Protecting Wisconsin’s Constitution: A Call for Responsible Governance
View the full letter as an accessible PDF here.
As organizations committed to safeguarding democracy and protecting the rights of every voter in Wisconsin, we write today to raise our collective voices in defense of our state’s most important governing document — our constitution.
Voters will have a constitutional amendment question on their April 1st ballot that will ask them to enshrine our current voter ID law in the Wisconsin Constitution. We urge voters to oppose this amendment and vote no, not just because of its content, but also because of the troubling precedent it sets. Legislating through the constitution undermines the checks and balances designed to prevent overreach and protect the will of the people.
The Wisconsin Constitution is a foundational framework, meant to protect and reflect the shared values of our state. It is not, and should not be, a tool for political gamesmanship. Yet, in recent years, we have seen an alarming trend of constitutional amendments being rushed to the ballot — like a team coming to Lambeau Field and running a trick play on every down — to exploit the rules instead of respecting the spirit of the game. Our lawmakers, regardless of political party, should always create bills through meaningful public debate and bipartisan collaboration.
Amendments to the constitution should strengthen our democracy, solve real problems, and uplift all Wisconsinites — not erode democratic norms or serve narrow political interests. Unfortunately, the proposed voter ID amendment on the April ballot is another example of how our constitution is being used not to help but to hinder our interests.
While voter ID has long been debated in Wisconsin, this amendment does nothing to address the real challenges facing our elections. It fails to improve voter access, enhance security, or tackle pressing issues like redistricting reform, campaign finance transparency, or increasing civic engagement. Instead, it risks creating more barriers for voters, especially for those who already face challenges in making their voices heard. Our lawmakers must do a better job educating voters about the content and implications of these binding constitutional amendments, ensuring that the electorate fully understands the long-term consequences of their decisions.
We believe in amendments that truly serve the public good — amendments that give Wisconsinites more power in shaping their government and foster a democracy that works for everyone. For example, a recently proposed citizen-led ballot initiative process is an idea that deserves serious consideration. Such a reform would empower the people of Wisconsin to have a greater say in shaping policies that impact their lives, rather than leaving those decisions in the hands of a few.
Let us commit to making Wisconsin a state where our constitution is used to advance democracy, not undermine it. Inspired by the Wisconsin Idea, let us ensure our constitution and laws reflect the values and aspirations of all Wisconsinites, informed by fairness, research, and a commitment to the public good.
Let us also embrace the spirit of the Badger State Compromise, building a government that listens to all its people — urban and rural, wealthy, working-class, and low-income citizens alike — and works collaboratively to solve the challenges we face. And let us reject attempts to misuse our most sacred governing document for political advantage, staying true to the principles that make Wisconsin a model for effective, inclusive democracy.
We call on our state lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the people over partisan agendas. We call on voters to reject amendments that limit their rights until they are empowered with the tools and power to advance their own reforms and champion amendments that truly strengthen our democracy.
Wisconsin deserves better. Let’s stop changing our constitution for political gain and start using it to make our state stronger, fairer, and more inclusive.
Sincerely,
- Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
- EXPO of Wisconsin
- WAVE Educational Fund
- WIVEC (Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign)
- Leaders Igniting Transformation Action Fund
- Wisconsin Conservation Voters
- League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. Inc.
- Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance
- Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC)
- Chippewa Valley Votes
- Citizen Action of Wisconsin
- ACLU of Wisconsin Union
- Wisconsin Justice Initiative
- Wisconsin Justice Initiative Action
- VoteRiders
- Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition
- Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools
- Wisconsin Public Education Network
- Souls to the Polls Wisconsin
- Common Cause Wisconsin Education Fund
- Law Forward
- All Voting is Local Action
- Milwaukee Turners
