Last week, a Senate Committee held a hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit anyone involved with state or local government from applying for, accepting, expending, or using any money or equipment in connection with any election if those resources are donated or granted by an individual or nongovernmental entity. The amendment also prohibits any individual other than a duly designed election official from performing any task in a Wisconsin election.

This resolution is about making sure we never again have a situation like we had with “Zuckerbucks” in the 2020 election, when millions of outside dollars and many out-of-state strangers interfered with and influenced our elections. This could be on statewide ballots this coming April.

Another proposal, scheduled for the November 2024 ballot, aims to ban non-citizens from participating in local, state, or national elections by adding a photo ID requirement to the state constitution. Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) noted that “We can be sure a lawsuit challenging (voter ID’s) constitutionality is coming to the Wisconsin Supreme Court."

Both amendments have previously passed through the Legislature. Should they receive approval from both chambers of the Legislature again, they will proceed to a statewide referendum for voter consideration.

It's crucial that Wisconsin residents are confident that their voice matters in order to appropriately engage in our Republic. This is why the state should do everything in its power to instill confidence in the electoral process among voters and safeguard election integrity.