifiable as his or her ballot.
(g) Procures an official ballot and neglects or refuses to cast or return it. This paragraph does not apply to persons who have applied for and received absentee ballots.
(h) Procures, assists or advises someone to do any of the acts prohibited by this subsection.
(2)  Election officials.
(a) The willful neglect or refusal by an election official to perform any of the duties prescribed under chs. 5 to 12 is a violation of this chapter.
(b) No election official may:
1. Observe how an elector has marked a ballot unless the official is requested to assist the elector; intentionally permit anyone not authorized to assist in the marking of a ballot to observe how a person is voting or has voted; or disclose to anyone how an elector voted other than as is necessary in the course of judicial proceedings.
2. Illegally issue, write, change or alter a ballot on election day.
3. Permit registration or receipt of a vote from a person who the official knows is not a legally qualified elector or who has refused after being challenged to make the oath or to properly answer the necessary questions pertaining to the requisite requirements and residence; or put into the ballot box a ballot other than the official’s own or other one lawfully received.
4. Intentionally assist or cause to be made a false statement, canvass, certificate or return of the votes cast at any election.
5. Willfully alter or destroy a poll or registration list.
6. Intentionally permit or cause a voting machine, voting device or automatic tabulating equipment to fail to correctly register or record a vote cast thereon or inserted therein, or tamper with or disarrange the machine, device or equipment or any part or appliance thereof; cause or consent to the machine, device or automatic tabulating equipment being used for voting at an election with knowledge that it is out of order or is not perfectly set and adjusted so that it will correctly register or record all votes cast thereon or inserted therein; with the purpose of defrauding or deceiving any elector, cause doubt for what party, candidate or proposition a vote will be cast or cause the vote for one party, candidate or proposition to be cast so it appears to be cast for another; or remove, change or mutilate a ballot on a voting machine, device or a ballot to be inserted into automatic tabulating equipment, or do any similar act contrary to chs. 5 to 12.
6m. Obtain an absentee ballot for voting in a qualified retirement home or residential care facility under s. 6.875 (6) and fail to return the ballot to the issuing officer.
7. In the course of the person’s official duties or on account of the person’s official position, intentionally violate or intentionally cause any other person to violate any provision of chs. 5 to 12 for which no other penalty is expressly prescribed.
8. Intentionally disclose the name or address of any elector who obtains a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) to any person who is not authorized by law to obtain that information.
(3)  Prohibited acts. No person may:
(a) Falsify any information in respect to or fraudulently deface or destroy a certificate of nomination, nomination paper, declaration of candidacy or petition for an election, including a recall petition or petition for a referendum; or file or receive for filing a certificate of nomination, nomination paper, declaration of candidacy or any such petition, knowing any part is falsely made.
(am) Fail to file an amended declaration of candidacy as provided in s. 8.21 with respect to a change in information filed in an original declaration within 3 days of the time the amended declaration becomes due for filing; or file a false declaration of candidacy or amended declaration of candidacy. This paragraph applies only to candidates for state or local office.
(b) Wrongfully suppress, neglect or fail to file nomination papers in the person’s possession at the proper time and in the proper office; suppress a certificate of nomination which is duly filed.
(c) Willfully or negligently fail to deliver, after having undertaken to do so, official ballots prepared for an election to the proper person, or prevent their delivery within the required time, or destroy or conceal the ballots.
(d) Remove or destroy any of the supplies or conveniences placed in compartments or polling booths.
(e) Prepare or cause to be prepared an official ballot with intent to change the result of the election as to any candidate or referendum; prepare an official ballot which is premarked or which has an unauthorized sticker affixed prior to delivery to an elector; or deliver to an elector an official ballot bearing a mark opposite the name of a candidate or referendum question that might be counted as a vote for or against a candidate or question.
(f) Before or during any election, tamper with voting machines, voting devices or automatic tabulating equipment readied for voting or the counting of votes; disarrange, deface, injure or impair any such machine, device or equipment; or mutilate, injure or destroy a ballot placed or displayed on a voting machine or device, or to be placed or displayed on any such machine, device or automatic tabulating equipment or any other appliance used in connection with the machine, device or equipment.
(g) Falsify any statement relating to voter registration under chs. 5 to 12.
(h) Deface, destroy or remove any legally placed election campaign advertising poster with intent to disrupt the campaign advertising efforts of any committee registered under ch. 11, or alter the information printed thereon so as to change the meaning thereof to the disadvantage of the candidate or cause espoused. Nothing in this paragraph restricts the right of any owner or occupant of any real property, or the owner or operator of any motor vehicle, to remove campaign advertising posters from such property or vehicle.
(i) Falsely make any statement for the purpose of obtaining or voting an absentee ballot under ss. 6.85 to 6.87.
(j) When called upon to assist an elector who cannot read or write, has difficulty in reading, writing or understanding English, or is unable to mark a ballot or depress a lever or button on a voting machine, inform the elector that a ballot contains names or words different than are printed or displayed on the ballot with the intent of inducing the elector to vote contrary to his or her inclination, intentionally fail to cast a vote in accordance with the elector’s instructions or reveal the elector’s vote to any 3rd person.
(k) Forge or falsely make the official endorsement on a ballot or knowingly deposit a ballot in the ballot box upon which the names or initials of the ballot clerks, or those of issuing clerks do not appear.
(L) When not authorized, during or after an election, break open or violate the seals or locks on a ballot box containing ballots of that election or obtain unlawful possession of a ballot box with official ballots; conceal, withhold or destroy ballots or ballot boxes; willfully, fraudulently or forcibly add to or diminish the number of ballots legally deposited in a ballot box; or aid or abet any person in doing any of the acts prohibited by this paragraph.
(m) Fraudulently change a ballot of an elector so the elector is prevented from voting for whom the elector intended.
(n) Receive a ballot from or give a ballot to a person other than the election official in charge.
(o) Vote or offer to vote a ballot except as has been received from one of the inspectors.
(p) Receive a completed ballot from a voter unless qualified to do so.
(q) Solicit a person to show how his or her vote is cast.
(r) Remove a ballot from a polling place before the polls are closed.
(s) Solicit another elector to offer assistance under s. 6.82 (2) or 6.87 (5), except in the case of an elector who is blind or visually impaired to the extent that the elector cannot read a ballot.
(t) Obtain an absentee ballot as the agent of another elector under s. 6.86 (3) and fail or refuse to deliver it to such elector.
(u) Provide false documentation of identity for the purpose of inducing an election official to permit the person or another person to vote.
(w) Falsify a ballot application under s. 6.18.
(x) Refuse to obey a lawful order of an inspector made for the purpose of enforcing the election laws; engage in disorderly behavior at or near a polling place; or interrupt or disturb the voting or canvassing proceedings.
(y) After an election, break the locks or seals or reset the counters on a voting machine except in the course of official duties carried out at the time and in the manner prescribed by law; or disable a voting machine so as to prevent an accurate count of the votes from being obtained; or open the registering or recording compartments of a machine with intent to do any such act.
(z) Tamper with automatic tabulating equipment or any record of votes cast or computer program which is to be used in connection with such equipment to count or recount votes at any election so as to prevent or attempt to prevent an accurate count of the votes from being obtained.
(ze) Compensate a person who obtains voter registration forms from other persons at a rate that varies in relation to the number of voter registrations obtained by the person.
(zm) Willfully provide to a municipal clerk false information for the purpose of obtaining a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) for that person or another person.
(zn) Disclose to any person information provided under s. 6.47 (8) when not authorized to do so.
(5)  Unauthorized release of records or investigatory information.
(a) Except as specifically authorized by law and except as provided in par. (b), no investigator, prosecutor, employee of an investigator or prosecutor, or member or employee of the commission may disclose information related to an investigation or prosecution under chs. 5 to 10 or 12, or any other law specified in s. 978.05 (1) or (2) or provide access to any record of the investigator, prosecutor, or the commission that is not subject to access under s. 5.05 (5s) to any person other than an employee or agent of the prosecutor or investigator or a member, employee, or agent of the commission prior to presenting the information or record in a court of law.
(b) This subsection does not apply to any of the following communications made by an investigator, prosecutor, employee of an investigator or prosecutor, or member or employee of the commission:
1. Communications made in the normal course of an investigation or prosecution.
2. Communications with a local, state, or federal law enforcement or prosecutorial authority.
3. Communications made to the attorney of an investigator, prosecutor, employee, or member of the commission or to a person or the attorney of a person who is investigated or prosecuted by the commission.
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 85, 93, 199; 1977 c. 427, 447; 1979 c. 89, 249, 260, 311, 357; 1983 a. 183 s. 45; 1983 a. 192 s. 304; 1983 a. 484 ss. 135, 172 (3), 174; 1983 a. 491; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 391; 1989 a. 192; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 49; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 265; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 159; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 ss. 130, 266 (10).
Sub. (5) does not apply to district attorneys or law enforcement agencies. It only applies to the government accountability board, its employees and agents, and the investigators and prosecutors retained by the board, and the assistants to those persons. OAG 7-09.

12.60  Penalties.
(1)
(a) Whoever violates s. 12.09, 12.11 or 12.13 (1), (2) (b) 1. to 7. or (3) (a), (e), (f), (j), (k), (L), (m), (y) or (z) is guilty of a Class I felony.
(b) Whoever violates s. 12.03, 12.05, 12.07, 12.08 or 12.13 (2) (b) 8., (3) (b), (c), (d), (g), (i), (n) to (x), (ze), (zm) or (zn) may be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both.
(bm) Whoever violates s. 12.13 (5) may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.
(c) Whoever violates s. 12.13 (3) (am) may be required to forfeit not more than $500.
(d) Whoever violates s. 12.035 or 12.13 (3) (h) may be required to forfeit not more than $100.
(2)
(a) If a successful candidate for public office, other than a candidate for the legislature or a candidate for national office, is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment enter a supplemental judgment declaring a forfeiture of the candidate’s right to office. The supplemental judgment shall be transmitted to the officer or agency authorized to issue the certificate of nomination or election to the office for which the person convicted is a candidate. If the candidate’s term has begun, the office shall become vacant. The office shall then be filled in the manner provided by law.
(b) If a successful candidate for the legislature or U.S. congress is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment certify its findings to the presiding officer of the legislative body to which the candidate was elected.
(3) Any election official who is convicted of any violation of this chapter shall, in addition to the punishment otherwise provided, be disqualified to act as an election official for a term of 5 years from the time of conviction.
(4) Prosecutions under this chapter shall be conducted in accordance with s. 11.1401 (2).
History: 1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 85; 1977 c. 418 s. 924 (18) (e); 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 249, 311, 328; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1997 a. 283; 1999 a. 49; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 117.

Return to Top