Overview

Municipalities can choose whether to process and count absentee ballots centrally or at individual polling places. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.52(1)(a); see Central Count List (listing municipalities currently authorized to use central count sites). If a municipality chooses to use central processing, the municipality must create a Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers responsible for processing and counting all absentee ballots. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.53(2m)(a). The Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers consists of the Municipal Clerk (or another qualified elector designated by the Clerk) and two qualified electors appointed by the Municipal Clerk. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.53(2m)(b).

The Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers records and announces the absentee ballot vote totals and delivers tally sheets to the Municipal and County Clerks. Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 7.52(7), (8). In addition, the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers reviews ballot challenges made by electors. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.52(5).

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers are:

1. Processing and counting absentee ballots. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.52(1)(a).
2. Reviewing challenges made by electors to absentee ballots. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.52(5).
3. Recording and announcing absentee ballot vote totals. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.52(7).
4. Delivering tally sheets to the Municipal and County Clerks. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.52(8).

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Appointed/Ex Officio: ****Members of the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers are appointed by the Municipal Clerk or serve ex officio. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.53(2m)(b).
• Term of Office: Members serve two-year terms commencing on January 1 of even-numbered years. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.53(2m)(b).
• Qualifications: Members must be qualified to vote in the jurisdiction. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.53(2m)(b).
• Vacancy: If the Municipal Clerk’s office is vacant, the Mayor, President, or Board Chairperson of the municipality designates another qualified elector to serve in the Municipal Clerk’s place on the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.53(2m)(b). If another seat on the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers is vacant, the Municipal Clerk appoints another qualified elector to fill the vacancy. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.53(2m)(b).