Fair Voting Maps for Wisconsin: What's Next?

For release: Wednesday - April 10, 2024

Image: Wisconsin Deserves Fair Maps Beyond 2024

Join Fellow Fair Maps Supporters in Wausau on April 20th

It has been nearly two months since the enactment into law of fair state legislative district voting maps for Wisconsin effective for the 2024 elections. On February 19, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation establishing new and much fairer and more competitive Wisconsin Assembly and Senate districts submitted to the Wisconsin Supreme Court after the Court struck down as unconstitutional unfair, partisan gerrymandered maps rammed into place during 2021-22. Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) and other reformers supported those maps because they were great for voters even if partisan Republicans and Democrats didn't favor them.

Currently, the Wisconsin Elections Commission is working to get the new district lines in place and ready for the upcoming state legislative elections including for the August primary and the November general elections. These new maps, selected in part because they offered the most stability and certainty for Wisconsin voters and are less susceptible to a legal challenge than any of the other maps submitted to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, are likely to remain in place until the next decennial Census in 2030, followed by the 2031 redistricting process.

But these current maps are only a temporary solution until 2030-31. The current, completely inadequate and partisan redistricting system that caused gerrymandered maps to be enacted into law in 2011 and then again in 2021-22 is still "on the books" in Wisconsin. Therefore, a new law changing how redistricting is done in the future is essential for fair voting maps to survive and be made a permanent fixture of Wisconsin law.

On Saturday, April 20th fair maps proponents will be gathering in Wausau to begin to discuss this matter and start to map out a path toward achieving a nonpartisan redistricting process for Wisconsin to be in place and ready to accomplish redistricting of state legislative and congressional districts in 2031. CC/WI Co-Chair Penny Bernard Schaber, a former Wisconsin state representative from Appleton and many other fair maps advocates will be on hand to talk and learn along with you and every Wisconsinite who is interested in making fair voting maps and nonpartisan redistricting a permanent part of the political landscape in Wisconsin.

If you want to know what comes next for keeping fair maps for Wisconsin and want to have a direct impact on better policy and redistricting reforms and want to help keep state legislators accountable to the people of Wisconsin, then join leaders, activists, and people from across the state in an interactive and engaging planning event on Saturday, April 20th in Wausau. You can opt to attend in person or virtually. We need your voice to help with the next steps to ensure we have Fair Maps beyond 2024. 

For more information and to REGISTER go here: https://bit.ly/FMC_StrategyPlanning2024

On Wisconsin!  Forward.

Jay Heck, Executive Director, Common Cause Wisconsin

--------------------------

Jay Heck

608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

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Today is Spring Election Day - Vote TODAY!

For release: Tuesday - April 2, 2024

Image: I am a voter

Vote NO on the Two Statewide Constitutional Amendment Ballot Questions

Today is the perfect day to flex your democracy muscles by participating in the April Spring Election. Your vote will help determine some of the policies that will guide our communities and state in years to come.

 

This email will help you understand what you need to do today to ensure your vote is counted and that you are prepared to mark your ballot.

Mail-in Absentee Ballot Return

If you still have an absentee ballot that was mailed to you and you have not returned it yet, be sure to personally hand return your completed ballot TODAY. Absolutely Do NOT mail it! All ballots need to be received no later than 8:00 PM today (Tuesday) on Election Day. Your clerk and myvote.wi.gov will have information about where you can return your ballot.

 

Don't forget: The ballot envelope needs a witness signature and the complete address of the witness, filled out by the witness.

 

REMINDER: Voters with a disability who need assistance may have someone return their absentee ballot.

 

You can track your ballot through the official ballot tracker on MyVote. Don't see that your ballot was received? Contact your clerk for further information.

 

In-Person Voting at your Polling Location on Election Day 

If you are planning to vote in person at the polls, read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM today, Tuesday, April 2nd.

 

Polling Location 

Polling places can change from election to election. To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the Find My Polling Place page on the MyVote Wisconsin website and type in your address.

 

Registration 

You can register to vote on Election Day at your polling location. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 28 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward. You'll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically - like on your phone or tablet).

 

Photo ID 

State law requires you to show one of the limited number of acceptable photo IDs in order for you to be able to vote. If you have a Wisconsin driver's license or a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued ID card, then you’re all set. Selected other forms of ID work too, and it’s very important to check the official list of acceptable IDs at Bring It to The Ballot to make sure you have what you need.

 

What if you don't have an acceptable ID to vote today? You can ask for AND vote with a provisional ballot. But, for your ballot to be counted, you MUST either come back to your polling place with an acceptable form of ID before it closes at 8:00 PM on Election Day OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk's office by 4:00 PM the Friday after the election (Friday, April 5th). If you don't have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, call or text the VoteRiders helpline 866-ID-2-VOTE for assistance.

 

Your Ballot 

You will find primarily local and possibly some state election contests on your ballot. This may include City Council, Village President, Judges, Mayor, School Board, and other offices. (Find out what is on your ballot at MyVote). These offices and the people who serve in these roles have a direct impact on your life.

 

Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidate best represents your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411. Also, there are TWO Statewide Ballot Questions on your ballot. You should know that we believe​ these two statewide ballot questions would adversely affect voting in Wisconsin, and will make changes to our state’s constitution if they pass (and we think they should be rejected with a no vote). You can read the wording of these questions and more about why they should NOT be supported in this previous post from Common Cause WI.

 

College Students voting in Wisconsin 

Are you a public or private college or university student voting in Wisconsin? Or do you know a student who wants to vote in Wisconsin? Photo IDs issued by Wisconsin colleges and universities may or may not be compliant with Wisconsin law to vote. We can help you find out, here: Three Things College Students Need to Do To Vote in Wisconsin

 

Have questions or need some assistance? 

Help is just a call, text, or email away.

 

If you experience problems at the polls or have questions, there is help. Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with any questions you have or to report problems.

 

Voters with disabilities have the right to have ready access to any polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking and returning an absentee ballot, and voting curbside at a polling location. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Or email: info@disabilityvote.org. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.

 

Cast your ballot and make your voice heard and your vote count in this April Election! Encourage anyone and everyone you know who is eligible to vote in Wisconsin to do so in person at their polling place until 8 PM tonight or to return their absentee ballot to their election clerk’s office if they still have it and have not yet returned it.

In lower turnout Spring elections like this one your voice matters and makes a difference even more so because fewer people participate. So, exercise your constitutional right to vote. And again, we urge your vote against the two state constitutional ballot questions.

On Wisconsin. Forward!

Jay Heck, Executive Director, Common Cause Wisconsin

--------------------------

152 Johnson St, Suite 212

Madison, WI 53703

www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Jay Heck

Executive Director

608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin

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In The News - March 2024

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Capital City Sunday: April primary preview
March 31, 2024 - Sara Maslar-Donar and Darrielle Fair, WKOW 27

In quest to change voting rules, Republicans push ballot measures in key battleground states
March 29, 2024 - Fredreka Schouten, CNN

Two constitutional amendments go before Wisconsin voters
March 27, 2024 - Jason Zimmerman, WBAY 2, Green Bay

In Person Absentee Voting
March 26, 2024 - Greg Stensland, Between the Lines, WFDL fm radio

The battle over ‘Zuckerbucks’ comes to Wisconsin
March 26, 2024 - David Weigel, Semafor

On the ballot: State referendum questions on elections
March 22, 2024 - Katie Thoresen, WXPR

Wisconsin Trails Behind Other Swing States in Strengthening Election Policies Following 2020 Turmoil
March 20, 2024 - Jennifer Clark, The Artist

Robin Vos recall chaos raises questions about Wisconsin laws
March 19, 2024 - Andrew Bahl, The Cap Times

What to know about the constitutional amendments on the April 2 ballot
March 19, 2024 - Lina Tran, WUWM 89.7 FM Milwaukee

Wisconsin is lagging behind other swing states in shoring up election policies following 2020 chaos
March 18, 2024 - Adam Edelman, NBC News

Constitutional referenda on ballot in April take aim at Republican ‘Zuckerbucks’ complaints
March 15, 2024 - Henry Redman, Wisconsin Examiner

Constitutional Amendments on the April Ballot
March 13, 2024 - Greg Stensland, Between the Lines, WFDL fm radio

Wisconsin Anti-Gerrymandering (video)
March 11, 2024 - Business for Democracy, American Sustainable Business Network

Wisconsin Legislature’s Era of Gerrymandered Maps is Over
March 2, 2024 - Charles Horowitz, Policy Reform Now

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Voting in the Spring General Election Has Begun!

For release: Wednesday - March 20, 2024

Image: I Voted Sticker

Including for Two Constitutional Ballot Questions Which Could Adversely Impact Elections in Wisconsin

Voting in the 2024 Wisconsin Spring General Election is now underway! All Wisconsin voters can choose one of three ways to cast their ballot:

1. At your polling location on April 2nd,

2. With an absentee ballot by mail,

3. Or in person by absentee ballot at your clerk’s office or other officially designated area (aka “early vote”) which is available now.

Remember every election matters, and state and local races have a direct impact on your daily life. These races may include elections for City Council, Village President, Judges, School Board, Mayor, and County Supervisors and others. (Find out what is on your ballot at MyVote.wi.gov).The more local the election, the more likely the people elected may live in your neighborhood. Your vote matters greatly in our state and local elections.

Also, you should know there are two statewide ballot questions that will make changes to our state’s constitution if they pass (and we think they should be rejected with a no vote). You can read the wording of these questions and more about why they should not be supported in a previous post from CCWI.

A few other things to know:

Register to Vote: You must be registered to vote to cast your ballot in the April 2nd Spring Election. You can register with your municipal clerk before Election Day or if you vote by absentee ballot during “early voting.” Or, in Wisconsin, you can register at your polling location on Election Day before you vote.

Bring Your Voter-Compliant Photo ID When You Go to Vote: Visit BringIt.wi.gov for more information about the types of ID that can be used to vote. Here, you can also learn about how to get a free ID to use for voting.

 

How to request an absentee ballot by mail: Go to MyVote.wi.gov and make a request to your municipal clerk for your absentee ballot to be sent to you by mail. In Wisconsin, any registered voter can vote absentee - no excuses needed. Request your ballot for the April election TODAY. The sooner you make your request, the more likely you are to receive and be able to send back your ballot in time for it to be counted. Be sure to follow the instructions when filling out your ballot and double check to make sure the ballot envelope is complete, including your witness's name and complete address. Remember, if you return your ballot in person, you must return your own ballot! However, voters with disabilities can have assistance when returning a ballot. (More information from the Wisconsin Election Commission.) If you still have your mailed ballot, please return it today.

 

How to Vote In Person by Absentee Ballot: You can also go to MyVote.wi.gov to get information about in person voting by absentee ballot (aka “early vote”) including dates, times, and locations. Your municipal clerk’s office will also have this information.

On Your Ballot: Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidates best represent your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411 including ballot referenda that you answer with a yes or no vote. Many local papers across the state will also publish candidate interviews prior to the election.

Wisconsin's younger and relatively new voters should be preparing to vote too. Here is important information from the Common Cause Wisconsin website to share: Three Things College Students Need to Do To Vote in Wisconsin

Have questions or need some assistance? Beyond the resources of your municipal clerk, help is just a call, text, or email away!

 

• Voters with disabilities have the right to an accessible polling place, including using an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking a ballot, and using curbside voting. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Or email: info@disabilityvote.org. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.

• Call or text Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with questions or to report problems.

Take the time to make a plan to vote in this Spring Election! Return your mailed absentee ballot, fill out your ballot early in person, or go to the polls on Election Day, April 2nd. There is action you can take today to ensure you’re ready to cast your ballot and your vote is counted.

The 2024 elections – particularly in Wisconsin – are among the most consequential elections in our lifetime for all of the obvious reasons that you and I know about and understand. Use this Spring election to exercise your voting muscle (and vote against those two constitutional amendment ballot questions) to be in shape for the all-important election ahead in November.

On Wisconsin!  

Jay Heck

--------------------------

Jay Heck

Executive Director

608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Read More...

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