Number
021707
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY, D'AMATO, RICHARDS, GORDON, JOHNSON-ODOM, BOHL, HINES and BREIER
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of state legislation amending absentee voting procedures.
Analysis
This substitute resolution directs the Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of state legislation amending absentee voting procedures to prohibit organizations from receiving absentee ballots on behalf of electors.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee is committed to the unfettered right to vote; and
Whereas, Chapter 6, subchapter IV of the Wisconsin Statutes, allows electors to vote by absentee ballot; and
Whereas, According to s. 6.84 (1), Wis. Stats., "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."; and
Whereas, Absentee voting provisions do not explicitly prohibit an elector from requesting an absentee ballot be sent to the address of an organization; and
Whereas, Prohibiting organizations from receiving absentee ballots on behalf of electors may reduce the incidence of voter fraud and other voting irregularities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division is directed to seek introduction and passage of state legislation amending absentee voting procedures to prohibit organizations from receiving absentee ballots on behalf of electors.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 03104-2
TRG
3/6/03
3/17/03 - All members of the Judiciary & Legislation Committee asked to be added as sponsors. mbh
3/24/03 - Ald. James Bohl added as sponsor. tjm
3/25/03 - Ald. Breier added as sponsor. mbh