The 2023 Wisconsin spring general election is April 4. The election will determine a new justice on the Supreme Court as well as other local, nonpartisan offices.
Here's what you need to know to cast your ballot:
When are polls open for the Wisconsin April 4 general election?
Election day voting goes from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All eligible voters in line at 8 p.m. will be able to vote.
Who's running for Supreme Court?
The high-stakes election has liberal Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz facing off against conservative former Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly. The court's majority will be determined by the outcome of this race, as it currently holds a 4-3 conservative lean and the new justice will replace conservative Patience Roggensack, who chose not to run for reelection.
Welfare Referendum
The election is on April 4. Do you know what's on your ballot? We are taking a look at the Welfare Referendum that will appear on every Wisconsin voters' ballot. The League is urging voters to VOTE NO!
What is an advisory referendum? The results of this referendum will have no impact on the current law. However, legislative leadership said the results of this referendum will be used to guide future legislation.
What is the question? “Shall able-bodied, childless adults be required to look for work in order to receive taxpayer-funded welfare benefits?" Voters can visit MyVote.WI.Gov to see the full sample language on their ballot.
What are the issues with this referendum? It is misleading. The question does not properly inform voters and this vague wording could cause problems down the line.
1) Voters do not know what taxpayer-funded welfare benefits are being referred to. This could apply to a number of public benefit programs.
2) Additionally, the term “able-bodied” is not defined. Are there exceptions? For example, does this apply to a person who is able-bodied but who has a mental health condition?
Voters can’t make a reasonable decision when casting their vote on this vague advisory referendum.
