Reply #7: WI: Election Reform Bill Also Takes Aim At Recalls

[livvy]

Election reform bill also takes aim at recalls
But proposal to form separate accountability panel is delayed
By STACY FORSTER
[e-mail]
Posted: Feb. 22, 2006

Madison - A broad election reform measure moving through the Legislature would narrow the ability of residents to bring recall petitions against local elected officials.

The bill is the product of a committee of lawmakers and election officials from across the state and is intended to clean up the administrative processes that led to questions about election integrity.

Although it contains many tweaks and improvements to the way elections are conducted, it does not include a requirement that voters show photo identification at the polls. Republican lawmakers - and some Democrats - support a photo ID requirement, but Doyle opposes it.

The reform bill says that to recall a city, village, town or school district officer, a cause for the action must be stated. The bill defines cause as official misconduct or malfeasance in office.

It would not change recall procedures for state or county officials, said Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan), the bill's author.
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http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=403469