We want to remind you that early in-person absentee voting is underway for the April 7 election for Wisconsin Supreme Court and local nonpartisan offices. Local election clerks set the hours, so check out your municipal website or go to the Wisconsin Elections Commission website MyVote.WI.gov for a link to your clerk’s information. 

Remember to scroll down for our Question of the Week. We’ve got a list of current issues confronting us these days and we want to know which ones matter most to you.

Have a great week — and remember to stay up to date with our social media posts.

1️⃣   Fraudulent Fraud Claims – Harry Wait, a frequent flier when it comes to making unproven claims of election fraud, was convicted this past week of misdemeanor voter fraud and felony identity theft. A Racine County jury busted Wait for requesting and obtaining an absentee ballot for someone else. That’s a crime. 

You see, if someone robs a bank, that doesn’t mean the bank should be shut down because someone could rob it. It means the robber committed a crime. Pretty sure “FAFO” applies in this case.

2️⃣  Tepid on Tiffany – It’s still super early in the campaign for Wisconsin governor, so it’s no surprise to find most respondents to the latest Marquette Law School Poll don’t have a favorite candidate. However, for the second consecutive poll, Rep. Francesca Hong will lay claim to having the most support among Democrats who have a favorite, getting 14% compared to 11% for Mandela Barnes, single digits for other candidates, and 65% undecided. 

Noteworthy: Among Republican respondents, 54% say they’re undecided — even though there’s only one major candidate in the race, with Congressman Tom Tiffany, who has 40% support in the statewide poll.

3️⃣  Data Center Secrecy – Microsoft says it will no longer use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with local governments while planning potential data centers in Wisconsin. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, officials in several Wisconsin communities have signed NDAs as part of data center negotiations, but the public backlash has been swift. Microsoft says it will still use NDAs when it comes to land acquisitions.

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

Saturday marked the third round of No Kings rallies and marches around the country, giving millions of Americans — and thousands of people in Wisconsin — a way to express opposition to the authoritarian actions of President Donald Trump, with no checks and balances provided by Republicans in Congress and conservatives on the US Supreme Court.

⏮️ Last Week: With a budget surplus now at $2.5 billion, should Gov. Tony Evers make a deal with Republicans in the Legislature to provide more general state aid to schools — something that would reduce the need for local referendums and higher property taxes. 

12% said 🄰  – No deal! Wait to see if Democrats get a trifecta of the governor’s office, Assembly, and Senate. Don’t spend away the surplus if a better deal is possible. Schools and taxpayers can be patient a little longer. 

87% said 🄱  – Make a deal. Schools need it now. Property taxpayers need it now. Plus, if Democrats win a trifecta, they can add to whatever gets done this year.

Here’s what you told us…

Darrel in North Bend said A: “I feel that the Republican controlled Legislature has had enough time in office — and between very long paid vacations while in office and what little action that has occurred on Democratic bills, they should escape when they can because clearly they aren’t about to get reelected!”

From Jackie B. who chose option B: “Public schools are desperate for funding while property owners need tax relief. Do this now and move forward from there next year.”

⏭️ This Week: What are the most important issues?

This week’s question is inspired by responses in the latest Marquette Law School Poll. Choose up to three of the issues you consider most important right now.

Feel free to use “Other” to tell us about issues not on the list. You don’t have to list three if only one or two topics matter most to you.

🔹 Inflation/Cost of living/Economy

🔹 Housing affordability

🔹 Health insurance/health care

🔹 Threats to democracy

🔹 Allegations of voter fraud

🔹 Immigration: More deportations

🔹 Immigration: Limit ICE overreach

🔹 Abortion: Protecting access

🔹 Abortion: Limiting access

🔹 Guns: Limiting access

🔹 Guns: Defending current access

🔹 Public schools: More support

🔹 Public schools: More financial limits

If you get a pop-up window asking for your email address, go ahead and enter it even though you’re clearly already a subscriber. You can also email me your thoughts directly at pat@couriernewsroom.com. Thank you!

Here’s a sample of what you need to know about events in the coming week.

🗓️ Tuesday [Mar 31]

WisDems: Meet Judge Chris Taylor (Hudson, 11 a.m.) Hear from Judge Taylor, a candidate for WI Supreme Court, and learn how to get involved in helping win spring elections.

🗓️ Wednesday [Apr 1]

Citizen Action: A Wisconsin Data Center Town Hall (Virtual, 6-7:15 p.m.) Join community members from across Wisconsin for a virtual town hall on data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and rising utility bills. State Representatives will join this conversation to hear directly from residents about concerns related to electricity costs, water use, transparency, and community impacts.

Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator, Abigail Deatrick, abigail@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week before the event).

📱 Remember, you can stay up to date all day with all of our team’s work through our social media feeds, including Instagram and TikTok.

🏁 Thanks for reading our update.

Have a great week!