Wisconsin voters are currently casting their votes on two Republican-backed constitutional amendments. One of the proposed amendments aims to prohibit the use of private funds to conduct elections, a response to grants received in 2020 that were funded by Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg. The second amendment seeks to ensure that only election officials designated by law can administer elections, with the intention of making it more challenging to repeal this requirement.
Democrats have voiced opposition to both measures, arguing that they could complicate the election process in the crucial battleground state of Wisconsin. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., following a two-week early, in-person absentee voting period.
The proposed amendments are a direct response to grant money received by Wisconsin in 2020 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, a liberal organization advocating for voter access. The center received a substantial $300 million donation from Zuckerberg and his wife to assist election officials in purchasing supplies and managing elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Republicans have criticized the funds as 'Zuckerbucks,' alleging that the majority of the money went to Democratic-leaning areas, insinuating an effort by Zuckerberg to influence the election outcome in favor of Democrats. These claims emerged amidst baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud following the 2020 election.
Since 2020, Republican-led efforts in 27 states have sought to restrict or prohibit private election grants. In Wisconsin, the proposed amendments have garnered support from Republican lawmakers and conservative groups, while facing opposition from government watchdog organizations and liberal advocacy groups.
Notably, no Democratic lawmakers voted in favor of the amendments, which have been split into two separate questions on the ballot. Opponents of the amendments fear that they could potentially hinder current practices aimed at increasing voter participation.
Despite legal challenges, three courts and the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission have upheld the legality of the grant money received in 2020. The Republican-controlled Legislature introduced the constitutional amendments to bypass potential veto by Democratic Governor Tony Evers, as amendments do not require gubernatorial approval.
Historically, Wisconsin voters have approved the majority of proposed constitutional amendments, with 148 out of 200 amendments passing since the state constitution was established in 1848.
