Background on Constitutional Amendments

In Wisconsin, our state constitution can be amended through a referendum. In order to trigger a referendum, the amendment must be passed in two consecutive sessions of the legislature. Constitutional amendments are not subject to veto by the governor.

Our state constitution can also be amended through a constitutional convention. This process would also involve a referendum, asking voters to approve calling a constitutional convention.

We don’t think a constitutional amendment is needed. Vote NO. Read on to hear what the League of Women Voters think.

Our local news program Western Wisconsin News has interviewed the League of Women Voters on why they are recommending NO. Hear the interview below.

#1 Constitutional Amendment

“Use of private funds in election administration. Shall section 7 (1) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that private donations and grants may not be applied for, accepted, expended, or used in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum?”

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The League of Women Voters has thoroughly researched these questions, considering the implications of these amendments. They explain, “Our state relies on critical funding to ensure our elections run smoothly, to educate voters, and to train poll workers. How long we have to wait in lines to vote, how many polling locations are open, and the speed of results are all determined by how much money our state allocates to fund our elections. Prohibiting our state from receiving grants to fund our elections doesn’t improve election integrity, it worsens it. Our democracy depends on an election system that is fair and accessible to all voters. That’s why we’re voting NO in April.“

Additionally, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin states, “Republicans want to amend our state constitution to restrict the ability of municipalities to access grant funding to keep our elections running smoothly. This constitutional amendment would leave local governments with fewer resources, and may even be forced to raise taxes or close polling places to make up the difference.”

WHERE WE STAND

Elections are a lot of work. Clerks in St. Croix County rely on a whole host of outside experts, volunteers, and community members to make sure our elections are run smoothly and the results are accurate. A handful of politicians want to make the jobs of our election heroes even harder. That’s why we are standing with the League of Women Voters to vote NO on Constitutional Amendment #1

#2 Constitutional Amendment

“Election officials. Shall section 7 (2) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums?”

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

No matter our race, background, or zip code, Wisconsinites know that voting is a fundamental right, yet a handful of politicians want to limit funding for our elections without any plan to make sure election administrators have the support and supplies they need to help voters make their voices heard.

There is great uncertainty about what two key components of this amendment would mean. “Election official” as authorized by law can carry several different lawful meanings and “conduct an election” is also not further defined. The League of Women Voters recommends voting NO for these amendments.

WHERE WE STAND

We stand with the League of Women Voters on both constitutional amendments. The right to vote is an American freedom. When elected officials try to pass knee-jerk laws that affect the safety and security of our elections, they are preventing voters from making their voices heard.

In April, we’re voting NO on both constitutional amendments because we know how important it is to have fully-funded elections to ensure all eligible voters have their voices heard. Vote NO on both constitutional amendments on April 2.