MADISON – Representative Jerry O’Connor (R- Fond du Lac) released the following statement on the April and November 2024 statewide referendums.
“The legislature has approved five referendum questions where Wisconsin voters can make their voices known on the issues they have overwhelmingly told us matter to them. The decision to go directly to the voters with these referendums follows the Governor’s repeated vetoes of bills passed by the legislature. With the spring election four weeks from today, this release is a reminder of what is up for voter consideration.” Starting with the spring election, here is a list of the referendums for voters’ consideration.
The first two referendums are on the April 2 ballot:
Prohibits any level of government in the state from applying or accepting non-governmental funds or equipment for election administration (This would stop Zuckerbucks funding. With local funding for election administration, there is no need for outside partisan money to run our elections)
Provides that only election officials designated by law may administer elections (prohibits outside partisans from participating in election administration. Local elected officials do not require partisan assistance)
Three more referendums will be on the November 5 ballot:
Restricts that only U.S. citizens who are 18 years old or older can vote in federal, state, local, or school elections (prohibits illegals from voting in our elections by constitutional law. Once an individual achieves legal immigration status they will possess the privilege to vote in Wisconsin elections)
Prohibits the legislature from delegating its power to appropriate money (This amendment requires legislative approval via a joint resolution before the governor can expend federal money appropriated to the state. This would prohibit any Governor from exercising total control of how monies are to be spent which subsequently results in a full disclosure of how these funds are appropriated)
Require legislative approval before the governor can expend federal money appropriated to the state (The amendment would require legislative approval via a joint resolution or legislative rule for the governor to allocate federal funds on behalf of the state. Currently, a state law adopted during the Great Depression authorizes the governor to accept and allocate federal funds at his/her sole discretion)
“Voting in elections is a special privilege for Americans. It is how we make our voices known. We exercise our choice of candidates and parties. There are certain occasions when there are partisan differences between the legislature and the Governor that are not easily resolved. That is why we have the right to take issues directly to the voters in the form of statewide referendums. We encourage every eligible voter to be aware of the choices they have to make in each election cycle, especially so when we are presented with referendum questions.”
