For the last several months, Wisconsin and the nation have been focused on the upcoming state Supreme Court Election. You likely know by now how important this fast-approaching April 4th statewide election in Wisconsin is to elect a new Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which will determine the ideological balance of the court and the direction the state will take in the years immediately ahead. The New York Times, Washington Post and other national publications and experts have described this Wisconsin judicial contest as the most consequential and important election in the entire nation during all of 2023! You do NOT want to miss having your voice heard and your vote count in this critical decision that will have a major impact on the lives of Wisconsinites and Americans nationwide.
This Wisconsin Supreme Court election is already by far, the costliest state judicial election in the history of the United States. More than $30 million will have been spent by both sides and by dark money “outside” groups to try to influence your vote before the votes are counted and a decision is rendered on, or shortly after April 4th. The ramifications of this election for Wisconsinites and for the nation was detailed by Common Cause in Wisconsin during this recent interview with the national publication, The American Independent.
Again, the upcoming 2023 Wisconsin Spring General Election is in just two weeks from today -- April 4th. And today, March 21st, in person absentee voting (aka “early voting”) begins at your clerk’s office or designated site. Whether you are voting by absentee ballot or at your polling place on Election Day, here are things you can take care of now, so you are “vote-ready” for this election. Prepare for April 4th by reviewing and sharing the information below.
Statewide Referenda: There are three statewide referendum questions on the ballot on April 4th, two of which will determine new amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution and the other purely advisory. This article from The Wisconsin Examiner does a good job of explaining what each of these measures would do.
Remember every election matters, and state and local races have a direct impact on your daily life. These races may include, in addition to the statewide election for the State Supreme Court Justice: elections for City Council, Village President, Judges, School Board, Mayor, and County Supervisors and others. (Find out what is on your ballot at MyVote).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.
Register to Vote: You must be registered to vote to cast your ballot in the April 4th 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.
Secure your photo ID: 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.
Choose the Way You Want to Cast Your Ballot: Make a plan to vote one of three ways that are available to all Wisconsin voters:
1. At your polling location on April 4th,
2. With an absentee ballot by mail,
3. Or in person by absentee ballot via your clerk’s office (aka “early vote”) beginning today, March 21st.
Go to MyVote.wi.gov and make a request for your absentee ballot to be sent to you by mail in just seconds. 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 is here from Disability Rights Wisconsin.
You can also go to MyVote.wi.gov to get information about in person voting by absentee ballot (aka “early vote”) from your clerk prior to Election Day including dates, times, and locations. And you can find your polling location if you choose to vote in person on Election Day.
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 youngest voters should be preparing to vote too. Are you a college or university student voting in Wisconsin? Or do you know a student who wants to vote in Wisconsin? 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!
- Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be connected to a nonpartisan person who can help answer all your questions. You can also request services such as getting assistance at the DMV to get an ID (at no cost) to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.
- 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.
This upcoming election for a Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is the most consequential and important in all of the United States during 2023!
Absolutely, positively plan (and have a plan) to vote in this Spring's Election – on or before April 4th! Maybe more than any election in your lifetime, your vote in this election will help decide and determine the future for all of us.
On Wisconsin!
Forward,
Jay Heck
