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Two Binding Constitutional Amendments on the August 13 Ballot

07/16/2024 05:16:57 PM

Jul16

The TBE Civic Engagement Action Team is working to ensure that every voice is heard in our democracy. This summer and fall we have a variety of nonpartisan activities to register voters and get out the vote for the August 13 and November 5 elections. Even if you will be on vacation, make a plan to vote in the August 13 election, since there are important primaries and binding constitutional amendments on that ballot.

The binding constitutional amendments on the August 13 ballot will be:
Question 1: “Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”
Question 2: “Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”

➕A "yes" vote on these two measures would mean that legislative approval is required before the governor can spend any federal money appropriated to the state. Proponents favor shifting control of federal funding from the governor to the legislature.
➕A "no" vote would allow the governor to continue to accept and allocate federal funds without seeking legislative approval. Opponents believe the proposed amendments would reduce and delay the use of federal funds to help citizens, especially in times of emergency. 

What can you do to increase voter turnout?

  • Vote on August 13 and November 5. Go to myvote.wi.gov to register, change your address, or request an absentee ballot. Email slevy51@gmail.com if you need assistance.
  • Help others register to vote. Our TBE goal is to register 100 new voters by November. TBE volunteers will register UW students as they pick up their bus passes and at the Division of Motor Vehicles, farmer’s markets, and other places. Don’t worry if you haven’t done it before—the League of Women Voters provides a quick, online training and lots of support. 
  • Send postcards to get out the vote. We will have several “postcard parties” where we provide the postcards and mailing lists and you provide the personal touch and the camaraderie. 
  • Canvass door to door. Our TBE team will partner with the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign to provide information to voters in low-turnout wards.

 Join us! Participation is easy: let us know you’re interested, and we’ll let you know about upcoming opportunities. For more information, contact Susan Levy (slevy51@gmail.com) or Marcia Vandercook (Marcia.Vandercook@gmail.com).

April 30, 2025 2 Iyar 5785