Date: 6/13/2024
Subject: LWVMC: Weekly Update for June 13th
From: League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County

Ballot Bulletin: Voting Rights for Wisconsinites with Felony Convictions

Time for another LWVWI Ballot Bulletin, where we highlight various election security topics so we are all better informed about the processes in place to ensure our elections are fair, accessible, and secure.

As the League of Women Voters we believe that every voice matters - and that includes citizens with criminal convictions. Our democracy is better when we are all able to participate. So what does the current law in Wisconsin say about voter eligibility for Wisconsinites with criminal convictions?

You can vote if you…

were convicted of a felony and you are “off paper” (you are not on parole, probation, or extended supervision)
are in jail on Election Day but have not yet been convicted of a felony or pled guilty to a felony
were convicted of a misdemeanor, whether you are in jail or not

You cannot vote if you…

are in prison or on probation, on parole or supervision for a felony or misdemeanor bribery or treason

Rights Restoration

Wisconsinites with felony convictions automatically have their voting rights restored after they have completed their felony sentence including probation, parole, or extended supervision. Once voting rights have been restored, those individuals must re-register to vote in order to participate in future elections. They can do so online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, or in person.

Unfortunately, many people who have completed their felony sentence are not informed or are otherwise unaware that their right to vote has been restored. If you or someone you know has questions, contact the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE. Read the complete Ballot Bulletin series here.

Vote NO: August 13 Federal Funds Constitutional Amendment Questions

Overview

Wisconsin voters will be asked two questions to amend (change) the constitution on their August ballot. These potential changes will impact both the process for distributing federal money, and who has the power to make those decisions. These large sweeping changes will impact a wide range of issues voters care about, from education to the environment to how quickly the government can respond to emergencies (like a public health crisis or a natural disaster).

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin knows that if these amendments are passed they will be harmful to the people of our state. We urge voters to VOTE NO on both questions.

Voters must be prepared to answer these questions in the August 13, 2024 election.

The questions on voters’ ballots

Question 1: “Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”

Read more about what this question means Ballotpedia Question 1

Question 2: “Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”

Read more about what this question means Ballotpedia Question 2

What does a “Yes” or a “No” vote mean?

A "yes" vote supports amending the state constitution to require legislative approval from both the senate and assembly before the governor can expend federal money appropriated to the state.

A "no" vote opposes this amendment, thereby allowing the governor to accept and allocate federal funds without seeking an approval vote from the state legislature.

Stance: The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin opposes these constitutional amendment questions and urges voters to VOTE NO on both questions.

And here’s a toolkit with more information about the amendments, social media posts and other deep dive information about these issues.

NO to Amendments Toolkit

Action Alert

Oppose! the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act

On May 16, LWVUS joined coalition partners to oppose the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require citizenship documentation to cast a ballot, despite the fact that voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering to vote.

League members are encouraged to contact the Chair of the Committee on House Administration, Bryan Steil (D-WI). See sample letter here.

Want to get more involved? Contact these committees

FUND DEVELOPMENT - MONEY MATTERS

LWVMC 2024 Spring Appeal

Do you support fighting for everyone’s freedom to vote? Yes! This is why you belong to the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. A donation now, during the Spring Membership Appeal, helps carry out our voter services and advocacy work to empower voters and defend democracy!

Why do we need financial donations from members when we pay dues? Because individual membership is currently $75, with only $13 staying here at LWVMC. LWV US claims $32 and LWV Wisconsin gets $30.

Your $13 does not pay for our budgeted operating and program expenses.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 from the Spring Appeal. With three weeks left, the good news is that we are almost 50% of the way there. Please give what you can in line with your personal budget and the value you place on the important grassroots work of League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County.

You can donate by check made payable to League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County and mailed to the league office at 6737 West Washington Avenue, Suite 2218, West Allis, WI 53214. Or you can donate by credit card HERE.

Another way to give is to donate all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA. Talk with your financial advisor about the tax benefits of making a Qualified Charitable Distribution gift from your IRA to the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. Have the check made out to the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. Our EIN number is 39-6096750 THANK YOU!!
P.S. If you’ve misplaced the Spring Appeal letter from Nancy Maloney, LWVMC President, please find an electronic version here.

Special Elections this Summer and Fall

The Governor has called special elections in both State Senate District 4. Special elections often fly under the radar for most voters, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Voters in State Senate District 4 mark your calendars and make your plan to vote in this important special election. The winner of this special election will complete the remaining term of State Senator Lena Taylor.
Key Dates:

Special Primary - July 2 (Early voting begins June 18)
Special Election - July 30 (Early voting begins July 16)

As we get closer to the elections, be sure to check VOTE411.org for information about the candidates.

FIND YOUR DISTRICT

June 28th, 10:00 a.m.

Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Community Room

2320 N Cramer St, Milwaukee

At our May meeting we chose our books for June and August. In June we will discuss: These Are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runs―and Wrecks―America by Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner. For a synopsis of it, as well as info on our August selection, CLICK HERE.

We encourage everyone to come to the League Cafe. Remember, it is not necessary to finish the book (or read it at all!) to come to a meeting of the League Cafe.

Please contact any one of us should you have questions. Thank you!

Marie Garnhart: smgarnhart@gmail.com

Pat McFarland: p.mcfarland@lwvmilwaukee.org

Mary Ellen Spicuzza: me.spicuzza@lwvmilwaukee.org

Prepare yourself to help people register to vote!

Learn how to register people to vote using MyVote.wi.gov. Learn what is acceptable photo ID for voting in Wisconsin and how to acquire it. Registration required.

Thursday, June 27 | 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm | St. Mark AME Church, 1616 W. Atkinson

Questions regarding this announcement? Please email e.aelion@lwvmilwaukee.org

Dairyland Decides: The Pivotal Battleground of American Politics

Join this enlightening discussion and luncheon during the Republican National Convention, featuring an all-star team of political commentators. Delve into the dynamic political landscapes of Wisconsin and across the United States as our experts dissect current trends, predict upcoming shifts, and analyze the impact of recent policy decisions on future elections. This session promises to offer a deep dive into the critical races and key battleground states that could determine the balance of power. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain unique perspectives and valuable insights into the evolving American political scene. More information and registration here.

Accessing Members-Only Website Portal

The LWVMC website has information and resources that are available only to LWVMC members. To access the membership directory or members-only resources and volunteer opportunities, click on the button below. Contact Mary Ellen Spicuzza at me.spicuzza@lwvmilwaukee.org with any questions.

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Your support is critical to help our nonpartisan grassroots organization reach voters play a critical role in democracy. It would not be possible to empower voters and defend democracy without your support.

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