Opinion: Conservatives are trying to change Wisconsin’s constitution to further disenfranchise Black and Brown voters

With Election Day around the corner, it’s critical that all Wisconsinites understand the issues on this year’s ballot – including a constitutional amendment that is not only unnecessary but aims to pit us against our neighbors.  

We all know that only eligible voters can participate in our elections. This is confirmed in the Wisconsin Constitution, which states that “every United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district.” And yet, Wisconsin’s Republican-led state Legislature has introduced a constitutional amendment that would change “every United States citizen” to “only United States citizens.” 

They argue it’s an effort to prevent people who are ineligible from voting. As leaders of a political home for Black and Brown youth in Wisconsin, we see it for what it is: political theater to fan the flames of anti-immigrant sentiments. It is yet another example of the Trump-backed, gerrymandered state legislature relying on fear, misinformation, and voter confusion to pass legislation. 

Here’s the truth: Wisconsin already has safe and secure elections. There are countless safeguards and verification processes in place to ensure only eligible voters participate in democracy, including the review of voter rolls, signature verification, and audits–just to name a few. 

It’s also clear that supporters of this effort want to bypass our executive branch for their own political gains. By making this a constitutional amendment on the ballot, rather than introducing it as a bill, Governor Evers does not have the power to veto the amendment if it passes. Our legislators need to do their job – work with the governor to pass policies that make Wisconsin better for all of us. Instead, the sitting Republicans are using this amendment as a last-minute power-grab before voters have the opportunity to choose new representatives using the updated fair voting maps this November. 

Let us be clear: this change will pave the way for lawmakers to further restrict our freedom to vote. No matter where we were born or what language we speak, all eligible Wisconsin voters are afforded the right to cast a ballot and make their voice heard at the polls. If passed, this anti-voter amendment will open the door to discriminatory practices and disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of eligible voters. Similar efforts across the country have already led to eligible voters getting caught up in voter purges. 

Wisconsinites know we are better when we stand together. We urge you to say no to the lies and fear mongering, and vote “NO” on this amendment. 

Related: 2024 Guide to Voiting in Wisconsin