[The Door Democratic Board received an email from DPW with a topic that is both important and urgent. The Board wants the email made available to all members and readers of this website. That email follows verbatim with emphasis and headlines added by the Editor]
Hello Party Leaders,
We wanted to reach out today to provide you with an important update regarding Questions 1 and 2— state constitutional amendments on the April 2nd, Spring General Election ballot.
“NO” Vote Recommended for Both the MAGA Inspired Constitutional Amendments on the April 2nd ballot.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s Administrative Committee has voted unanimously to endorse a “NO” vote on both ballot questions.
Fueled by Donald Trump’s lies about the 2020 election, Republicans are pushing this amendment in an effort to meddle in election administration and leave municipalities with fewer resources to keep polling places open. Trump’s lies and conspiracies shouldn’t dictate what’s written in our state constitution—and that’s exactly what’s happening with this amendment.
Higher Taxes and Fewer Polling Places Could Result From Question 1
Question 1 would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to prohibit municipalities from accepting nonpartisan grants to help fund election administration. During the pandemic, local governments relied on nonpartisan grants to help keep polling places open and make voting safe. Following the election, Trump and his allies seized on these grants to fuel the so-called “Zuckerbucks” conspiracy—falsely claiming that municipalities had used funds from a nonprofit connected to Mark Zuckerberg to improperly influence elections.
If enacted, Question 1 would leave municipalities to do more with fewer resources, and may force local officials to close polling places altogether or even raise taxes to ensure elections run smoothly.
Second Question Makes It Easier for MAGA Officials to Claim Election Conspiracy
Question 2 would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to state that no one other than an election official authorized by law may help conduct any election in the state. Because of the amendment’s ambiguous wording, it is expected that litigation in court would be required for this section of the amendment to have any effect.
If enacted, Question 2 would make it harder for election officials to run elections by introducing uncertainty over who is considered an “election official.” Would a volunteer greeting voters outside of a polling place be considered an election official? What about a police officer escorting election materials on election night? It’s likely only a court could decide—opening up opportunities for Trump and Republicans to cast doubts and spread conspiracies if election results don’t go their way. The uncertainties created by this amendment have no place in our state constitution.
This amendment is wrong for Wisconsin, and we appreciate your help in getting the word out. As always, let us know if you have any questions, and thank you for your continued work!
Best,
DPW Party Affairs Team
