Wisconsin bill would change absentee voting hours

A Wisconsin bill aimed at standardizing absentee voting hours across municipalities has stalled in the state Legislature. Assembly Bill 312, introduced in June 2025 by Rep. Scott Krug and others, would require every municipal clerk's office—or an alternate site—to offer at least 20 hours of in-person absentee voting before each election.[1][5] The measure sought to address disparities where urban areas like Milwaukee provide extensive early voting access, while rural towns often limit it to just one or two hours.[3]

The proposal emerged amid ongoing debates over election access in Wisconsin, a battleground state with tight races. Current law allows clerks to set their own hours for in-person absentee ballots during the two-week pre-election period, leading to inconsistencies—some rural clerks even handle voting by appointment at their homes.[3] Supporters, including Krug, argued it would boost flexibility for voters wary of mail ballots and promised reimbursements for local costs, though details remain unclear. The League of Wisconsin Municipalities weighed in with concerns during committee hearings in November 2025.[7]

For Milwaukee residents, who already enjoy nearly two weeks of broad early voting options at multiple sites, the bill's failure maintains the status quo but highlights rural-urban divides in access.[3] This could affect statewide turnout, as limited rural hours might deter voters in close elections that sway outcomes here.

Lawmakers may revisit tweaks, like fewer required hours for small communities under 250 voters, but no further action is scheduled.[3]