Voters in Wisconsin pass voting rights referendum at election

Wisconsin voters approved a statewide referendum question on the Nov. 5 ballot that amends the state constitution to allow “only” U.S. citizens to vote in Wisconsin elections.

According to unofficial results Tuesday night, about 70% voted to pass the amendment, with about 55% of votes in favor.

The change has little immediate impact in Wisconsin. Republican supporters of the measure wanted to prevent non-citizens from participating in future local elections, such as for mayor and school board. While some cities in other states allow this, nowhere in Wisconsin currently does.

The Wisconsin referendum question was part of a nationwide effort: Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky had similar questions on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Democrats and liberal groups opposed the referendum, in part because they believe the question promotes the false idea that non-citizens vote in Wisconsin elections. In Wisconsin, it is extremely rare for non-citizens to vote fraudulently and it is a felony.

The referendum question was the fifth and final constitutional amendment put before Wisconsin voters in 2024. Researchers have found that referendum attempts are more common under divided state government: Democratic Gov. Tony Evers cannot block a constitutional amendment with his veto pen.

In April, voters approved two referendum questions that now prevent officials from using outside money and resources to run elections. In August, voters rejected referendums that would have limited the governor's ability to spend federal funds, a victory for Democrats who came out strongly in favor of the referendum.

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