By Erin Weber, Senior Manager for Strategy and Policy
It seems like just yesterday, a Wisconsin election made national headlines. In August 2023, political junkies and engaged Americans alike carefully watched as Janet Protasiewicz won a seat on Wisconsin’s state Supreme Court. For the first time in 15 years, the state Supreme Court now leans liberal, a change that reshaped elections in the state (more on that later) and could lead to better abortion policy.
Beyond the consequences for policy in Wisconsin, Judge Protasiewicz’s win was also monumental for turnout. Turnout reached a record high for spring elections that don’t coincide with a presidential primary, with young voters turning out in droves.
The Democratic Party has invested in serious electorate-expansion efforts, with year-around organizing and voter turnout infrastructure, which, along with robust grassroots organizing groups and community outreach operations, has helped build increasing turnout in each election. In the 2022 midterm election, which had gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races on the ballot, 33,644 people cast ballots on the first day of early voting. In the 2020 presidential election 79,774 people showed up on the first day of early voting.
That trend seems to be holding for this year’s Presidential election, too. Turnout in Wisconsin’s August primary election was the highest in 60 years for a presidential primary, with over 26% of the voters casting ballots. The first day of in-person early voting in Wisconsin saw over 97,000 people cast ballots for the Nov. 5 election. That’s over a 20% increase from first day voter turnout in the 2020 Presidential election.
Wisconsin’s most committed voting block are women. Over 74% of women in Wisconsin voted in the last presidential election. Women are voting at rates higher than the average population, and we should pay attention.
No one understands the power of Wisconsin women better than NWLC Action Fund’s partner 9to5 Wisconsin and 9to5 Action Fund. 9to5 Wisconsin in particular has worked to mobilize Wisconsin’s working women through events and candidate forums that help educate voters and inspire them to show up to the ballot box. With Democratic Governor Tony Evers, Democratic wins in the State Assembly and State Senate could lead to more support for child care, paid leave, and other investments that make all the difference for working women.
And redistricting makes this election particularly interesting to watch this year. On December 22, 2023, the Wisconsin state Supreme Court ruled that the state’s noncontiguous legislative maps – as opposed to contiguous districts with all parts of a district physically touching with no detached territory – are unconstitutional and ordered that new maps be drawn to comply with the state constitution.
Of Wisconsin’s 132 state legislative districts, 75 contained noncontiguous territory, and over two-thirds of Wisconsinites lived in either an unconstitutionally noncontiguous assembly or senate district. That means that at least 44 state representatives and senators will run in new, more competitive districts. With so many changes to districts, Wisconsinites have the opportunity to flip at least one of the chambers of the legislative chambers to better reflect the priorities of voters in Wisconsin.
We know that gender justice is on the ballot in Wisconsin, not just at the presidential level, with the Senate as well – Senator Tammy Baldwin is up for reelection, and she’s been a longtime champion for building a care economy and reproductive freedom.
This election is already historic, and new districts mean more opportunity to make your voice heard and your vote count. Make sure you have a plan for election day:
- First, check your voter registration, polling location, and make your plan to vote here: https://www.voteamerica.org/how-to-vote/wisconsin
- Vote Early in person: Check your local requirements at the link above
- Vote by mail: Make sure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day, Nov 5th, or just hand deliver to a certified local election office here.
- Vote on Election Day, November 5th: Find your polling place here.
- Talk to your friends about how to vote in Wisconsin, and read and share our Wisconsin voter guide to amplify the issues at stake this election and which candidates are fighting for freedom, equity, and opportunity.
- Talking to voters is always the most effective way to increase turnout and build power. Canvass for a candidate you believe in, phonebank or host a fundraiser party.