WisconsinProposal would restrict firearms near polling places and election work
The failed proposal would make intentionally carrying a firearm near a polling place, canvass, or recount a misdemeanor, with exceptions for specified people.
What it does
The proposal would make it a misdemeanor to intentionally carry a firearm in or within 100 feet of a polling place or an election canvass or recount. Exceptions would cover specified officers, on-duty security workers, and people on nearby private property.
Argument forVoters and election workers may feel safer if firearms are kept away from polling places and election work, with exceptions for officers and on-duty security workers.
Argument againstPeople carrying firearms could face a misdemeanor charge near polling places, and the rule has no stated time limit for canvasses or recounts.
More detail
A person who intentionally carries a firearm in or within 100 feet of a polling place, canvass, or recount would commit a Class A misdemeanor. It would cover anyone carrying a firearm in or within 100 feet of a building area used as a polling place, or a place where election officials are conducting a canvass or recount. The rule would not apply to specified current or former law enforcement officers, on-duty private security workers, or people on private property within the restricted distance. For a polling place, the restricted period would begin one hour before opening and end one hour after closing. No matching time limit is stated for canvasses or recounts.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 21Representative Mayadev added as a coauthorLatest
- Mar 23Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1Major
- Feb 26Representative Subeck added as a coauthor
- Feb 20Representative Sheehan added as a coauthor
- Jan 28Read first time and referred to Committee on Campaigns and ElectionsMinor
- Jan 28Introduced by Representatives Stubbs, Andraca, Kirsch, Udell, Sinicki, Prado, Fitzgerald, Miresse, Roe, Neubauer, Snodgrass, Joers, Arney, J. Jacobson, Stroud and DeSmidt; cosponsored by Senators Larson, L. Johnson, Roys, Ratcliff, Spreitzer and Dassler-AlfheimIntroduced
Gun PolicyPublic SafetyCriminal Justice