Much of the discussion about the Nov. 3 election in Wisconsin has centered on the governor’s race, as well as congressional races and the Assembly and Senate races that will decide the balance of power in the state legislature.
But there’s something else on the ballot this November for voters to consider – three Republican-backed proposed amendments to the state constitution.
On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks with creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and contributor Scott Resnick about the questions facing voters. They also talk about declining attendance at UW Badgers football games. And, with American Girl unveiling its first doll who lives in Madison, Daisy Davenport, put their heads together to design the ideal Madison doll! [Wisconsin Watch, 🎧 City Cast Madison]
Here’s a deep dive into the three questions on the November ballot, and how they got there:
🗳️ How Does an Amendment Get On the Ballot?
In Wisconsin, lawmakers must sign off on identical language on an amendment during two consecutive two-year terms in order to get it on the ballot.
For the Legislature, which has been controlled by Republicans since 2011, the constitutional amendment process has been a tactic to bring legislation directly to the voters and make an end run around Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ veto pen. Since Evers took office in 2017, the Legislature has put a dozen amendment questions (including the upcoming three) before voters, of which voters have approved seven.
Most recently, in April 2025, voters approved an amendment requiring a photo ID to vote. [League of Women Voters, Wisconsin Watch, WisPolitics]
✍️ Question 1: The Governor’s Partial Veto
This question would “prohibit the governor, in exercising his or her partial veto authority, from creating or increasing or authorizing the creation or increase of any tax or fee?”
The proposed amendment stems from Evers using his veto pen to increase school funding by $325 per year for the next 400 years. The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld Evers’ partial veto after a lawsuit questioned its constitutionality. [WPR]
⛪ Question 2: Gathering in Places of Worship
This question would “prohibit the state or a political subdivision of the state from ordering the closure of, or forbidding gatherings in, places of worship in response to a state of emergency, including a public health emergency?”
The proposed amendment is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Evers’ “Safer at Home” order in March 2020 that limited religious gatherings to 10 or fewer people to prevent spread of the virus. The order was struck down in May 2020 by the then conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court. [WPR]
⛔ Question 3: Prohibiting DEI in Government
This question would “prohibit governmental entities in the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting, or public administration?”
Supporters say that the amendment follows a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that race could not be a factor in college admissions, and would make sure that opportunities in government and education would be open to all. Opponents say it would limit opportunities for disadvantaged groups. [NPR, Badger Herald]
🤔 Governor’s Candidates Weigh In
Not surprisingly, response to the GOP-backed questions by Wisconsin’s candidates for governor breaks down along party lines. Republican candidate Tom Tiffany said he supports all three questions, while Democratic candidate David Crowley opposes them (as does Evers). Crowley said that if he is elected governor, he would continue to use the partial veto. [Wisconsin Watch]
