June 1, 2011

Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) introduced two reform measures changing the dates and implementation of state elections. Senate Bills 115 and 116 will be discussed Thursday at a joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections and the Assembly Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform.

Senate Bill 115 (SB 115) changes the date of Wisconsin’s presidential primary from the third Tuesday during February to the first Tuesday during April, the same day as the state’s non-partisan spring general election. The Republican Party of Wisconsin and Democratic Party of Wisconsin both support SB 115.

"Changing the presidential primary date from the third Tuesday during February to the first Tuesday during April brings Wisconsin into compliance with the national Republican Party and Democratic Party guidelines, and will streamline Wisconsin’s elections by combining the presidential primary with the spring general election," Lazich said. "Wisconsin will continue to be an important proving ground for presidential candidates. Wisconsin is a true toss up state attracting presidential candidates’ attention."

Senate Bill 116 (SB 116) mirrors Wisconsin law with the federal MOVE Act. The MOVE Act provides changes to voting law for military voters. Among other things, SB 116 changes the date of the fall partisan primary for statewide office.

"Those sacrificing to protect our country overseas should not have unnecessary roadblocks to voting. SB 116 brings Wisconsin into compliance with federal law and ensures votes by our soldiers will be counted."

As chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections, Senator Lazich is a driving force behind election reform measures. Along with SB 115 and 116, Lazich was closely involved in writing Wisconsin’s new voter ID legislation.