Wisconsin GOP Rejects Governor Evers’ Voter Proposal Again \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers renewed his push for a constitutional amendment allowing voters to repeal and create state laws without legislative approval. Republican leaders immediately opposed the plan, mirroring their rejection of a similar 2022 proposal. Evers argues the initiative gives voters more power, but GOP leaders see it as a threat to legislative authority.
Wisconsin Ballot Initiative Debate: Quick Looks
- Evers’ Proposal: Seeks to allow voters to directly enact or repeal laws.
- Republican Response: GOP leaders reject the idea, calling it a power grab.
- Past Rejection: Republicans dismissed a similar proposal in 2022 aimed at repealing the abortion ban.
- Legislative Dynamics: Republicans hold slim majorities in both chambers, potentially encouraging compromise on other issues.
- Broader Context: Wisconsin is among 24 states without a ballot initiative process.
Deep Look
Evers’ Push for Ballot Initiatives: A Fight Over Democracy
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has reignited a contentious debate over democracy and legislative authority by proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to directly create or repeal state laws through ballot initiatives. The plan, which Evers says will appear in his upcoming state budget proposal, has already been met with fierce resistance from Republican legislative leaders, who see it as an assault on their powers.
The proposal comes as Wisconsin’s Legislature begins a new two-year session. Although Republicans maintain control of both chambers, their majority is the narrowest it has been since 2011, creating a potentially more competitive environment. However, the dynamic between Evers and the GOP remains largely unchanged, with Republicans holding the power to block any major Democratic initiatives.
Evers’ revived proposal aims to provide voters with a mechanism for direct lawmaking, a process available in 26 other states. It reflects a broader frustration with the GOP’s control over the legislative process, which Evers argues has led to the suppression of public will on critical issues like abortion rights, marijuana legalization, gun control, and education funding.
The Mechanics of Evers’ Proposal
Under Evers’ plan, voters could bypass the Legislature by petitioning to place proposals on the ballot to either repeal existing statutes or enact new ones. If passed, the amendment would shift power away from the Legislature and directly into the hands of the electorate.
Evers originally floated a similar idea in 2022 as a way to repeal Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. That proposal was swiftly rejected by Republican leaders, and they appear poised to block the plan again.
“Republican lawmakers are going to continue to try to legislate by constitutional amendment,” Evers said on Friday. “Then they should give Wisconsinites the same opportunity that 26 other states have.”
Republican Rejection: A Clash Over Legislative Authority
Republican leaders in the Legislature wasted no time denouncing Evers’ proposal. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos accused Evers of attempting to “take power away from the elected members of the Legislature.” Vos told reporters that such a focus would make it difficult to achieve bipartisan consensus during the new session.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu also rejected the plan, calling on Evers to prioritize cutting taxes and reducing the size of government rather than pursuing what he described as divisive proposals.
The GOP’s opposition underscores the deep ideological divide between the Republican-controlled Legislature and the Democratic governor, a dynamic that has defined Wisconsin politics for years.
A Broader Battle Over Ballot Initiatives
Wisconsin is one of 24 states without a process for voter-initiated ballot measures. In states where such mechanisms exist, they have been used to pass laws on issues ranging from minimum wage increases to marijuana legalization. Advocates argue that direct democracy empowers voters, particularly when legislative bodies fail to act on popular issues.
Evers claims his proposal is a response to Republicans using constitutional amendments to circumvent his veto power. Since 2010, GOP lawmakers have successfully placed seven constitutional amendments on the ballot, three of which were ratified in 2024 alone. These included measures to restrict private election funding and bar foreign nationals from voting.
In contrast, Evers’ proposal would allow voters to play a more active role in shaping state policy, sidestepping the Legislature entirely. However, constitutional amendments in Wisconsin require passage in two consecutive legislative sessions and approval in a statewide referendum, making Evers’ plan an uphill battle.
Abortion Rights at the Center of the Debate
The debate over ballot initiatives is intertwined with Wisconsin’s abortion laws. The state’s 1849 abortion ban, which took effect after the reversal of Roe v. Wade, has been a flashpoint in state politics. Polls consistently show broad public support for restoring abortion rights, but the GOP-controlled Legislature has refused to act.
Evers attempted to address the issue in September 2022 by calling a special legislative session to consider a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to repeal the abortion ban. The session lasted less than 30 seconds, with Republicans convening only to adjourn immediately.
The GOP’s unwillingness to act on abortion rights has fueled Evers’ argument that a ballot initiative process is necessary to give voters a voice on critical issues.
Gun Control and Public Safety Concerns
Another issue driving Evers’ push is gun control. Advocates gathered at the Capitol on Monday to demand action following a December 16 school shooting in Madison, where a 15-year-old student killed a teacher and classmate, injured two others, and then took her own life.
Evers has repeatedly called for gun control measures, including universal background checks, but Republicans have consistently blocked such proposals. In 2019, Evers convened a special session to address gun violence, only for the GOP to take no action.
The tragic Madison shooting underscores the urgency of addressing public safety issues, but the stalemate between Evers and the Legislature persists.
A Legislature in Transition
While Republicans maintain control of both chambers, the 2023 session marks a period of significant change. Six new Democratic senators and 31 new Assembly members—23 of whom are Democrats—have joined the Legislature. The slimmer GOP majority has led some lawmakers to hope for more compromise, but the immediate rejection of Evers’ ballot initiative proposal suggests that partisanship remains entrenched.
Republicans currently hold a 54-45 majority in the Assembly and an 18-15 majority in the Senate, giving them enough power to block Democratic initiatives but not enough to override a gubernatorial veto.
What’s Next for Wisconsin?
Evers’ proposal faces long odds in a Legislature controlled by Republicans intent on maintaining their authority. However, the debate highlights broader questions about democracy, representation, and the balance of power in Wisconsin.
For now, Evers is using the proposal to amplify his criticism of the GOP’s refusal to act on popular issues like abortion rights and gun control. Whether the push for ballot initiatives gains traction or remains a symbolic gesture, it underscores the governor’s commitment to challenging the status quo in Wisconsin politics.
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