Friday, March 31, 2023

In The News - March 2023



Observing Ramadan in Wisconsin
March 31, 2023 - Royce Podeszwa, WPR

A High-Stakes Election in the Midwest’s “Democracy Desert”
March 28, 2023 - Dan Kaufman, The New Yorker

Jay Heck on Early Voting
March 23, 2023 - Greg Stensland, Between the Lines, WFDL fm radio

Advisory referendums dot statewide ballots
March 20, 2023 - Tim Kowols, Door County Daily News

How La Follette Helped Save Democracy
March 20, 2023 - Bruce Murphy, Urban Milwaukee

Common Cause's Jay Heck: 'The ramifications are huge' in Wisconsin Supreme Court election
March 8, 2023 - Nick Vachon, The American Independent

Read More...


Monday, March 27, 2023

Join Us at Delta Beer Lab in Madison for A Town Hall Meeting

For release: Monday - March 27, 2023


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


Join Us at Delta Beer Lab in Madison for A Town Hall Meeting and Redistricting “Bingo” – Thursday, March 30th at 6:00 PM on Partisan Gerrymandering in Wisconsin!


Why the Upcoming State Supreme Court Election Matters for Fair Voting Maps 

 

Common Cause in Wisconsin (CC/WI) is partnering up with the great people at the Delta Beer Lab in Madison to bring you an evening of interesting discussions about the ill effects of partisan gerrymandering of Wisconsin’s state legislative and congressional districts on democracy and how it adversely affects the quality of your life. And, how the outcome of the nationally important Wisconsin Supreme Court Election on April 4th could dramatically alter redistricting for the better!

 

During the entire month of March, Delta Beer Lab is donating tips received in its taproom to CC/WI for our work to maximize voter turnout on and before April 4. We will all come together on March 30th for this exciting event!

 

 

WHEN: Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 6:00 PM

 

WHAT: “Town Hall Meeting” Presentation & Discussion (6:00 - 7:00pm) about Partisan Gerrymandering in Wisconsin and how the Supreme Court Election Could Effect It. Then, from 7:00-7:30 we’ll play Loteria – an easy and fun form of Bingo with a redistricting/gerrymandering theme!

 

WHO: Jay Heck, longtime Director of CC/WI and redistricting reform advocate as well as Iuscely Flores, Racial Equity & Economic Justice Advocate with the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. And You!

 

WHEREDelta Beer Lab (167 East Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713 -- right off the Beltline, Rimrock Road Exit)

 

 

We are very much looking forward to seeing you on the 30th at Delta Beer Lab! Spread the word and bring a friend, family member or neighbor or just yourself. All are welcome!

 

Forward,

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, March 21, 2023

ARE YOU PREPARED TO VOTE IN THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION IN THE NATION DURING ALL OF 2023?

For release: Tuesday - March 21, 2023



  Image: Photo by REUTERS/Bing Guan 

EARLY IN PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING BEGINS TODAY!

For the last several months, Wisconsin and the nation have been focused on the upcoming state Supreme Court Election. You likely know by now how important this fast-approaching April 4th statewide election in Wisconsin is to elect a new Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which will determine the ideological balance of the court and the direction the state will take in the years immediately ahead. The New York Times, Washington Post and other national publications and experts have described this Wisconsin judicial contest as the most consequential and important election in the entire nation during all of 2023! You do NOT want to miss having your voice heard and your vote count in this critical decision that will have a major impact on the lives of Wisconsinites and Americans nationwide.
 

This Wisconsin Supreme Court election is already by far, the costliest state judicial election in the history of the United States. More than $30 million will have been spent by both sides and by dark money “outside” groups to try to influence your vote before the votes are counted and a decision is rendered on, or shortly after April 4th. The ramifications of this election for Wisconsinites and for the nation was detailed by Common Cause in Wisconsin during this recent interview with the national publication, The American Independent. 
 

Again, the upcoming 2023 Wisconsin Spring General Election is in just two weeks from today -- April 4th. And today, March 21st, in person absentee voting (aka “early voting”) begins at your clerk’s office or designated site. Whether you are voting by absentee ballot or at your polling place on Election Day, here are things you can take care of now, so you are “vote-ready” for this election. Prepare for April 4th by reviewing and sharing the information below.

 

Statewide Referenda: There are three statewide referendum questions on the ballot on April 4th, two of which will determine new amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution and the other purely advisory. This article from The Wisconsin Examiner does a good job of explaining what each of these measures would do.
 

Remember every election matters, and state and local races have a direct impact on your daily life. These races may include, in addition to the statewide election for the State Supreme Court Justice: elections for City Council, Village President, Judges, School Board, Mayor, and County Supervisors and others. (Find out what is on your ballot at MyVote).The more local the election, the more likely the people elected may live in your neighborhood. Your vote matters greatly in our state and local elections.
 

Register to Vote: You must be registered to vote to cast your ballot in the April 4th Spring Election. You can register with your municipal clerk before Election Day or if you vote by absentee ballot during “early voting.” Or, in Wisconsin, you can register at your polling location on Election Day before you vote.
 

Secure your photo ID: Visit BringIt.wi.gov for more information about the types of ID that can be used to vote. Here, you can also learn about how to get a free ID to use for voting.
 

Choose the Way You Want to Cast Your Ballot: Make a plan to vote one of three ways that are available to all Wisconsin voters:


1. At your polling location on April 4th,
2. With an absentee ballot by mail,
3. Or in person by absentee ballot via your clerk’s office (aka “early vote”) beginning today, March 21st.
 

Go to MyVote.wi.gov and make a request for your absentee ballot to be sent to you by mail in just seconds. In Wisconsin, any registered voter can vote absentee - no excuses needed. Request your ballot for the April election TODAY. The sooner you make your request, the more likely you are to receive and be able to send back your ballot in time for it to be counted. Be sure to follow the instructions when filling out your ballot and double check to make sure the ballot envelope is complete, including your witness's name and complete address. Remember, if you return your ballot in person, you must return your own ballot! However, voters with disabilities can have assistance when returning a ballot. More information is here from Disability Rights Wisconsin.
 

You can also go to MyVote.wi.gov to get information about in person voting by absentee ballot (aka “early vote”) from your clerk prior to Election Day including dates, times, and locations. And you can find your polling location if you choose to vote in person on Election Day.
 

On Your Ballot: Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidates best represent your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411 including ballot referenda that you answer with a yes or no vote. Many local papers across the state will also publish candidate interviews prior to the election.
 

Wisconsin's youngest voters should be preparing to vote too. Are you a college or university 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? Beyond the resources of your municipal clerk, 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 (at no cost) to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.
     
  • Voters with disabilities have the right to an accessible polling place, including using an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking a ballot, and using curbside voting. 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.
     
  • Call or text Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with questions or to report problems.


This upcoming election for a Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is the most consequential and important in all of the United States during 2023!

 

Absolutely, positively plan (and have a plan) to vote in this Spring's Election – on or before April 4th! Maybe more than any election in your lifetime, your vote in this election will help decide and determine the future for all of us.
 

On Wisconsin!  

 

Forward,

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, March 7, 2023

VOLUNTEER TO BE AN OBSERVER AT A POLLING SITE FOR THE ALL-IMPORTANT APRIL 4TH ELECTION

For release: Tuesday - March 7, 2023


  Image: Inside the Wisconsin Supreme Court Chambers. Photo by J Heck. 

OTHER INFORMATION YOU NEED TO ACTIVELY CAST YOUR BALLOT AND PROMOTE DEMOCRACY

By now you are undoubtedly aware of the critical importance of the fast-approaching April 4th election in Wisconsin that will decide a new and pivotal Justice for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and with that decision, the future direction of Wisconsin, and maybe of the nation. Also on that day, numerous important elections for local offices that have tremendous impact on your daily lives will occur and be decided. Here is a quick listing of some events and things you can do to be an active participant in the preservation and protection of fair and free elections in Wisconsin. Take a look now and decide how you can and want to get involved. And, there is also important information about voting by absentee ballot or "in-person" at your polling place for you to utilize and share with others.

 


Volunteer to Observe Polling Sites for the April 4th Election

 

Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) is joining Campus Vote Project and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin in seeking nonpartisan volunteers to observe polling locations in Wisconsin that, in particular, serve college campuses and universities primarily with student voters. This is a critical and important task for this upcoming election and we need volunteers.

 

If you are interested in learning more and volunteering for the program for the April 4 Election, please sign-up through this form. Online training and Election Day support will be provided. Thank you!

 

 

Volunteer to Provide Rides for Voters in Milwaukee 

 

Souls to the Polls are looking for volunteers interested in driving voters to the polls for the April 4th Election in the Milwaukee area. Learn more and sign up.

 


Election Related Events

Monday, March 20 at 12pm - WI Disability Vote Coalition - The Spring Election Matters: Lunch & Learn 


Save the Date: March 30th at 6:00 PM - Common Cause Wisconsin and Delta Beer Lab - Townhall Meeting and Panel on Partisan Gerrymandering and the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election!  And come play a fun, instructive gerrymander-themed bingo game called Loteria and enjoy a Wisconsin beer!  All at Delta Beer Lab in Madison, located at (167 East Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713 -- right off the Beltline, Rimrock Road Exit). We will be providing further details on this fun event soon, so stay tuned!
 

 

Be Ready to Vote

 

The April 4th Election is underway! Make a plan and know how you will cast your ballot. These options are available to all Wisconsin Voters.

 

1. With an absentee ballot by mail,
OR
2. In person by absentee ballot at your clerk’s office or designated site (aka “early vote”),
OR
3. In person at your polling location on Election Day.

 

Go to MyVote.wi.gov and make a request for your absentee ballot to be sent to you by mail in just seconds. In Wisconsin, any registered voter can vote absentee - no excuses needed. Request your ballot for the April 4th election today. The sooner you make your request, the more likely you are to receive and send back your ballot in time for it to be counted. We suggest you make your absentee ballot request now to ensure you receive and have time to return your ballot for it to be counted.


You can also go to MyVote.wi.gov to get information like locations, dates, and times, about in person voting by absentee ballot from your clerk prior to Election Day (aka “early vote”) which happens for the two-week period prior to Election Day on March 21.


Finally, you can find your polling location if you choose to vote in person on Election Day. All polling locations across the state are open from 7:00 AM-8:00 PM on Election Day.

 

You can do all these things and more at MyVote.wi.gov including previewing your ballot, registering to vote, tracking your absentee ballot, and finding information on photo ID needed to vote in Wisconsin.


Get involved. Stay encouraged. Connect with other Wisconsin voters! Your active participation strengthens our democracy, preserves our freedom to vote and lifts up our voices.

 

On Wisconsin!  

 

Forward,

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...