Final List of Candidates for the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly Who Support Nonpartisan Redistricting Reform and Ending Partisan Gerrymandering

For release: Thursday - October 31, 2024

Image: Wisconsin Deserves Fair Maps Beyond 2024!

Candidates Must Be Proactive to Inform CCWI and Voters of their Position on This Issue – Are the candidates in your area on this list?

In July, Common Cause in Wisconsin (CC/WI) e-mailed every registered Republican, Democratic and Independent candidate for the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly, inviting them to proactively contact us to inform us of their support for nonpartisan redistricting reform and if they wished to have their names listed publicly on our website.

Following the e-mail message to candidates, CC/WI sent this release to inform the public of this initiative. In it, CC/WI invited citizens to contact state legislative candidates in their area to urge their support for ending partisan gerrymandering and to contact CC/WI to have their names listed publicly in support of nonpartisan redistricting reform and specifically this pledge:

I support passing legislation during the 2025 legislative session and enacting into law the requirement that Wisconsin adopt an independent nonpartisan redistricting process to ensure that no political party can create state legislative or congressional voting districts to favor their own political party nor be able to gerrymander Wisconsin’s voting maps in the future.

After the August Primary Election, CC/WI issued this follow-up release once again inviting state legislative candidates to inform us and the public of their support for non-partisan redistricting reform. Today’s release is the third and final invitation to candidates to express public support for the redistricting reform pledge and legislation in 2025 for Wisconsin.

As of today, CC/WI has been contacted by 13 Wisconsin state legislative candidates for the State Senate and 70 candidates for the Assembly. Here is the complete, up-to-date listing of those supportive candidates that have proactively contacted CC/WI to have their names listed.

As we have done during every state legislative election year since 2014, CC/WI wants to make it simple and easy for Wisconsin voters and media to be able to see which state legislative candidates support non-partisan redistricting reform by providing a continually updated list of those candidates on our website.

Any statewide or state legislative candidate (or their authorized proxy) who supports the nonpartisan redistricting pledge and would like to see their name listed on our site should contact CC/WI by phone at (608) 512-9363 (leave a message), or by email. Citizens can and should urge candidates to support non-partisan redistricting reform and request that they get their names on this list. The list will continue to be updated until Election Day, November 5th.

Candidates must be proactive to have their names appear on this site! Even incumbent legislators running for re-election who supported nonpartisan redistricting reform legislation during the last legislative session and previously must contact us to be on the list. Why? Because it demonstrates that they are paying attention and continue to support this reform issue. And, because it’s important for candidates for public office to take the initiative to inform voters about where they stand on important issues like ending partisan gerrymandering in Wisconsin.

Redistricting reform in Wisconsin is critical and necessary if we are ever to return to having a functional, less politically polarized state legislature that is responsive to the citizens of this state rather than to political bosses interested primarily in holding onto power. There is no question that an overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites want and support non-partisan redistricting reform. Now, we will find out which legislative candidates of all political parties are willing to stand up and pledge support for it and for the voters of our state by November 5th and beyond.

Forward!

Jay Heck, Executive Director

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Jay Heck

608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

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College and University Student Voters Will be Pivotal in Battleground Wisconsin Election

For release: Tuesday - October 29, 2024

Image: Students Voting at polling place / iStock photo: Evgeniy Shkolenko

Important Information Students Need to be Able to Vote in Wisconsin! 

With just days to go before the most consequential election in recent years, Wisconsin is once again ground zero in the battle for the Presidency, for control of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, for the Wisconsin Legislature and for many important local election contests, referendums and an important state constitutional ballot question.

A critical element in Wisconsin elections this year will be the degree and extent that the many college and university student voters at public and private institutions, technical and community colleges turn out and make their voices known.

As this recent, excellent segment by Wisconsin Public Television’s Here and Now program demonstrates, Wisconsin’s youth vote will shape the 2024 election.

There are some challenges that student voters must confront this year including being sure not to be intimidated or misled by election disinformation from those seeking to discourage them from participating in this election.

With so much at stake on November 5th, we want to be sure students know what they need and what Wisconsin law requires, in order for them to be able to make important choices on the ballot that will do so much to determine our lives and future. Remember, if you’re in line to vote by 8:00PM on Election Day, stay in line and vote your ballot.

First, students will find straightforward information from Common Cause Wisconsin on how to register to vote, find your polling place, and which photo IDs are eligible to cast a ballot in Wisconsin.

Three Things College Students Need to Do To Vote in Wisconsin

Additionally, Common Cause Wisconsin and Campus Vote Project has created an easy reference for students to look up their institution across the state to see if their current student ID is an acceptable form of ID for voting. Many public and private institutions’ initially issued school ID is not compliant with Wisconsin’s voting laws. It’s very important to find out now if your college or university-issued ID is acceptable for voting. If the student ID cannot be used for voting, students can find out if a separate school-issued photo ID card for voting is available and where to get one. So, if you don't have a WI driver license or one of the other acceptable IDs, know your options and look up your school today!

Note: you can use a school-issued ID for voting that is expired. If you do present an expired student ID, you must also present (or display electronically) at the polls, a separate, current proof of enrollment document, such as an enrollment verification form, class schedule or tuition bill. If your student ID is unexpired, then you do NOT need to present proof of current enrollment. It is important for students to find out and know now whether or not the photo ID issued by their public or private college or university in Wisconsin can be used when voting.

If you were previously registered to vote in Wisconsin, you can check your registration through the official Wisconsin Elections Commission portal: MyVote.wi.gov. If you are not registered at your current address, you can register when you go to vote - during early in-person absentee voting (going on NOW!) and on November 5th - Election Day. You will need a proof of residence document which you can provide electronically on your device or with a paper copy. What’s a valid proof of residence document? You can find examples here.

A couple of other things. You can vote early with an in person absentee ballot in most places in Wisconsin through this coming Friday, November 1st and over the weekend in some communities. Go to MyVote.wi.gov to find out where you can vote early in person or the location of your polling place if you plan to vote on November 5th – Election Day. And if you have any problems or questions, text or call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Additionally, if you have in your possession an absentee ballot and have not yet mailed it to your local election clerk’s office, DO NOT PUT IT IN the US MAIL NOW as it will not arrive at the clerk’s office in time to be counted. Instead, return your absentee ballot to your local election clerk’s office in person or, if there is one available for use in your community, deposit your completed and witnessed absentee ballot in a secure ballot drop box. Again, go to MyVote.wi.gov to find out where your election clerk’s office is located or if a ballot drop box is available for use in your community.

Please share this information widely with anyone you know who is attending a college, university, community or technical school in Wisconsin!

Students: Make voting in Wisconsin a priority and an important part of your college or university experience. Prepare now, so your voter experience is smooth and without hassle when you cast your ballot in this November’s election and beyond.

One last thing. Your vote, especially in Wisconsin really matters and every vote really does make a difference. Four of the six elections for President of the United States since the year 2000 have been decided in Wisconsin by less than one percent of the vote! That means as few as about 6,000 votes have separated the winner from the loser in our state. So that means your voice does get heard and your vote really does count and will matter. Therefore, make voting a priority on November 5th and to make it easier on yourself, prepare to vote now!

Forward and On Wisconsin!

Jay Heck

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Jay Heck

608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

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Be Vote Ready in Wisconsin

For release: Saturday - October 19, 2024

Image: Election Protect Hotline Numbers (listed below in the body of the email)

Voting celebrations, resources, and information for YOU

The most consequential election of our lifetime is now literally just days away! Here are a few suggestions about how to get actively engaged and check off items on your election "to do" list.

❓Need Help or Have Questions? There are answers at 866-OUR-VOTE

Common Cause Wisconsin is part of the largest nonpartisan election help program designed to assist voters who have questions or run into any challenges when casting a ballot. Voters who need help finding out how to register to vote or to locate their correct polling location, or any other voting issues, can call or text, 866-OUR-VOTE, a toll free hotline with trained nonpartisan volunteers ready to help.  

The following hotline numbers are active in the following languages:  

ENGLISH: 866-OUR-VOTE 866-687-8683

SPANISH: 888-VE-Y-VOTA 888-839-8682

ASIAN LANGUAGES/ENGLISH: 888-API-VOTE 888-274-8683

ARABIC/ENGLISH 844-YALLA-US: 844-925-5287

📬Mailed Absentee Ballot - Return Yours Today!

Just a reminder: return your mailed absentee ballot if you have not done so already. Follow your clerk’s instructions that are included with your ballot to complete and return your ballot. While the U.S. mail is reliable, there have been reports of delays in Wisconsin. If you are mailing back your ballot, we recommend mailing it by October 25th. Otherwise, look for additional options from your clerk to return your ballot at MyVote.wi.gov or contact your clerk.

🎉Celebrate Voting - Early In-Person Absentee Voting Begins Tuesday!

Next Tuesday, October 22nd partner organizations are hosting Early Vote Kick-Off Day of Action events and celebrations in Milwaukee and Madison and Kenosha. Join if you can!

The Kick Off events on Tuesday (10/22) are to mark the beginning of In-Person Absentee Voting (aka Early Voting). You can check the official dates, times, and locations to complete your ballot from your clerk at MyVote.wi.gov. Any voter can use these early vote days for any reason. Make sure you have a plan to cast your ballot. You can preview your ballot from the MyVote.wi.gov site as well.

🚗Need a ride to the polls - including to early vote?

Our friends with the WI Disability Vote Coalition have compiled information about how you can secure a ride to go vote. This includes ride services during the In-Person Absentee Voting (aka Early Voting) beginning October 22nd and for the weeks ahead of the election and Election Day (November 5). Most services are free or for a small fee, and include accessible transportation options as well. You can find this useful resource on the Disability Vote Coalition's website.

😆And finally, a little election humor

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell and staff must deal with Chad Vader’s attempt to interfere at a polling site on Election Day in a humorous and educational video about running elections in Wisconsin. A fun way to share the facts!

Election day will be here shortly. Be sure you have a plan to vote and encourage everyone you know to vote as well. This may be the most important election of our lifetimes and in Wisconsin every vote does and will matter!

Forward!

Jay Heck, Common Cause Wisconsin Executive Director

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Jay Heck

608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

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Common Cause Wisconsin Urges “NO” Vote on Cynical Constitutional Ballot Question About Voting

For release: Tuesday - October 16, 2024

Image: Our voting rights are on the ballot! Vote No. November 5 Wisconsin Constitutional Amendment

Measure Could Disenfranchise Many Current Wisconsin Voters

Wisconsin voters have a number of critical choices to make at the ballot box this November. The U.S. Presidency, political control of the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and the Wisconsin Legislature are all up for grabs. But also slipped onto the ballot by a partisan and divisive vote of state legislators is a confusing constitutional amendment ballot question about voting rights. Common Cause urges voters to resoundingly reject the amendment with a ‘NO’ vote.

The question on the statewide ballot reads: “Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the (Wisconsin) constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?”

Much of that sentence is already enshrined in the Wisconsin Constitution. The major change is the word “only” replacing the current word “every.” And why is that change critically important and significant?

Because the Republicans, under the control and manipulation of Donald Trump, are hoping to frighten more people to the polls by raising the possibility of undocumented immigrants illegally voting -- even though they can’t and don’t. Under current law, if a non-citizen tries to vote in a Wisconsin election, they are subject to severe civil and criminal penalties and even deportation. Immigrant voting just doesn’t happen in our state. Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting for the U.S. President or Congress. Violators can be sentenced up to five years in prison and to deportation for simply registering to vote.

Additionally, the more restrictive language in the ballot question, if adopted, could lead to the disenfranchisement of American citizens at the ballot box. An unrestrained court could conceivably block a citizen from voting if they do not possess a U.S. passport or cannot access their birth certificate and cannot produce them when voting. There are numerous Wisconsin voters who currently do not possess a passport or cannot readily and easily locate their birth certificate. Should all or any of those eligible U.S. citizens be prevented from voting? That could occur if this misguided ballot question passes on November 5th.

“I will be voting NO on the constitutional amendment that could limit the voting rights of many people. Wisconsin citizens do not need more red tape when it is time to cast their vote,“ said Penny Bernard Schaber, the Chair of the Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) Advisory Board and a former state representative from Appleton from 2009 to 2015.

“This abusive attempt to amend the state constitution is a continuation of an ongoing scheme by the current gerrymandered Republican majority in the Wisconsin Legislature to enact their partisan agenda and get their way, bypassing the Governor rather than working with him and others to reach a bipartisan consensus on this and other matters,” added Jay Heck the executive director of CC/WI since 1996.

State voters wisely and decisively defeated two such ballot questions this past August after being educated about them and should rise up and do so again on November 5th. A resounding “NO” vote is the only sane and responsible option on this ballot question as well.

On Wisconsin. Forward!

Jay Heck, Common Cause Wisconsin Executive Director

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Jay Heck

608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

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