Wisconsin ballot news
From Ballotpedia
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| Propositions • | Recall | • Law |
Here you'll find a collection of ballot news stories from Wisconsin.
Wisconsin study says early voting can decrease turnout
MADISON, Wisconsin: This month the University of Wisconsin released a study that says that early voting, such as early and absentee voting, can reduce the total voter turnout.[1] "Early and absentee voting siphons activity away from Election Day itself that would have stimulated turnout," said the report. The report was conducted by University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professors Barry Burden, Kenneth Mayer and David Canon, as well as public affairs professor Donald Moynihan from La Follette School of Public Affairs.[2]
The full report can be found here.
Wisconsin school board taps fund balance to relieve levy
MUSKEGO, Wisconsin: In light of recently lost funds the Muskego-Norway School Board voted this month to use a portion of the districts fund balance to reduce the district's budget and levy.[3] The school district lost a total of $1.6 million in state aid for the 2009-2010 school year and needs to cut $1 million from the school budget. However, the board said that they did not want the school tax levy to go higher than last year's 3.07 percent increase because of the current state of the economy.[4] The board has already identified $1.6 million to $1.9 million in potential cuts and revenue enhancers. Additionally, the board is considering reducing administrative salaries and fringe benefits. The board plans to review the proposals on August 24, 2009.[3]
Suamico residents submitt petition for building project referendum
SUAMICO, Wisconsin: Suamico village residents have submitted a petition, signed by approximately 1,000 area registered voters, seeking referendum on a proposed $6 million municipal building project. The village board will review and verify the petition and will address the issue in the next board meeting on July 20, 2009.[5]
The proposed building project will house the police department and the public works department, which will be located in the central part of the village. Although residents are not in opposition to a new building, many expressed concerns due to a lack of consideration from the town board.
According to Suamico resident Ben Schenkelberg: "We want a vote for it on our terms. We're for a (Department of Public Works) building, but we want a different site. Let us decide what the building should be like."
Wisconsin might hold vote on voter ID card next year
Wisconsin: Voters in Wauwatosa county in Wisconsin have called for an advisory referendum on whether Wisconsin should require all voters to show a state-issued ID before they're allowed. If the referendum question passes a Common Council committee's scrutiny, Wauwatosa will have been the first community to successfully bring the issue to the ballot. Alderwoman Jacqueline Jay said she originally called for the referendum because she wanted to see stronger strictures against voter fraud and so that "people...feel more confident in the voting requirements of our state."[6] The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on extremely similar issues elsewhere; in 2008, they ruled in Indiana that all voters have to present a government-issued driver's license or passport, which are provided by the state to resident citizens at no cost to them.
Opponents of the measure feel that it is a waste of time and resources, some saying that they would prefer every-day issues concentrated on, rather than one's which become pertinent every two years. Others have even said that requiring a state ID would discourage minorities and the elderly from voting regularly. This has been refuted by Alderwoman Jay when she pointed out that Indiana and Georgia, both of which require state IDs, saw the highest voter turnout in decades this past general election.[6]
Milwaukee judge finds sick leave initiative unconstitutional
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin: Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Cooper today ruled that Milwaukee's 2008 paid sick leave initiative is unconstitutional.
After hearing arguments last month by those opposed to to the measure, Cooper issued a 38-page decision Friday, stating "this is a case where a proposed ordinance's reach exceeds its grasp."
The measure, approved through a rare procedure known as "direct legislation," mandated that Milwaukee employers give employees one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, or nine days per year. The day after the initiative was approved by voters, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) filed a notice of claim to Milwaukee, informing the city it planned to take legal action against the measure. It contended "the ordinance exceeds the legislative authority conferred to the city by the state".
Supporters of the measure said they were weighing options.[7]
CRG assisting with Doyle Recall
Citizens for Responsible Government is assisting Wisconsinites Interest Now in the Jim Doyle recall, 2009. Over three thousand volunteers have signed up, and the recall will begin once volunteers hit the ten thousand mark.
Wisconsin voters mixed on school measures
On April 7, Wisconsin voters split on 44 local school measures, defeating 22 and approving 22. Voters in other Wisconsin school districts have school choices to make on April 21, 28 and May 19.
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