New Bill Would Allow Wisconsin Voters To Take Selfies With Ballot

Wisconsin voters could legally take selfies with their marked election ballot under a proposal in the state Legislature.

The state Senate elections committee held a hearing Tuesday on the measure that would make it legal for voters to show their marked ballot. Wisconsin is one of 18 states that has a law barring the showing of a completed ballot, but it is rarely enforced.

Bill sponsor Republican state Sen. Dave Craig said showing a marked ballot is a free speech right. Craig said the ban is archaic in the age of social media, where voters are increasingly posting selfies with their completed ballots.

But two local election clerks testified against the measure, saying it could have unintended consequences like making it easier for employers or others to force people to show how they voted.