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Wisconsin 2026 ballot measures
As of December 23, 2025, zero statewide ballot measures were certified for the ballot in Wisconsin in 2026.
Potential measures
| Name | Type | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Prohibit Government Closure of Places of Worship During Emergencies Amendment (2026) | Constitutional rights; Religion | Prohibit the government from closing gatherings at places of worship during declared emergencies, including public health emergencies | |
| Wisconsin Prohibit Government Discrimination or Preferential Treatment Amendment (2026) | Constitutional rights; Affirmative action | Prohibit the government from discriminating or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin | |
| Wisconsin Prohibit Partial Veto to Increase Tax or Fee Amendment (2026) | State executive | Prohibit the governor from using the partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee |
Getting measures on the ballot
Citizens
In Wisconsin, citizens do not have the power to initiate statewide initiatives or referendums. Voters of Wisconsin have voted on two ballot measures—Question 2 and Question 8 in 1914—to authorize a statewide initiative or referendum process. Both of the ballot measures were rejected.
Legislature
The Wisconsin State Legislature can refer statewide ballot measures, in the form of constitutional amendments, state statutes, and advisory questions, to the ballot in even-numbered years and odd-numbered years.
Wisconsin requires a simple majority vote (50%+1) in each legislative chamber during two successive legislative sessions to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 50 votes in the Wisconsin House of Representatives and 17 votes in the Wisconsin State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
The state requires a simple majority vote (50%+1) in each legislative chamber during one legislative session to refer statutes and advisory questions to the ballot. The governor's signature is needed for statutes and questions to appear on the ballot.
Historical facts
- See also: List of Wisconsin ballot measures
- A total of 39 measures appeared on statewide ballots between 1985 and 2023.
- From 1985 through 2023, an average of one measure appeared on the ballot during odd-numbered years in Wisconsin.
- The number of measures appearing on statewide ballots for odd-numbered years between 1985 and 2022 ranged from zero to seven.
- Between 1985 and 2023, 30 measures were approved and nine were defeated.
See also
- 2026 ballot measures
- List of Wisconsin ballot measures
- Laws governing ballot measures in Wisconsin
- Campaign finance requirements for Wisconsin ballot measures
External links
