Number
110204
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI, COGGS AND HAMILTON
Title
Substitute resolution relating to implementation by the Election Commission of state voter registration and voter identification requirements.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Election Commission to cooperate with the Public Information Division-Office of City Clerk to assure that City residents are made aware of changes in state requirements for voter registration and voter identification. The resolution specifically directs the Election Commission to inform electors and potential electors that their ballots may not be counted if required proof of identification and residency is not submitted in accordance with the requirements of 2011 Wisconsin Act 23, enacted May 25, 2011.
The resolution directs the Election Commission to advise City residents to report problems or irregularity or difficulties in voting, especially problems that may result in uncounted ballots.
The Election Commission is directed to provide the Common Council with a report after each election detailing the numbers of individuals who submitted ballots that were not counted. The report of ballots not counted shall be made as soon as practicable when figures or reasonable estimates are available and shall include the reason or reasons that ballots were not counted.
Body
Whereas, 2011 Wisconsin Act 23 (Act 23), enacted May 25, 2011 and effective June 10, 2011, revised state election laws relating to: requiring identification to vote at a polling place or to obtain an absentee ballot; absentee voting; late voter registration; proof of residence; a requirement that electors provide signatures when voting in person at an election; the duration and location of residency for voting purposes; and other matters; and
Whereas, The nonpartisan Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that the costs to the state over the 2011-2013 biennium for implementation of Act 23 will be $7 million, including lost revenue resulting from the issuance of free voter identification cards to qualified individuals; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board estimates that it will require $2.1 million to initially upgrade state computer programs, train poll workers and provide public education; and
Whereas, The 2011-2013 Wisconsin Budget has appropriated $1.8 million for implementation of Act 23; and
Whereas, No state appropriation has been identified to support municipal implementation of Act 23; and
Whereas, The registration and residency requirements of Act 23 will be implemented in elections held in 2012; and
Whereas, Changes in voter registration and voting procedures as a result of Act 23 implementation may adversely impact the elderly, the infirm and individuals disadvantaged due to poverty and lack of education, and the changes include the following provisions:
1. Requiring proof of residency within a ward for 28 days rather than 10 days prior to voter registration.
2. Requiring proof of identification when voting at the polls or when submitting and voting an absentee ballot.
3. Requiring that the name of the individual on the proof of identification conforms to the name on voter registration records.
4. Requiring photo identification in the form of an operator's license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), an identification card issued by the DOT, an identification card issued by a U.S. uniformed service, or a U.S. passport only if the photo identification has not expired prior to the previous election.
5. Eliminating acceptance of an out-of-state driver's license as proof of identification.
6. Requiring that an elector sign the poll list, supplemental list, or other separate list when voting.
7. Requiring that registration forms include information identifying the previous residence address of the elector and the elector's current and valid driver's license number, if any.
8. Requiring that proof of residence of a university, college, or technical college student include a photo identification card and fee receipt dated within 9 months of the election.
; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Election Commission and the Public Information Division-Office of City Clerk are directed to work together to assure that City residents are made aware of changes in state requirements for voter registration and voter identification; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Election Commission advise City residents to report problems or irregularity or difficulties in voting, especially problems that may result in uncounted ballots; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Election Commission shall advise each City resident whose ballot is not counted in any election of the reason or reasons for not including his or her ballot in the election vote totals; and, be it
Further Resolved, That, beginning in 2012 and for 4 years thereafter, the Election Commission shall provide the Common Council with a report as soon as is practicable after each election detailing the numbers, or estimate of numbers, of individuals submitting ballots that were not counted, including the reason or reasons that ballots were not counted.
Drafter
LRB128359-2.2
Richard L. Withers
7/18/2011