AB 207/ SB 205: Referendum Explainers

In recent years, Wisconsin voters have seen several statewide referendum questions proposing amendments to the state constitution on their ballots. These confusingly worded ballot questions have been used by majority party in the state legislature bypass the governor’s veto when proposing state constitutional amendments.

This bill is a step in the right direction for ensuring that voters understand what a statewide referendum question means before they vote on critical issues. Specifically, the bill would require the creation of a “state referendum disclosure notice” for any proposed constitutional amendment or statewide referendum. This notice must contain: 

1. The date of the referendum
2. The entire text of the ballot question and proposed constitutional amendment or enactment, if any
3. To the extent applicable, a plain language summary of current law
4. An explanation in plain language of the effect of the proposed constitutional amendment or other statewide referendum
5. An explanation in plain language of the effect of a “yes” vote and the effect of a “no” vote

This plain language summary must be posted at polling places, posted on myvote.wi.gov, and included with absentee ballots provided to voters. 

ACLU-WI supports amending the bill to include a clear definition of “plain language” to ensure a specific standard of accessibility for all Wisconsin voters.