VOTE NO x 2 on April 2, 2024
Two questions about proposed amendments to the WI Constitution are on the April 2 ballot. Both concern election funding and administration. The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and other voting rights organizations urge citizens to VOTE NO on both questions. These questions are not advisory; if passed, the WI constitution would be amended. The governor cannot override the results with a veto, and it is very difficult to repeal a constitutional amendment. These proposed amendments could result in decreased funding for elections, longer wait times to vote, slower ballot processing and less voter outreach.
Question 1: “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?"
Question 2: “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?"
The referendum questions are worded in a way that may leave voters wondering about the impact of a yes or no vote. Local governments routinely apply for and accept funding through private grants as well as federal grants. The proposed amendments were prompted by the April 2020 election held at the start of the pandemic. The Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL), an organization funded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, donated money to help WI municipalities run elections. Grants were awarded to more than 200 municipalities in WI, with the largest cities getting the largest amounts. The CTCL gave more than 2,500 election grants nationwide.
The money was used for things like buying scarce PPE, plexiglass barriers, and providing hazard pay for poll workers, who didn't want to defy the governor's stay-at-home order. It is important to note that donated private money becomes public funds subject to the laws regarding election administration. A lawsuit seeking to prohibit the acceptance of the funds was rejected by the WI Supreme Court and a federal court.
Question 2 is problematic because of its vague wording that does not define an “election official,” and does not address the people that clerks rely on to help run elections: volunteers, election observers and government bodies such as those that provide security and law enforcement services.
These constitutional amendments are rooted in disinformation and a lack of consideration for voters and our hard working local election administrators.
The nonpartisan voting rights organization Common Cause published an informative statement about the importance of rejecting the proposed amendments. Read the explanation from Common Cause here. Also, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has published a guide to what those questions mean, and what they would (or wouldn't) do if added to the state Constitution. Please spread the word to VOTE NO x 2!