LWV encourages ‘No’ vote on state constitution question

By Linda Bjella

On your Nov. 5 ballot you will see the following question:

Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?

Your first inclination is probably to check the 'Yes' box, but it is important to consider the potential, serious, unintended consequences of making this permanent change to the Wisconsin Constitution.

This proposed amendment opens the door to a law that could require proof of citizenship requirements in order to vote, despite the fact that 1 in 10 U.S. citizens don’t have documents to prove their citizenship.

Such a change is unnecessary because it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote. There are multiple safeguards that prohibit non-citizens from registering to vote. In addition, any attempt by a non-citizen to register is a felony that can result in imprisonment and/or deportation. This very real threat is an effective deterrent that makes such attempts exceedingly rare. A recent study by the nonprofit American Immigration Council found only 12 cases of illegal voting in the past 40 years.

Making this permanent change in Wisconsin’s Constitution is not only unnecessary, but could also disenfranchise millions of Americans.

Because of this, the League of Women Voters urges you to Vote 'No' on this referendum question.