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The State Democracy Research Initiative works to produce high-quality research and share its findings and insights with the public, press, advocates, scholars, and judges. This work takes a variety of forms, from timely commentary to comprehensive overviews of all 50 states to forward-looking legal analysis.

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Reports

November 2026 Proposed Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments

In the upcoming November 2026 election, Wisconsin voters will be asked to vote on three proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution. These amendments will be on the ballot alongside a contentious race for governor, state legislative races that will determine control of the state legislature, and at least one closely watched federal House race that may decide which party controls the House after the midterms, among others. In a series of explainers, we describe the proposed amendments, their backgrounds, the national context, the arguments for and against the amendments, and the likely impacts.

Explainers

Wisconsin's Proposed Constitutional Amendment on Partial Gubernatorial Vetoes

In the upcoming November 2026 election, Wisconsin voters will be asked whether to amend Article V, Section 10(1)(c), of the Wisconsin Constitution to ban the governor's use of the partial veto power to increase or allow the increase of taxes or fees. Legislators introduced the partial veto amendment in response to Governor Tony Evers’s “400-year veto,” which struck words, digits, and dashes to allow localities to raise increased school funding through the 2425 school year, instead of just through 2025. 

In the Media

The Badger Project: “Joe Biden won.” – Rep. Tiffany tried to overturn the 2020 election. What could a Gov. Tiffany do in 2028?

Bryna Godar 10.01.26

"U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany tried to help overturn the results of the 2020 election for Donald Trump. Now the Republican is running for governor, a role in which he would be the executive of the entire state of Wisconsin. If elected, experts say he has a duty to perform regarding the state’s votes in the 2028 presidential election."

In the Media

WPR: In Wisconsin elections, write-ins are frequently wrong

Bryna Godar 09.29.26

"According to Godar, write-in campaigns are extra challenging, because a person doesn’t just have to earn a checked box on a ballot. Their voters also need to remember them well enough to write out their names. Still, the process offers an option to candidates who don’t clear other hurdles, like party primaries or even circulating nomination papers."

Commentary

Wisconsin Lawyer: Wisconsin Supreme Court: 2025–26 Term Review and 2026–27 Preview

Bryna Godar 09.10.26

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's 2025–26 term unfolded largely outside the political spotlight. However, the 2026–27 term may not be as quiet, with two redistricting challenges to the state's congressional maps and a case that could revisit the court's approach to statutory interpretation.

In the Media

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A guide to the 3 statewide referendums in Wisconsin's Nov. 3 election

Bryna Godar 09.01.26

"Wisconsin voters will see three questions on the Nov. 3 ballot that ask whether the state constitution should be changed to further restrict the governor’s partial veto powers, prevent church closures during future pandemics and prohibit race-based eligibility in government programs."

In the Media

Cato Institute: Election Policy Roundup #29: October Surprise?

"Number 29 in our series of occasional roundups on election law and policy, returning to the topic (also treated in June) of state and local preparations for last-minute disruptions and federal interference in the midterm elections." (References SDRI Research).

In the Media

Glenwood Springs leaders vote to sue landlord of ICE detention center in state court

Bryna Godar 08.06.26

"Glenwood Springs City Council members voted Thursday to sue the owner of the building where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is running a short-term detention facility in violation of city zoning rules, hoping to avoid a more risky legal confrontation with the federal government as it attempts to stop the operation."

In the Media

PBS Wisconsin: Bryna Godar on WEC's ruling on 'spoiling' absentee ballots

Bryna Godar 07.24.26

"University of Wisconsin Law School State Democracy Research Initiative attorney Bryna Godar discusses the state Elections Commission barring requests for new absentee ballots if a candidate drops out."

In the Media

Votebeat: Can Wisconsin voters void a returned absentee ballot? Issue could head back to court

Bryna Godar 07.21.26

"Wisconsin election officials may reignite a legal battle over absentee voting with a July guidance stating that voters cannot void a returned absentee ballot and cast a new one, even if Election Day is weeks away or the candidate they supported has dropped out. It’s the latest development in a legal dispute that began in 2022 and was reopened by an appeals court decision earlier this year."

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