Bill passed says write-in candidates wouldn't have to be counted

MADISON (AP) — Mickey Mouse, Aaron Rodgers and other famous people and characters entered as write-in candidates for public office would not have to be counted any longer under a bill passed by the Wisconsin State Senate.

Current law requires every vote be counted for the candidate it was intended, even if it's Mickey Mouse or Bart Simpson. Election officials say that can be a time-consuming, laborious process.

The bill passed on a voice vote Tuesday, March 11th would require in most cases that write-in candidates only be counted for registered candidates. If a certified candidate dies or withdraws before the election, all write-in votes would be counted.

The proposal now heads to the Assembly, where it also must pass and be signed by Gov. Scott Walker before becoming law.