If you’ve looked ahead at what’s on your ballot, you may have noticed another statewide referendum.

Let’s take a minute to look at this proposed change to our state constitution:

Referendum Question: “Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which deals with suffrage [voting], be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?”

Explanation: The changes are small but important. Right now, the state constitution says “every” U.S. citizen may vote, but the proposed amendment would change the language to “only” U.S. citizens. The amendment also clarifies this applies to all levels of elections whether national, state, or local including referendums.

Why: Supporters of this amendment believe this change is necessary to ensure those voting in our elections are U.S. citizens. Cities in other states have begun allowing non-U.S. citizens to vote in local elections, and proponents of the amendment believe these small changes will cut off any similar attempt to twist the state constitution.

You may hear opponents to the amendment argue that this is a solution in search of a problem as non-citizens don’t vote now. However, there are many lawyers and politicians who are trying to manipulate the language and enact policies allowing non-citizen voting.

Take for example, what has happened in Maryland. Their state constitution also uses similar language to describe who can vote, "every citizen of the United States." But at least ten municipalities in Maryland now allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.

During the legislative process, Wisconsin Family Action was the only group that registered in favor of the amendment. We encourage you to join us by voting “Yes” and strengthen what has consistently been something we all agree on.

I hope this information assists you as you decipher the referendum language. But as always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions.