Wisconsin Bill Sets Residency Rules for Petition Circulators

Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have passed a bill requiring petition circulators for nominations and recalls to be eligible voters in the state, ending the practice of out-of-state individuals handling these tasks. The measure, known as 2025 Wisconsin Act 126, was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on March 27 despite partisan divides in the legislature.[1][6] It carves out an exception for presidential and vice presidential petitions, allowing non-residents to continue circulating those.

Previously, state law permitted U.S. citizens aged 18 or older—who would be eligible to vote if they lived in Wisconsin—to circulate nomination papers and recall petitions, leading to influxes of outsiders during high-profile efforts like the failed recall of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.[1] The bill, introduced by Rep. David Piwowarczyk and others with cosponsors including Sens. Van Wanggaard and Howard Marklein, passed on party lines in February, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.[2][3] A federal appeals court ruling in the Seventh Circuit had previously deemed such bans unconstitutional, but the new law moves forward anyway.[2]

For Milwaukee residents, this change could mean fewer disruptions from non-local circulators knocking on doors or crowding public spaces during election seasons, preserving a more community-driven process.[1] It aims to ensure petitions reflect genuine local support, potentially reducing outside influence on state races that affect city policies like funding and elections.

Legal challenges may arise given the circuit precedent, with observers watching whether opponents file suit to block enforcement.[2][5]