Tuesday, February 28, 2023

In The News - February 2023



Jay Heck on the WI Supreme Court Election
February 28, 2023 - Greg Stensland, Between the Lines, WFDL fm radio

Remembering Tony Earl: When a governor brought everyone to the table
February 27, 2023 - Tim Cullen, commentary, Wisconsin Examiner

Tony Earl, Progressive Former Governor of Wisconsin, Dies at 86
February 23, 2023 - Scott Bauer, AP via The New York Times

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl dies at 86
February 23, 2023 - Scott Bauer, AP via PBS

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl dies at 86
February 23, 2023 - Fox 6 News Milwaukee

Democrat Tony Earl, former Wisconsin governor, dies at 86
February 23, 2023 - Scott Bauer, AP via ABC News

Primary Election For Supreme Court Could Hold Major Ramifications For State Politics
February 20, 2023 - Nate Weghaupt, WORT Radio

A Wisconsin Supreme Court race holds high stakes for abortion rights and the 2024 election
February 19, 2023 - Tierney Sneed and Fredreka Schouten, CNN

Bipartisan vote tracking measure brings parties together on elections
February 13, 2023 - Ruth Conniff, Wisconsin Examiner

How Wisconsin's Supreme Court election could affect voting lines
February 10, 2023 - Rick Solem, WIZM News La Crosse

Abortion, gerrymandering top of Wisconsin State Supreme Court debate
February 10, 2023 - Tim Kowols, Door County Daily News

Voting experts to guide new Wisconsin poll watcher rules
February 2, 2023 - Harm Venhuizen, Associated Press

Read More...


Monday, February 27, 2023

March 1st Kick-Off of Month of Action for Critical Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

For release: Monday - February 27, 2023


Image: Common Cause Wisconsin is Delta Beer Labs Nonprofit Partner of the Month - March 2023


Join CC/WI at Delta Beer Lab in Madison 

this Wednesday, March 1st


Spring is just ahead and with it, the most important Wisconsin Supreme Court Election in the history of our state, and maybe in the nation, on April 4th.

 

Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) is working to inform voters about what the massive implications of this election are for voting rights and for fair voting maps as well as well as for so much more!

 

What is more Wisconsin than combining civic education with great, state brewed beer?

 

Stop by Delta Beer Lab (167 East Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713 -- right off the Beltline, Rimrock Road Exit) this Wednesday, March 1st between 4:30 and 6:30 PM as CC/WI "kicks off" a month of activity all over Wisconsin. Delta Beer Lab is generously donating a percentage of the tips received at their taproom during the month of March to CC/WI to help educate Wisconsin voters as we work to maximize voter turnout for the April 4th Election!

 

Then, on Thursday, March 30th, the "CC/WI Month With Delta" will culminate in an interactive town hall meeting on partisan gerrymandering of Wisconsin's legislative and congressional districts and why it's so detrimental to all of us and how the April 4th election could change that. More details about this event soon.

 

Join me and others for a pint at Delta this Wednesday. Hope to see you there!


On Wisconsin.

Jay Heck

--------------------------

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

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Read More...


Monday, February 20, 2023

ALL-IMPORTANT PRIMARY ELECTION DAY TOMORROW!

For release: Monday - February 20, 2023


Image: Freedom to Vote

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE YOUR VOTE COUNT


The 2023 “Spring” Primary Election Day is tomorrow - Tuesday, February 21, 2023. The eyes of the entire nation are on Wisconsin as voters statewide vote for a new Justice for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as well as for many important local offices (depending on where you live) including making initial primary election choices for other judges at all levels, for mayor, city or town council, county supervisor, school board and many other elected officials and ballot questions. These positions have an enormous impact on the lives of all Wisconsin citizens and your vote and voice really matters.


Tomorrow’s primary election will winnow from four to two the “final” candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court who will face off on April 4th and your choice tomorrow really matters. This is perhaps the most significant and consequential Wisconsin Supreme Court election in history and The New York Times and others have characterized this primary election for the court tomorrow and the final, general election on April 4th as the most important elections in the nation during all of 2023! Ensure that your voice is heard and that your vote is counted.


If you haven't yet cast your ballot by absentee voting, then prepare now for how you will vote in-person at your polling place tomorrow.

 


Mail-in Absentee Ballot Return
If you still have a mail-in absentee ballot that was mailed to you and you have not returned it yet, be sure to personally hand return your completed ballot TODAYDo NOT mail it! All ballots need to be received no later than 8pm tomorrow on Election Day. Your clerk and myvote.wi.gov will have information about where you can take your ballot, and because today is Presidents Day and a federal holiday, this may impact whether your clerk's office is open today - so check with your clerk before you go. Don't forget: The ballot envelope needs a witness signature and the complete address of the witness.


REMINDER: Voters with a disability who need assistance may have someone return their absentee ballot.


You can track your ballot through the official ballot tracker on MyVote. Don't see that your ballot was received? Contact your clerk for further information.



In-Person Voting at your Polling Location on Election Day
If you are planning to vote in person at the polls, read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday.



Polling Location
Polling places can change from election to election. To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the Find My Polling Place page on the MyVote Wisconsin website and type in your address.



Registration
You can register to vote on Election Day at your polling location. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 28 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward. You'll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically - like on your phone or tablet).



Photo ID
You are required to show a photo ID before you vote. If you have a Wisconsin driver's license or a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued ID card, then you’re all set. Selected other forms of ID work too, and it’s a good idea to check the official list of acceptable IDs at Bring It to The Ballot to make sure you have what you need.


What if you don't have an acceptable ID to vote tomorrow? 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 on Election Day OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk's office by 4:00 PM the Friday after the election (Friday, February 24th). If you don't have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, call or text the VoteRiders helpline 866-ID-2-VOTE for assistance.



Your Ballot
You will find local and state races on your ballot. This will include the Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice and may include City Council, Village President, Judges, Mayor, School Board, and other offices. (Find out what is on your ballot at MyVote). These offices and the people who serve in these roles have a direct impact on your life.


Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidate best represents your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411.



College Students voting in Wisconsin
Are you a college student voting in Wisconsin? Or do you know a student who wants to vote in Wisconsin? Here is important information from the Common Cause Wisconsin website to share: Three Things College Students Need to Do To Vote in Wisconsin



Have questions or need some assistance? 
Help is just a call, text, or email away.


Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be connected to a nonpartisan person who can help answer all your questions. You can also request services such as getting assistance at the DMV to get an ID to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.


Voters with disabilities have the right to have ready access to any polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking and returning an absentee ballot, and voting curbside at a polling location. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Or email: info@disabilityvote.org. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.


If you experience problems at the polls or have questions, there is help. Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with any questions you have or to report problems.

 


The health and vitality of our democracy and of our state and communities is completely dependent on the citizens who actively participate in keeping it alive and vibrant through their votes. Remember that each and every Wisconsin voter has an equal voice at the polling place. Exercise your precious right and ability to determine where your state and local community is headed. Vote!


On Wisconsin!

Jay Heck

--------------------------

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

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Read More...


Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Early In Person Absentee Voting for Critical Spring Primary Starts Today

For release: Tuesday - February 7, 2023


Image: Photo by REUTERS/Bing Guan

Prepare to Vote Now or at Your Polling Place on February 21st

Attention all Wisconsin Voters! Today is the first day that you can begin to cast your ballot in person for the upcoming Primary Election on February 21st – followed by the all-important General Election on April 4th in which we will be choosing a new and pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice as well as for many important local officials for such as other judges, mayors, county executives, city council members and county supervisors, school board members and many other local level offices. All of these elected officials have an impact on your community and in your lives.
 

The eyes of the nation are on Wisconsin for this State Supreme Court election. The New York Times recently said that this is the nation’s most significant election during all of 2023! Make sure you are prepared and equipped to have your voice heard and your vote count by reading through the following information. Do it now because February 21st will be here before you know it.

 


Early voting starts today
If you’d like to cast an absentee ballot in person (aka, “early vote”) before Election Day, then now is the time. For the next two weeks, the option to cast an absentee ballot in person at designated sites throughout the state is available to all Wisconsin voters. Check with your clerk for locations, dates, and times for your village / town / city. Most municipalities will wrap up early voting by Friday, February 17th and a few will have early voting through Saturday, February 18th. Visit your municipal clerk’s website, contact your clerk, or search MyVote.wi.gov to find out about your options and opportunities to vote early.

 


Return your mailed ballot
If you have not yet returned your completed mailed ballot, do so NOW! Your ballot (sealed in the official envelope with your signature and a witness's signature and full address) needs to be returned to your clerk by Election Day! If you haven't mailed your ballot yet, mail it at least a week before Election Day—which is February 21st. Or, if you can, personally drop the ballot off at your clerk's office. Voters should check with their municipal clerk about their options. Visit MyVote.wi.gov to find your local clerk’s contact information and hours of operation. Track your ballot through the official ballot tracker at MyVote.

 


>>>IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ASSISTING WITH RETURNING A BALLOT<<<


If you are voting absentee by mail, carefully review the absentee voting instructions from your clerk that are included with your ballot. These instructions should explain ballot return assistance. If they state “only the voter may return their ballot” please contact Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW). Voters with a disability who need assistance may have someone return their absentee ballot other than their employer, agent of that employer, or officer or agent of their union. If your clerk says otherwise, contact Disability Rights Wisconsin by phone: 1-844-347-8683 or email: info@disabilityvote.org.


Voters with disabilities have the right to have ready access to any polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking and returning an absentee ballot, and voting curbside at a polling location. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.


It is up to the voter to determine if they need assistance mailing or delivering their ballot because of a disability. Election officials and your clerk cannot inquire about or try to verify a voter’s disability status. The person returning your ballot may also be the person who assists you with completing your ballot and/or who acts as your witness.

 


Know Your Ballot
Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidates best represent your values before you vote. The League of Women Voters has information about candidates at Vote411.org. Many local papers across the state will also publish candidate interviews prior to the election. WisPolitics recently held a candidate forum for the Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates that you can view here.


Your February ballot will have that all-important statewide election for an open seat for a new Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and may, in your locale, also include important elections for offices such as City Council, Village President, Municipal and County Judges, School Board, Mayor, and County Supervisor. The more local the election, the more likely the people running in it may be people you know. These local elected positions will impact your public schools, public transit, property taxes, water quality, public housing and private housing zoning, public safety and policing and many other parts of your everyday, daily life. Your vote matters enormously in our state and local elections.

 


Voting at your polling location on Election Day – Tuesday, February 21st
Prepare now if you’re going to vote at your polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, February 21st. More information on what you need in order to vote on Primary Election Day can be found at the Common Cause WI Voting Resources page

 


Need some help? Here are some great resources…
Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be connected to a nonpartisan person who can help answer all your questions. You can also request services such as getting assistance at the DMV to get an ID to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.


If you experience any problems at the polls or have questions, do not hesitate to call the Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers. They are there to help you navigate through any doubts or questions you may have.

 

 

Vote now or prepare to vote on February 21st. The choice is yours but either way, be sure to make your voice heard and have your vote count! February primary elections and even April general elections tend to have much lower voter turnout than November midterm and especially presidential year elections. What that means is that in effect, your vote in this coming February 21st primary and April 4th general election makes a bigger difference because fewer voters are participating. And the stakes in the outcome for Wisconsin and for the nation are enormous!


With some preparation now, you can ensure that you will have a voice this February 21st and April 4th in these critical elections. Share this information with family, friends, neighbors and even with strangers so that voter turnout will be robust and resounding.


On Wisconsin!

Jay Heck

--------------------------

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

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Read More...


Friday, February 3, 2023

Common Cause Wisconsin once again calls for Sen. LeMahieu to Rescind the Appointment of Robert Spindell as a Wisconsin Elections Commissioner for His Vicious Anti-Voter Statements and Actions

For release: Friday - February 3, 2023


  Image: Robert Spindell / Wisconsin Elections Commission 

Contact Your Own Legislators

Last month, Common Cause in Wisconsin (CC/WI), the state’s largest non-partisan citizens reform advocacy organization with more than 8,000 member and activists, called on State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) to rescind his appointment of Robert Spindell of Milwaukee as a Commissioner on the six member Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC).

 

Spindell’s outrageous, vicious and hurtful comments were made following the November, 2022 midterm election in Wisconsin, including this inflammatory and racially-charged statement:

 

“In the City of Milwaukee, with the 4th Congressional District Republican Party working very closely with the RPW, RNC, Republican Assembly & Senate Campaign Committees, Statewide Campaigns and RPMC in the Black and Hispanic areas, we can be especially proud of the City of Milwaukee (80.2% Dem Vote) casting 37,000 less votes than cast in the 2018 election with the major reduction happening in the overwhelming Black and Hispanic areas.”

 

There simply cannot be any place on the WEC for someone who takes such pride and delight in working for and implementing actions that result in the disenfranchisement of eligible voters anywhere and of any racial or ethnic background for partisan or any other purpose.

 

Following CC/WI’s call to action in January, more than 380 Wisconsinites contacted Sen. LeMahieu urging that he rescind Spindell’s WEC appointment and replace him with another Republican. But to date, LeMahieu has not yet acted and Spindell still sits on the WEC Board.

 

This matter is just too important to simply just “move on” and “accept” LeMahieu’s failure to do the right thing and remove Spindell from the WEC.

 

Only through sustained, ongoing citizen pressure and action has anything that really matters ever been accomplished in Wisconsin, or in the nation and now we need to enlist the active support of our own state legislators to remove Spindell from the WEC.

 

By using this easy-to-use tool, you can directly contact both your State Senator and your State Representative and tell them to make the removal of Robert Spindell as a Wisconsin Elections Commissioner a priority by directly contacting Sen. LeMahieu and highlighting the need to remove Spindell through public statements and action in the Wisconsin Legislature.

 

This will take just a minute or two of your time to inform your own elected state legislators that you will not tolerate the continued and disgraceful presence of Robert Spindell on the WEC.

 

Thank you for being an active participant in this important battle for democracy and for free and fair elections in Wisconsin.

 

--------------------------

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

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Read More...


Thursday, February 2, 2023

CCWI Supports Clear Rules for Election Observers



For release: Thursday - February 2, 2023


Statement from Common Cause Wisconsin on Election Observation Guidelines for the WEC February 2, 2023 meeting



TO: Members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and Staff


FROM: Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin


DATE: February 1, 2023 (statement sent)


RE: Statement from Common Cause Wisconsin on Election Observation Guidelines for the WEC February 2, 2023 meeting



Dear Chair Millis, Members of the Commission, and staff,


Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) welcomes this opportunity to comment on the need for the establishment of clear rules and standards for election observers. Founded in 1970, CC/WI is the state’s largest non-partisan citizens political reform advocacy organization with more than 8,000 members and activists in every county and corner of Wisconsin.


Common Cause Wisconsin has recruited volunteer observers over many years and for several election cycles to be able to have our members observe and monitor the election process at polling locations throughout the state. Members of Common Cause Wisconsin have long been eager to have an opportunity to be part of the Wisconsin Election Protection programs in many different capacities, but they have particularly emphasized the value and importance of being trained as election observers by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin for Election Day. It has been brought to our attention that election observers need clear rules in order to carry out their tasks at polling locations. Clear rules from the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) will help protect voting rights, help observers be able to better cooperate with election officials, and for the benefit of the observers themselves while also preserving and enhancing access to the election process and to help improve transparency, security, and confidence in Wisconsin’s elections.


Common Cause Wisconsin strongly supports establishing clear rules and standards for observers at the state’s thousands of polling places. But there needs to be a balance between an observer’s access and ability to be able to view the voting process and a voter's right to confidentiality and privacy. Election clerks and other election workers need to know they are supported by a clear set of rules and will not have to endure the threat of intimidation or attack by observers who do not follow those rules. Voters need to know that their vote is private and confidential and that they will not face verbal or physical intimidation of any type when they are voting. Voter confidence in the process and public confidence in our elections will increase only when there are clear standards that protect the rights of voters (such as their privacy while filling out their ballot), ensure reasonable access for observers, and protect election workers.


It is necessary to have rules that ensure that the basic needs of election observers are being met, such as access to restrooms, access to the voting process without interfering with election officials and voters, and receiving disability-related accommodations. Official publicized rules can help establish protections by offering a clear roadmap for clerks and chief inspectors running polling places throughout the state.


In preparing election observer rules, WEC should carefully weigh and consider the required, necessary balance between an election observer’s access to the process with the protection of every voter’s right to cast a ballot in private and without fear of intimidation. Election observers should be able to view the full election process (i.e. observing the election officials, watching voters announce who they are, etc.) so the process is transparent to the public; while the activities of election observers should not be in any way threatening or act as a detriment to voters. Rules should make it clear that observers must be respectful of every voter’s right to privacy and to be free of intimidation and interference.


Observers and election officials rely on clear guidance from the WEC. Common Cause Wisconsin supports these guidelines being reviewed by an advisory committee and moved into a set of clear rules. Establishing clear rules and standards for election observers will help improve citizen confidence in the voting process and help our democracy to thrive and flourish.


Thank you.
 

--------------------------

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

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Read More...