On December 12, 2023, the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Shared Revenue, Elections, and Consumer Protection convened to discuss a significant bill aimed at reforming the absentee ballot counting process. This legislation seeks to address concerns raised during previous elections, particularly regarding the timing and transparency of absentee ballot counting in Milwaukee.

The bill proposes that municipal clerks be allowed to begin processing absentee ballots the day before an election, specifically on the Monday from 7 AM to 8 PM. This processing involves preparing the ballots for counting, which is distinct from tallying the votes. By enabling clerks to process ballots in advance, the bill aims to expedite the reporting of election results on election night, thereby reducing the uncertainty that has plagued past elections when results appeared to flip overnight due to uncounted absentee ballots.

Key proponents of the bill emphasized the importance of transparency and security in the electoral process. They argued that counting ballots during daylight hours, with observers present, would enhance public confidence in the integrity of the election. The bill includes provisions for securing ballots with tamper-evident seals and mandates that clerks report the number of processed ballots to ensure accountability.

Another critical aspect of the legislation is the removal of approximately 20,000 legally incompetent voters from the state's master list, which supporters argue will further streamline the electoral process and enhance its integrity.

While the bill has garnered bipartisan support, concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the definition of "designee" for clerks and the potential for mismanagement. Some committee members expressed the need for clarity on who would oversee the ballot processing to prevent any issues similar to those experienced in previous elections, particularly in Green Bay.

Overall, the committee's discussions highlighted a collective desire to improve the electoral process in Wisconsin, aiming to restore public trust and ensure that elections are conducted fairly and efficiently. The bill's proponents are optimistic that these changes will lead to a more transparent and reliable voting process, addressing the frustrations of voters who have witnessed unexpected election outcomes in the past. The committee plans to continue reviewing the bill and gathering input from various stakeholders before moving forward.