A “yes” vote supports this amendment to add language to the Wisconsin Constitution that only U.S. citizens who are 18 years old or older can vote in federal, state, local, or school elections.
A “no” vote opposes this amendment to add language to the Wisconsin Constitution that only U.S. citizens who are 18 years old or older can vote in federal, state, local, or school elections.
RPSCC supports a “YES” vote!
How would this amendment change who can vote in Wisconsin?
The measure would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to add language to provide that “Only a United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident” may vote in a national, state, or local office or statewide or local ballot measure election. The amendment would also add definitions for local office, national office, referendum, and state office in the state constitution. Currently, the constitution states that “Every United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district” is a qualified voter.[2]
What do other state constitutions say about suffrage and citizenship?
In 1996, the U.S. Congresspassed a law prohibiting noncitizens from voting in federal elections, such as U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and presidential elections. Federal law did not address state or local elections.[3]
All state constitutions mention United States citizenship when discussing who can vote in that state’s elections. In 43 states, constitutional language discussing citizenship says who can vote (e.g. “every citizen” or “all citizens”), but does not state that noncitizens cannot vote. In seven states (Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Ohio) the states’ constitutions provide that citizens, but not noncitizens, have the right to vote. No state constitutions explicitly allowed noncitizens to vote in state or local elections. Since 2018, constitutional amendments to state that only a citizen (rather than every citizen) may vote were approved in six states.
Can noncitizens vote in local elections in other states?
Sixteen municipalities across the country allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections as of December 2023. Eleven were located in Maryland, three were located in Vermont, and two were located in California. San Francisco allowed noncitizens to vote in school board elections by approving Proposition N in 2016.
In June 2022, the New York State Supreme Court for Staten Island overturned a New York City law to allow noncitizen voting, ruling that it violated the state’s constitution. According to Judge Ralph Porzio, “by not expressly including non-citizens in the New York State Constitution, it was the intent of the framers for non-citizens to be omitted.”[4]
(a) “Local office” means any elective office other than a state or national office.
(b) “National office” means the offices of president and vice president of the United States, U.S. senator, and representative in congress.
(c) “Referendum” means an election at which an advisory, validating, or ratifying question is submitted to the electorate.
(d) “State office” means the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state superintendent of public instruction, justice of the supreme court, court of appeals judge, circuit court judge, state senator, state representative to the assembly, and district attorney.
Section 1 (2)EveryOnly a United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district who may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum.[5]
State Sen. Julian Bradley (R-28): “From the debate on this issue last session I know some legislators believe this is unnecessary, but this is a simple straightforward solution to a problem that threatens our constituents most fundamental right, voting. To those who do not believe this is an issue, I would point to the Maryland State Constitution which uses similar language to describe who can vote, ‘every citizen of the United States.’ That language did not stop College Park and 10 other municipalities in Maryland from allowing illegal immigrants to vote in local elections.”
State Rep. Tyler August (R-32): “The right to vote is a sacred one as a United States citizen and is envied across the world. I think it’s important that we protect that right and make sure that votes of citizens aren’t canceled by the votes of noncitizens.”
OPPONENTS of the Amendment:
League of Women Voters of Wisconsin
State Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-66): “Not only are these amendments an attempt to limit access to the ballot box based on misinformation spread by some in this body about the security of our elections. But they’re part of a broader effort by legislative Republicans to circumvent the traditional lawmaking process and enshrine the political agenda in our state’s most important document, the Wisconsin constitution.”
Noncitizen voting in the United States
In 1996, the U.S. Congresspassed a law prohibiting noncitizens from voting in federal elections, such as U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and presidential elections. Federal law did not address state or local elections.[3]
Sixteen municipalities across the country allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections as of December 2023. Eleven were located in Maryland, three were located in Vermont, and two were located in California. San Francisco allowed noncitizens to vote in school board elections by approving Proposition N in 2016.
November 5th General Election 2024 – What’s on the Ballot
Fall General Election: November 5, 2024: What’s on the Ballot
Statewide Question
Wisconsin Citizenship Voting Requirement Amendment
RPSCC supports a “YES” vote!
struck-throughtext would be deleted:[2]EveryOnly a United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district who may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum. [5]Share
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