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Bill

SB 916

Relating to: including a space for write-in candidates on city election ballots; eliminating independent candidates from the partisan primary ballot; and using a temporary operator’s license or identification card to establish proof of residence for voter registration (suggested as remedial legislation by the Elections Commission).

2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin bill adds write-in spaces to ballots, bars independents from primaries, and accepts temporary IDs for voter registration—reshaping ballot access and registration standards.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 916

Legislative bill overview

SB 916 makes three distinct changes to Wisconsin election procedures: it requires cities to provide write-in candidate spaces on ballots, removes independent candidates from partisan primary ballots (keeping them only on general election ballots), and allows temporary operator's licenses or ID cards as acceptable proof of residence for voter registration purposes.

Why is this important

These changes affect ballot design, candidate access to elections, and voter registration procedures. The write-in provision ensures voters can support candidates outside established parties; the primary ballot change alters how independent candidates can build campaign momentum; and the ID provision impacts which residents can register to vote, potentially affecting homeless populations, recent movers, and others without permanent addresses.

Potential points of contention

  • Ballot access vs. ballot clutter: Expanding write-in spaces increases ballot length and complexity, potentially benefiting better-resourced candidates who can educate voters about write-in procedures
  • Independent candidate participation: Removing independents from primary ballots may disadvantage candidates building grassroots support, though it could reduce primary ballot crowding
  • Voter registration standards: Using temporary IDs as residence proof may conflict with efforts to verify voter residency stability, or conversely, may be seen as necessary accommodation for transient populations
  • Cost and implementation: Cities bear costs for ballot redesign and poll worker training on new procedures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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