Wisconsin lawmakers are considering changing the state’s strict withdrawal laws for candidates after two high-profile cases where candidates were unable to remove their names from the ballot. Currently, candidates can only be removed if they die, leading to situations where candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Madison Ald. Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford were unable to withdraw despite their efforts.
The proposed change would allow candidates for certain offices to withdraw before the Wisconsin Elections Commission certifies names. However, election clerks raise concerns about tight timelines to update ballots if candidates withdraw last minute. The proposal includes an amendment to require nominees to withdraw at least seven business days before certification and to notify clerks at least five days before.
Clerks also highlight challenges for February and April elections, where the short time span between them makes it difficult to update ballots. Despite these challenges, lawmakers are working towards a solution to provide candidates with a straightforward way to withdraw before Election Day.
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