Two Referendum Questions on Ballot
The April 2nd election is this coming Tuesday. There are many local races on the ballot. In addition, voters will decide if the state constitution should be amended to prohibit the use of private funds and involvement in the administration of our elections.
Here are the exact questions as they will appear on the April ballot:
1. Shall section 7 (1) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that private donations and grants may not be applied for, accepted, expended, or used in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum?
2. Shall section 7 (2) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums?
A “Yes” vote will add these provisions to the Wisconsin Constitution. A “No” vote will not amend the Wisconsin Constitution.
To amend the state constitution, a proposal must pass both the Assembly and Senate in two subsequent sessions and then be approved in a statewide election. I voted in favor of both proposals in both sessions to ask you and all voters across the state the two questions that will be on the April ballot.
Here’s some background on why these proposals have been brought forth. In 2020, over $10 million of out-of-state private funds flowed into our state, with the vast majority of the money going to Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee and Racine. In addition, outside partisans were helping election officials administer our elections. With local funding for election administration, there is no need for outside partisan money to run our elections.
The first question would prohibit private donations and grants from being used in our elections. The second question would only allow those officially trained as election officials to carry essential election tasks.
To see what is on your ballot, go to myvote.wi.gov. You can also find your polling place, voter registration status and request an absentee ballot on this website.
Construction season is under way! Beginning on April 1, 2024 (weather permitting), Capitol Drive over I-41 will be closed to traffic and reconstructed. Drivers can expect a few nights of full closures on I-41 during demolition, and traffic will be detoured using Casaloma Drive, Northland Avenue, and North Lynndale Drive. Area residents may experience nighttime noise during the overnight demolition operations. Other project closures starting in 2024 in Outagamie County will include the Rose Hill Road overpass, County N interchange and in Brown County, French Road/Southbridge Road will be closed between Creamery Road and Lawrence Drive.
WIS 15 Closure Begins April 1 in Outagamie County
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reminds motorists that WIS 15 between US 45 and County T will be closed starting Monday, April 1, 2024, in the town of Hortonia, Outagamie County. The closure is for reconstruction and expansion of the segment to a four-lane divided highway. This work is the final segment of the WIS 15 project from New London to Greenville, which started in 2021.
From April 1 to early November WIS 15 between US 45 and County T will be closed to through traffic. Access to residences and business will be maintained. The detour will be US 45 to County TT to County T.
State Capitol Tours
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The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin’s Capitol building (located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702) is to see it for yourself. It is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday – Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.
