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Politics & Government

Legislature Debating Election Reforms

It is our duty to ensure that every legally-cast vote in our state counts for its full value.

Voters deserve to know that their vote will count to its full value.  Unfortunately, many events and reports over the last decade have called into question the integrity of our elections and pointed to the need for substantial changes in Wisconsin.  While our state has always prided itself on fair play, it has become increasingly clear that not everyone is doing so when it comes to elections.

As such, over the last few months, I have received questions from many constituents about when and if the legislature plans to pass a voter photo ID proposal.  The answer to that question is yes, and Assembly Bill 7 is currently moving through the legislative process and will likely arrive on the Assembly floor for a vote in the next couple of weeks.  A voter photo ID plan has been passed three times by the legislature over the last several years, but all three bills were vetoed by ex-Governor Jim Doyle.

In addition to the photo ID requirement, AB 7 may also contain several other election reforms.  Here is a list of a few of the election policy changes that are being discussed as potential reforms to be included in AB 7 in addition to showing a photo ID:

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  • Requiring a voter enter their signature on the poll list when voting in person;
  • Increasing the residency requirement for voting from 10 days before an election to 28 consecutive days before an election;
  • Implementing provisions of the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment (MOVE) Act;
  • Changing the date of the fall primary to the second Tuesday in August in order to comply with MOVE Act deadlines;
  • Eliminating the current law's ability for a registered voter to “vouch” for an individual who is seeking to register to vote but unable to provide proof of residence;
  • Removing the option for voting a straight party ticket;
  • Revoking the Government Accountability Board’s ability to appoint “Special Registration Deputies” (individuals from outside organizations seeking to do a voter registration drive).  This would be left to the discretion of local municipal clerks.
  • Moving the time frame for making an application for an absentee ballot in person to no earlier than the opening of business on the second Monday before the election through 5:00 p.m. or the close of business, whichever is later, on the Friday preceding the election.

Without question, scandals like smokes-for-votes, questionable circumstances like the 4,600-vote gap between registered voters and the number of votes cast in the 2004 presidential election in the City of Milwaukee and the general abuse of absentee balloting have cast an aura of doubt over the integrity of Wisconsin’s elections.  Above all, it is our duty to ensure that every legally-cast vote in our state counts for its full value and is not diluted by fraud or abuse.  I believe a voter photo ID requirement – along with other important reforms – will restore confidence in our elections and better ensure their integrity in the long run.

To contact me with any questions or comments or to sign up for my regular e-updates, please send an e-mail to Rep.Knodl@legis.wi.gov or call me at (608) 266-3796.

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