Wisconsin Voters to Vote on Prohibiting Private Funds for Election Financing

Wisconsin voters will soon decide on whether to amend the constitution to prohibit the acceptance of private grant money for state elections, a move supported by Republicans but opposed by Democrats as potentially hindering the election process in the state.

The proposed constitutional amendments on the April 2 ballot also include a change to restrict only law-designated election officials to administer elections, with early in-person absentee voting starting on Tuesday and continuing until March 31.

Since 2020, Republicans in multiple states have implemented laws banning or limiting private election grants, with the Wisconsin measures drawing support from conservatives and opposition from government watchdog and liberal groups such as the ACLU and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.

The amendments are divided into two questions for the April ballot and are aimed at ensuring fair and impartial elections, according to co-author state Sen. Eric Wimberger. However, opponents argue that the measures could create obstacles to conducting elections smoothly.

The amendments specifically target private grant money received in 2020 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, a group funded by Mark Zuckerberg, to bolster election infrastructure during the pandemic. Republicans criticized the funds, dubbing them as “Zuckerbucks” and alleging bias towards Democratic strongholds.

The constitutional amendments were brought by Republicans in response to concerns over the grant money, aiming to maintain a nonpartisan electoral system. The changes would make it more difficult to alter current election practices by enshrining them in the state constitution.

Wisconsin voters have a history of approving constitutional amendments, but the upcoming ballot questions signify ongoing efforts to shape election laws in the state. Future proposed amendments include granting the Legislature control over federal money allocation and specifying that only U.S. citizens over 18 can vote in elections.