Friday, December 7, 2018

Urge Governor Scott Walker to Veto Lame Duck Session Legislation



For Release: Friday - December 7, 2018


The Entire Package of Measures Serves Partisan Self Interest, Not Wisconsinites

Conceived in secrecy and dedicated to the proposition that Republican state legislative leaders should rule Wisconsin, the recently passed "extraordinary session" package of legislation should be vetoed by Governor Scott Walker for the benefit of the citizens of this state.

While Walker has spoken favorably about many of the highly-partisan measures that were unveiled, unleashed and rammed through the Wisconsin Legislature in less than 100 hours – before most of the public could even find out what they were all about – he needs to hear from as many Wisconsin citizens as possible to tell him that the fate of this disastrous package of ill-conceived legislation rests solely in his hands and he should veto all of it.

Walker's decision to either do the right and fair thing and veto the entire package of bills, or, to side with the narrow, partisan special interests such as Robin Vos, Scott Fitzgerald and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce – and virtually no one else – and sign these misguided measures into law as his last official act as Governor, will profoundly determine how history and the people of Wisconsin remember him and his legacy. That's up to Walker.

But what is up to us, and what we must do, is make our voices heard and tell Governor Scott Walker that the citizens of Wisconsin categorically urge that he veto the entire Lame Duck Session legislation that is now on his desk.

Here are the ways to contact him:

Write to him at:

Office of the Governor
Room 115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702

Email him at:

govgeneral@wisconsin.gov

Call him at
:

(608) 266-1212




CONTACT:

Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)




Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org



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Monday, December 3, 2018

The Entire Lame Duck Session Agenda Should Be Rejected This Week



For Release: Monday - December 3, 2018


"This is no way to run a state government."
- Wisconsin State Journal, 12-2-2018

Exercising raw, hyper-partisan political power in secrecy, without regard to the views or even the basic expectations of the citizens of Wisconsin, is nothing new for State Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester). That has been their go-to modus operandi for the last eight years.

But to attempt to ram through a whole host of measures specifically designed to enhance their own power right after the voters sent a resounding message that they want more balance of power and an end to one-party control of state government, demonstrates just plain contempt and a total lack of respect and regard for the citizenry of Wisconsin.

Fitzgerald and Vos know they retain their partisan majorities in the Wisconsin Legislature by "virtue" of the fact that they supervised and engaged in one of the most partisan gerrymanders of any state legislature in the nation in the last 50 years. They just don't tell the truth when asked about that indisputable fact.

With regard to the listing of "Extraordinary Session" agenda items Fitzgerald and Vos deigned to make public this past Friday afternoon, and plan to ram through the Joint Committee on Finance today and then, after a single public hearing, vote on and send to the floor of both the Assembly and State Senate as early as tomorrow for votes, Common Cause in Wisconsin is taking the unusual step of urging rejection of all of the measures under consideration. This is unusual for CC/WI because we normally do not weigh in on matters such as health care or transportation funding or the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

But we wholeheartedly agree with this excellent Sunday Wisconsin State Journal editorial, that "this is no way to run a state government." And so, because of the way all of these measures are being rushed through the legislative process with no time for the public to understand or digest their wide-ranging impact and ramifications for their lives, CC/WI urges that you contact your state legislators and demand they vote against all of them.

As we warned before Thanksgiving, we are particularly concerned about the hyper-partisan measure to move the date of the 2020 Presidential Primary in Wisconsin from the scheduled April date to March – just so it doesn't coincide with the Wisconsin Supreme Court election in which conservative Daniel Kelly will be up for election. Republicans have readily admitted that they fear a large turnout of voters in the Democratic presidential primary on that date will endanger Kelly's election prospects.

So, at a cost of more than $7 million to you, the taxpayers – and against the strong opposition of Republican and Democratic election clerks from all over Wisconsin who have said this change will be impossible to administer and accomplish – they are going ahead anyway.

We are also gravely concerned about a measure in this package that would further curtail early voting in Wisconsin by stipulating that it can only occur for up to two weeks before an election. The sole reason the Republicans want to make this change is because they were enraged by the many voters in Dane and Milwaukee Counties who engaged in early voting up to a month before the November 6th election. Dane and Milwaukee Counties voted more heavily Democratic than Republican. Republicans want less voter turnout and fewer Wisconsin citizens making their voices heard at the ballot box.

With the State Assembly so overwhelmingly Republican because of gerrymandering, the Extraordinary Session package will be won or lost in the State Senate – also gerrymandered, but where the margin is closer. Two Republican State Senators are needed to sink the package in the State Senate and therefore end it all. Here are the Republican State Senators who have been identified as those who might be persuaded to do the right thing, instead of just following orders: Luther Olsen, Rob Cowles, Patrick Testin, Jerry Petrowski, Dan Feyen and Roger Roth.

Please contact your own State Senator, State Representative, and – if you want to do more – those Republican State Senators listed above and urge them to vote against all of the bills that will be considered this week. Tell them you are tired of being disrespected and that you are mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore.

Here's how to reach your State Senator and State Representative. If you are not sure who your State Senator and your State Representative are, you can look them up here.

Never surrender. On Wisconsin!




CONTACT:

Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)




Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org



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Saturday, December 1, 2018

In the News - December 2018






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Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Call to Action against Legislative Leader's "Lame Duck" Session to Diminish Democracy



For Release: Tuesday - November 20, 2018


It takes a special type of arrogance and hubris when your political party receives fewer statewide votes in state legislative elections, and the other political party sweeps all of the statewide constitutional offices – and then you move to increase your own partisan political power and diminish that of the winning party, particularly that of the incoming Governor. And in the process of doing that, you deliberately thwart the will of the voters and further defile democracy.

And yet, with defeated Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker apparently a willing accomplice, that is exactly what Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) intend to do, beginning the week right after Thanksgiving Day and likely into December.

We do not know yet know all of the details of what Vos, Fitzgerald and Walker have in mind because the least transparent and most secretive legislative leaders and Governor in Wisconsin's history have made only a few public comments about what they think would be "good" to protect and enhance their political self-interest in this costly and totally unnecessary "Extraordinary" legislative session.

Expect that their "package" of lame duck session initiatives will be shielded from the public and media as long as possible and then unleashed and rammed through the Legislature suddenly and quickly. That's how they have operated for the past eight years and there is no reason to expect anything different this time.

Start with the fact that on November 6th, Democratic candidates for the State Assembly garnered 54 percent of the vote while Republican candidates received 46 percent. And yet, not a single incumbent legislator (of either party) lost their re-election and Republicans ended up with 63 Assembly seats and Democrats just 36. That, of course, is a result of the most extreme partisan Republican gerrymandering of any state in the nation, back in 2011.

And yet – after Wisconsinites voted for greater checks on their power – Vos and Fitzgerald are bringing the "lame duck" Legislature back into extraordinary session to consolidate and enhance their partisan control and to weaken the incoming Democratic Governor, Tony Evers. That's beyond chutzpah.

We do know that defeated Governor Scott Walker met with GOP legislative leaders Robin Vos & Scott Fitzgerald last week to discuss what damage they could do together before Tony Evers becomes Governor in January. Moving the April, 2020 WI Supreme Court date so it doesn't coincide with the 2020 WI presidential primary (and the big turnout of voters expected to participate, particularly on the Democratic side) seems likely.

Why? To try to boost the re-election chances of conservative Justice Daniel Kelly who will be running then. In addition to the unfair partisan advantage they will try to game here, it will cost you, the taxpayers, nearly seven million dollars and is opposed by already over-burdened election clerks all over the state.

Also likely on the GOP "Holiday" agenda: strengthening Wisconsin's already extreme and restrictive voter photo ID law, giving legislators more control over appointments and rule making, and possibly reducing the Governor's role and power in the redistricting process in 2021. The fact is, we don't really know what they're planning because its all being kept secret from the public, who will have to endure the consequences of their actions without a lot of input.

That's where you come in.

First, this week – before Thanksgiving – let your own State Senator and State Representative know that you oppose this "extraordinary session" because it defies the will of the state's voters, is a colossal waste of taxpayer money and will only increase partisan acrimony, not reduce it. If you are not sure who your State Senator and your State Representative are, you can look them up here.

Also, let Speaker Vos and Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald know what you think of all of this. Here is their contact information.

Sen.Fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-5660

Rep.Vos@legis.Wisconsin.gov

(608) 266-9171

Finally, please be ready to take further action after Thanksgiving when we know more about exactly what will be unleashed against us.

If there was ever a time to make your voices heard after an election, this is it!

Please contact your state legislators, Vos and Fitzgerald and then have a happy Thanksgiving.

On Wisconsin! Forward.





CONTACT:

Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)




Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org



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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Election Results Underscore Urgent Need to End Partisan Gerrymandering in Wisconsin



For Release: Thursday - November 8, 2018


Evers Election Means Partisan Rigged Maps of 2011 Cannot Be Repeated in 2021

Tuesday's state legislative and congressional election results demonstrate – clearly and convincingly – that the will of the citizens of Wisconsin at the ballot box will only be fully realized when the hyper-partisan gerrymandering of the state's legislative and congressional districts, in place since 2011, is ended.

Only one incumbent elected official of either political party lost their re-election effort on Tuesday. And in that case, Democratic State Senator Caleb Frostman (D-Sturgeon Bay), had held office for only four months – having won a special election in June to fill a seat in a state senate district drawn to favor Republicans.

This means that almost all of Wisconsin's state legislative and congressional elections were not competitive and that the outcome in virtually all of these elections was pre-ordained because of partisan gerrymandering.

"While Democrats swept statewide offices for U.S. Senator, Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer and Secretary of State, Republicans were able to thwart the will of the majority of voters in holding, virtually without change, almost the exact same number of state legislative and congressional districts that they held prior to the election. The sole explanation for this undemocratic disparity is the rigged, hyper-partisan voting maps rammed through the Wisconsin Legislature and enacted in 2011," said Jay Heck, Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin (CC/WI).

On the bright side, CC/WI State Governing Board Chair Tim Cullen noted, "the election of Tony Evers as Governor means that the one-sided, partisan redistricting process that happened in 2011 can't be repeated in 2021 because Wisconsin will have split control of state government and of that process."

Cullen also said that this split will necessitate a compromise between the two major political parties on voting maps, and failing that, would have to be done by federal judges.

Cullen and Heck said that it behooves both Republicans and Democrats to adopt a non-partisan redistricting process prior to 2021 to avoid costly (to state taxpayers) legal expenses and increased partisan acrimony in the two years ahead. The non-partisan redistricting system in place in Iowa since 1980, when a Republican Governor and Republican-controlled Legislature enacted it into law, is the best process for Wisconsin.

CC/WI and other reform organizations and pro-reform legislators are all united in support of the Iowa model.




CONTACT:

Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)




Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org



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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Today is Election Day: VOTE!



For Release: Tuesday - November 6, 2018



Do not miss this opportunity to make your voice heard at the ballot box in this critical midterm election!

First, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address.

If you discover that you are not already registered to vote at your current residence, don't panic.

You can still register at your polling place today. You will need to present a proof of residence document when registering (this document can be shown electronically). If your drivers license or state ID card has your current address, that’s all you need.

Examples of proof of residence documents are here.

And don't forget a photo ID.

When you vote, you will need to present one of the acceptable forms of photo ID for voting pictured left. (Click image to enlarge)

If you already have a Wisconsin driver license or one of the other acceptable forms of ID for voting pictured left, then you're "ID ready." Just remember to bring it with you when you head to your polling place!

What if you don't have an acceptable ID for voting on Election Day?


You can ask for AND vote with a provisional ballot. But, for your ballot to be counted, you MUST either come back to your polling place with an acceptable form of ID before it closes at 8:00 PM OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk's office by 4:00 pm this Friday (November 9th).

For more information about voter photo ID – and how to get a free ID if you don't have an ID acceptable for voting – see our downloadable voter ID fact sheet and/or visit the Wisconsin Election Commission's voter photo ID website: Bring It to the Ballot.

If you do not have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, contact one of these Voter ID Hotline #s: (608) 285-2141 or (414) 882-8622.

Are you a college student planning to use your student ID for voting?


If you do not have one of the other forms of photo ID pictured above, and you are a college student hoping to use your student ID and a proof of enrollment document as your "voter ID," look up your school NOW on the appropriate list linked below to see if your current student ID is an acceptable form of ID for voting. If your student ID cannot be used for voting, you can find out if a separate school-issued "voter photo ID" is available and how to get one.

University of Wisconsin – 4-Year Schools
University of Wisconsin – 2-Year Schools
Wisconsin Private Universities & Colleges
Wisconsin Technical Colleges

Need a ride to the polls?


Check out our statewide list of organizations, transit and cab companies, and over 200 individual Common Cause in Wisconsin volunteer drivers!

Milwaukee voters needing a ride can also call our "Rides to the Polls in Milwaukee" Hotline number – 414-323-1511 – to arrange a ride with one of our volunteers.

Where is your polling place?


To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the "Find My Polling Place" page on the Wisconsin Election Commission's "My Vote Wisconsin" website and type in your address.

What's on your ballot?


Visit the Wisconsin Election Commission's "What's on My Ballot" page and type in your address to see a sample ballot.

Have voting questions or problems?


Common Cause in Wisconsin is once again partnering with the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, to provide "guidance, information and help to any American, regardless of who that voter is casting a ballot for." You have the right to vote without harassment or intimidation at your polling place.



Election Protection’s highly-trained legal volunteers are available at the hotline numbers above to assist voters with any questions or problems, no matter how simple or complex.

Remember: in order to preserve and protect our democracy, we have to participate in it.


That means voting in this and every other election – and doing everything we can to make sure every eligible voter we know does the same.




Contact:


Sandra Miller
Director of Information Services & Outreach
608/658-2109
smiller@commoncause.org

Jay Heck
Executive Director
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512/9363 (cell)
jheck@commoncause.org

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org


Read More...


Monday, November 5, 2018

Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day: VOTE!



For Release: Monday - November 5, 2018

Remember and share with others this toll-free number to call
if there is any problem whatsoever voting on election day at your polling place.

Do not miss this opportunity to make your voice heard at the ballot box. If you haven't done it already, take time right NOW to make a plan to vote tomorrow – and then help every eligible voter you can do the same.

First, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address.

If you discover that you are not already registered to vote at your current residence, don't panic.

You can still register at your polling place on Election Day. You will need to present a proof of residence document when registering (this document can be shown electronically). If your drivers license or state ID card has your current address, that’s all you need.

Examples of proof of residence documents are here.

And don't forget a photo ID.

When you vote, you will need to present one of the acceptable forms of photo ID for voting pictured left. (Click image to enlarge)

If you already have a Wisconsin driver license or one of the other acceptable forms of ID for voting pictured left, then you're "ID ready." Just remember to bring it with you when you head to your polling place!

What if you don't have an acceptable ID for voting on Election Day?


You can ask for AND vote with a provisional ballot. But, for your ballot to be counted, you MUST either come back to your polling place with an acceptable form of ID before it closes at 8:00 PM OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk's office by 4:00 pm this Friday (November 9th).

For more information about voter photo ID – and how to get a free ID if you don't have an ID acceptable for voting – see our downloadable voter ID fact sheet and/or visit the Wisconsin Election Commission's voter photo ID website: Bring It to the Ballot.

If you do not have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, contact one of these Voter ID Hotline #s:(608) 285-2141 or (414) 882-8622.

Are you a college student planning to use your student ID for voting?


If you do not have one of the other forms of photo ID pictured above, and you are a college student hoping to use your student ID and a proof of enrollment document as your "voter ID," look up your school NOW on the appropriate list linked below to see if your current student ID is an acceptable form of ID for voting. If your student ID cannot be used for voting, you can find out if a separate school-issued "voter photo ID" is available and how to get one.

University of Wisconsin – 4-Year Schools
University of Wisconsin – 2-Year Schools
Wisconsin Private Universities & Colleges
Wisconsin Technical Colleges

Need a ride to the polls?


Our statewide list of organizations, transit and cab companies, and individual Common Cause in Wisconsin volunteer drivers is available here.

Milwaukee voters needing a ride can also call our "Rides to the Polls in Milwaukee" Hotline number – 414-323-1511 – to arrange a ride with one of our volunteers.

Where is your polling place?


To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the "Find My Polling Place" page on the Wisconsin Election Commission's "My Vote Wisconsin" website and type in your address.

What's on your ballot?


Visit the Wisconsin Election Commission's "What's on My Ballot" page and type in your address to see a sample ballot.

Have voting questions or problems?


Common Cause in Wisconsin is once again partnering with the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, to provide "guidance, information and help to any American, regardless of who that voter is casting a ballot for." You have the right to vote without harassment or intimidation at your polling place.



Election Protection’s highly-trained legal volunteers are available at the hotline numbers above to assist voters with any questions or problems, no matter how simple or complex.

Remember: in order to preserve and protect our democracy, we have to participate in it.


That means voting in this and every other election – and doing everything we can to make sure every eligible voter we know does the same.




Contact:


Sandra Miller
Director of Information Services & Outreach
608/658-2109
smiller@commoncause.org

Jay Heck
Executive Director
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512/9363 (cell)
jheck@commoncause.org

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org


Read More...


Friday, November 2, 2018

Common Cause in Wisconsin's Updated Statewide List of Free Rides to Vote in the 2018 Fall Election



Friday - November 2, 2018


Go here to access our updated 2018 statewide list of free roundtrip rides to vote!


CC/WI Launches Election Day "Rides to the Polls Hotline"
for Milwaukee voters: 414-323-1511


If we want our democracy to work, we have to show up. But for those without transportation to the polls, "showing up" can be tough, if not impossible.

25 organizations and 177 CC/WI volunteers (and counting) are determined to help.

This fall we are reached out to and identified transit, cab, and private companies, advocacy organizations, faith-based groups... anyone offering free roundtrip rides to the polls during early voting, on Election Day, or both – creating a "master list" of free ride options across Wisconsin.

To shore up some of the gaps in coverage, we also recruited our own volunteer drivers, providing them with additional training and resources on voter ID and voter registration to ensure their riders are prepared to vote when they get to their polling place.

And this week, we set up our Milwaukee rides hotline to provide additional assistance in an area where we anticipate a higher volume of ride requests.

We also need to raise awareness that help is available for those without transportation.


Creating this important resource doesn't mean "if we build it they will come."

One of the biggest challenges groups offering rides face – and one of the main reasons we began this initiative in the first place – is that many of those in need of a ride, don't realize that help is available in their area. While groups offering rides devote a lot of time and resources into creating and running their programs, advertising and outreach are a challenge.

So we need to get the word out.

We've been promoting our "master list" of ride options to the media, organizations working with individuals likely to need a ride, and to many other advocacy groups.

And some of our volunteers are not just offering rides, but are doing yeoman's work raising awareness within their own communities.

For example: a CC/WI volunteer in Jefferson County has formed a team of drivers, reached out to local groups, and has created and distributed flyers in his area. A Milwaukee volunteer has been reaching out (in person, by phone, and on social media) to local groups working with vulnerable populations.

With only four days left until Election Day, we need to continue and expand these efforts.

Want to do more?


Share this information widely – on social media, via email, and by reaching out to groups and facilities in your area serving individuals likely to need a ride.

You can also join our team of volunteer drivers. We are still accepting volunteers and will continue updating our rides list until Election Day. So let us know if you'd like to be a Common Cause in Wisconsin driver in your area.

We're all in this together.

Let's do what we can to make sure the voices of all eligible Wisconsin voters are heard at the ballot box this election.



Contact:

Sandra Miller
Director of Information Services & Outreach
608/658-2109
smiller@commoncause.org

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org


Read More...


Thursday, November 1, 2018

In the News - November 2018






Read More...


Wednesday, October 31, 2018

The Fall Election is Only Six Days Away!



For Release: Wednesday - October 31, 2018


Make Sure You're Ready to Vote on or Before November 6th

Midterm Election Day - November 6th is just six days away. If you haven't done it already, take some time NOW to make a plan to vote and to help every eligible voter you can do the same.

First, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address.

Visit the "My Voter Info" page at MyVoteWI.gov, and enter your name and date of birth to check your voter registration status. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 10 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward.

If you find out that you are not already registered to vote at your current residence, you can still register:

In your Municipal Clerk’s Office.
You can register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the 5pm (or close of business) on the Friday before the election in which you are planning to vote. For the Fall election, the last day to register in your clerk's office is this Friday, November 2nd. You'll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically).

At the Polls on Election Day.
If you're unable to register by before the election, you can still register at your polling place on Election Day. You will need to present a proof of residence document when registering (again, this document can be shown electronically). If your driver’s license or state ID card has your current address, that’s all you need.

Examples of proof of residence documents are here.

Next, if you think there is any chance that you won't make it to the polls on November 6th, then vote early.

Early voting is still available in Madison and Milwaukee until November 4th; for other areas, please check with your local local municipal clerk, as some cities/towns/villages end early voting on November 2nd or 3rd.

To preview your Election ballot, visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission's "What's on My Ballot" page and type in your address.

Here is more on what you need to know about casting an early, absentee ballot – in-person or by mail. Read it – and share this link widely.

And don't forget a photo ID.

If you already have a Wisconsin driver license or one of the other acceptable forms of ID for voting pictured left, then you're "ID ready." Just remember to bring it with you when you head to your polling place!

If you don't have an acceptable photo ID, review the information on our downloadable voter ID fact sheet and/or visit the Wisconsin Election Commission's voter photo ID website: Bring It to the Ballot.

You can also contact one of these nonpartisan voter ID hotline numbers for assistance: (608) 285-2141 or (414) 882-8622.

Are you (or do you know) a college student voting in Wisconsin?


If you do not have one of the other forms of photo ID pictured above, and you are a college student hoping to use your student ID and a proof of enrollment document as your "voter ID," look up your school NOW on the appropriate list linked below to see if your current student ID is an acceptable form of ID for voting. If your student ID cannot be used for voting, you can find out if a separate school-issued "voter photo ID" is available and how to get one.

University of Wisconsin – 4-Year Schools
University of Wisconsin – 2-Year Schools
Wisconsin Private Universities & Colleges
Wisconsin Technical Colleges

Need a ride to the polls?


We've said many times that if we want our democracy to work, we have to show up. But for those without transportation to the polls, "showing up" can be tough, if not impossible.

In response to this need, CC/WI is once again identifying and recruiting organizations and individuals statewide who are willing to offer free rides to the polls during early voting, on Election Day, or both.

More information about the program and the link to our latest statewide list of these groups and individuals offering rides is here. Please share this widely! And check back regularly as we will be updating our list as more volunteers and organizations are added.

If you are interested in joining our team of volunteer drivers, please fill out this online form.

And if you know of any organizations in your area offering free rides, contact CC/WI by email as soon as possible so we can add them to our list!

Have voting questions or problems?


Common Cause in Wisconsin is once again partnering with the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, to provide "guidance, information and help to any American, regardless of who that voter is casting a ballot for." You have the right to vote without harassment or intimidation at your polling place.



Election Protection’s highly-trained legal volunteers are available to assist voters with any questions or problems, no matter how simple or complex. Voters may call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) toll-free with any questions or issues that may arise. Spanish-speaking voters may seek assistance through the 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682) hotline.

Remember: in order to preserve and protect our democracy, we have to participate in it.


That means voting in this and every other election – and doing everything we can to make sure every eligible voter we know does the same.




Contact:


Sandra Miller
Director of Information Services & Outreach
608/658-2109
smiller@commoncause.org

Jay Heck
Executive Director
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512/9363 (cell)
jheck@commoncause.org

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org


Read More...


Monday, October 29, 2018

80 State Legislative and Two Statewide Candidates Support Ending Partisan Gerrymandering



For Release: Monday - October 29, 2018

CC/WI Director Jay Heck Speaking at Capitol Fair Maps Rally in June 2018

Two Republicans Join 80 Democrats in Support of "Iowa Model"
for Wisconsin Redistricting


Since CC/WI announced on August 30th that we would be posting the names of all "pro-active" November 2018 election state legislative and statewide candidates who support non-partisan redistricting reform, and specifically, the "Iowa Plan," we have heard from, or know of, 80 state legislative and two statewide candidates who do so.

A total of 80 Democratic candidates and two Republican candidates support this critical and needed reform measure. We have not heard from any third party candidates to date.

Here is the updated list of supporters, as of this morning, October 16th.

There may be a few candidates for state office who support redistricting reform but have not yet informed us. This will their last opportunity to do so. If we receive word from additional candidates that support the "Iowa Model," we will do one final posting of opponents of partisan gerrymandering before November 6th.

Any statewide or state legislative candidate (or their authorized proxy) who supports the "Iowa Plan" and would like to see their name listed on our site should contact CC/WI by phone at (608) 256-2686 (leave a message if no answer), by email or by letter: CC/WI, P.O. Box 2597, Madison, WI 53701-2597.

Citizens can urge candidates to support non-partisan redistricting reform and request that they get their names on this list. Candidates must be pro-active to have their names appear on this site. That shows us and the voters of Wisconsin that you are "paying attention" to this issue. So no complaints that CC/WI "should have known" of your support for this reform, please!

We will update the list constantly and have published a link to it in the sidebar of our website for anyone to check to see who is on it and therefore in support of the Iowa Plan.

There is more that you can do to advance non-partisan redistricting reform in Wisconsin in the next eight days before the November 6th election.

First, you can download and print the postcard sized information sheet with questions to ask state legislative and statewide candidates at candidate forums and to distribute to your friends and family to do the same.

Challenging candidates in person or through the media to support redistricting reform is very powerful and effective.

Second, if you haven't done so yet, please "sign" the online petition in support of the "Iowa Plan" for Wisconsin and urge friends and family to do so as well. We already have just over 4,000 "signatures" and would love to have well over 5,000 to present to the new Wisconsin Legislature, after the election, in early 2019.

Let's make ending partisan gerrymandering a central focus during this election season and finally achieve the redistricting process Wisconsin voters of all political persuasions want and deserve.

On Wisconsin!




CONTACT:

Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)




Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org



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Friday, October 26, 2018

What College & University Students Need to Know to Vote in the November 6th Midterm Election



For Release: Friday - October 26, 2018


Only ten days remain before Election Day - November 6th. It's officially "crunch time."

We urge students not to wait until the last minute to make sure they're prepared to vote. Take steps now to ensure your voice is heard at the ballot box!

Start by making sure you are REGISTERED TO VOTE at your current address.

It's easy.

Go to My Vote Wisconsin, and enter your name and date of birth.

If you're not already registered to vote at your current residence, you can still register in your municipal clerk's office or at an early voting site up until 5pm (or close of business) on Friday, November 2nd – or you can register at your polling place on Election Day.

If you need to register to vote, you've got to bring along a proof of current residence document (this can be shown electronically from your cell phone). Acceptable proof of residence includes things like a paycheck or pay stub, a utility bill, a credit card statement... More examples of proof of residence documents are here.

If there is any chance that you won't make it to the polls on November 6th, VOTE EARLY.

Early voting is going on right now in Madison and Milwaukee. To find out where and when you can cast an early, in-person absentee ballot in other areas of Wisconsin, contact local municipal clerk’s office.


And don't forget to bring an ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID for voting.

Most students already have a Wisconsin driver license or one of the other acceptable forms of photo ID for voting.

Using a College ID as Voter ID

If you do not have one of the other photo IDs listed left (click to enlarge), look up your school NOW on the appropriate list linked below to see if your current student ID is an acceptable form of ID for voting.

If your student ID cannot be used for voting, you can find out if a separate school-issued "voter photo ID" is available and how to get one.

University of Wisconsin – 4-Year Schools
University of Wisconsin – 2-Year Schools
Wisconsin Private Universities & Colleges
Wisconsin Technical Colleges

The standard student ID at only four of the University of Wisconsin's 13 four-year schools and at eight of the state's 23 private colleges can be used as a voter photo ID.

So, if you don't have a WI driver license or one of the other acceptable IDs, know your options and look up your school today!

Note: if you use a school-issued ID for voting, you must also present (or display electronically) at the polls a separate proof of enrollment document, such as an enrollment verification form, class schedule or tuition bill.

For more information on Wisconsin's voter photo ID requirement, visit: Bring It to the Ballot.

Don't put this off – please take these important steps now – and then share this information anywhere and any way you think helpful.

Bottom line: if we want to preserve and protect our democracy, we have to participate in it.




Contact:


Sandra Miller
Director of Information Services & Outreach
608/658-2109
smiller@commoncause.org

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org


Read More...


Tuesday, October 23, 2018

The Fall Election is Just Two Weeks Away!



For Release: Tuesday - October 23, 2018


Make Sure You're Ready to Vote on or Before November 6th

Two weeks from today is Election Day - November 6th. Now is the time to make a plan to vote and to help every eligible voter to do the same.

First, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address.

Visit the "My Voter Info" page at MyVoteWI.gov, and enter your name and date of birth to check your voter registration status. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 10 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward.

If you find out that you are not already registered to vote at your current residence, you can still register:

In your Municipal Clerk’s Office.
You can register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the 5pm (or close of business) on the Friday before the election in which you are planning to vote. For the Fall election, the last day to register in your clerk's office is next Friday, November 2nd. You'll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically).

At the Polls on Election Day.
If you're unable to register by before the election, you can still register at your polling place on Election Day. You will need to present a proof of residence document when registering (again, this document can be shown electronically). If your driver’s license or state ID card has your current address, that’s all you need.

Examples of proof of residence documents are here.

Next, if you think there is any chance that you won't make it to the polls on November 6th, then vote early.

Early voting is available now in Madison and Milwaukee. To find out where and when you can cast an early, in-person absentee ballot in your city/town/village, contact your local municipal clerk’s office.

To preview your Election ballot, visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission's "What's on My Ballot" page and type in your address.

Here is more on what you need to know about casting an early, absentee ballot – in-person or by mail. Read it – and share this link widely.

And don't forget a photo ID.

If you already have a Wisconsin driver license or one of the other acceptable forms of ID for voting pictured left, then you're "ID ready." Just remember to bring it with you when you head to your polling place!

If you don't have an acceptable photo ID, review the information on our downloadable voter ID fact sheet and/or visit the Wisconsin Election Commission's voter photo ID website: Bring It to the Ballot.

You can also contact one of these nonpartisan voter ID hotline numbers for assistance: (608) 285-2141 or (414) 882-8622.

Are you (or do you know) a college student voting in Wisconsin?


If you do not have one of the other forms of photo ID pictured above, and you are a college student hoping to use your student ID and a proof of enrollment document as your "voter ID," look up your school NOW on the appropriate list linked below to see if your current student ID is an acceptable form of ID for voting. If your student ID cannot be used for voting, you can find out if a separate school-issued "voter photo ID" is available and how to get one.

University of Wisconsin – 4-Year Schools
University of Wisconsin – 2-Year Schools
Wisconsin Private Universities & Colleges
Wisconsin Technical Colleges

Want to do more? How about volunteering?


We've said many times that if we want our democracy to work, we have to show up. But for those without transportation to the polls, "showing up" can be tough, if not impossible.

In response to this need, CC/WI is once again identifying and recruiting organizations and individuals statewide who are willing to offer free rides to the polls during early voting, on Election Day, or both.

More information about the program and the link to our latest statewide list of these groups and individuals offering rides is here. Please share this widely! And check back regularly as we will be updating our list as more volunteers and organizations are added.

If you are interested in joining our team of volunteer drivers, please fill out this online form. And if you know of any organizations in your area offering free rides, contact CC/WI by email as soon as possible so we can add them to our list!

Remember: in order to preserve and protect our democracy, we have to participate in it.

That means voting in this and every other election – and doing everything we can to make sure every eligible voter we know does the same.




Contact:


Sandra Miller
Director of Information Services & Outreach
608/658-2109
smiller@commoncause.org

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org


Read More...