April 2nd Wisconsin Ballot Measures Would Prohibit Outside Help & Funding, Hampering Small Town Elections

Brian Beihl

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for March 26, 2024

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

While the candidates for President have already been decided, April 2nd, Wisconsin voters must still vote on two important ballot questions with roots in 2020 conspiracy theories.  One constitutionally bans outside private funding to support election administration, and another limits who can help run elections.

Question 1 would constitutionally ban private funding for elections such as provided by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during the 2020 election.  The pandemic caused municipalities to hastily acquire unbudgeted safety equipment for in-person voting, and to hire more staff to manage record use of mail-in voting.   Unfounded accusations blamed the grant money for increasing turnout of Democrats, contributing to Donald Trump’s loss.

Question 2 limits who can help run elections, but its vague language raises concerns for election officials and democracy groups.  It says, “No individual other than an election official designated by law may perform any task in the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum.”   It’s the “Any task” language which worries officials:  Would stuffing envelopes or directing traffic outside the building require a sworn election official?  

All Voting is Local Wisconsin said the questions were QUOTE “. . . thinly veiled attempts to restrict voting rights and undermine the very foundations of our democratic system.” 

Wisconsin citizens can register in person until March 29th.  We have the questions and how to register at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
BallotPedia – Wisconsin Question 1, Ban on Private and Non-Governmental Funding of Election Administration Amendment (April 2024)
BallotPedia – Wisconsin Question 2, Only Designated Election Officials to Conduct Elections Amendment (April 2024)
Wisconsin Public Radio – Private funds and elections: What voters need to know about the April 2 referendums
Bolts Magazine – Ballot Measure May Scare Away the People Who Help Run Wisconsin Elections
WUWM – What to know about the constitutional amendments on the April 2 ballot
My Vote Wisconsin – How to vote in the 2024 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote

Groups Taking Action:
All Voting is Local Wisconsin, League of Women Voters WI, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, ACLU WI

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