Current:Home > MarketsWisconsin voters to decide legislative control and noncitizen voting question -ValueMetric
Wisconsin voters to decide legislative control and noncitizen voting question
Surpassing View
Date:2025-04-10 01:16:07
Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin voters will get a chance in Tuesday’s elections to shift the balance of power in the Legislature and decide whether to explicitly forbid foreign nationals from ever voting in the state.
Here’s a look at what’s at stake for the Legislature and the Republican-authored constitutional amendment designed to ensure only U.S. citizens can vote in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Legislature
Republicans seized control of both the Assembly and the Senate in 2010. The next year they redrew district boundaries to consolidate their power and have held the majority in both houses for the last 13 years.
The political landscape shifted dramatically last year, though, after liberal justices won control of the state Supreme Court and invalidated the Republican district maps. That move opened the door for Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to redraw the lines, giving his party hope of making substantial gains in both chambers.
Republicans hold a 64-35 edge in the Assembly, but redistricting and retirements have left 57 seats open and 15 Democrats unopposed. Democratic leaders believe they have a shot at retaking the majority. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has downplayed any potential Democratic gains, pointing out that the party has never come close to the majority in more than a decade.
Democrats face tougher odds in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 22-11 edge. Ten Republican seats and six Democratic seats are up this cycle. Democrats need 12 wins to reach the 17 seats needed for a majority. That means they’ll have to hold all six of their seats and flip at least six Republican ones, a near impossible task even given the new district lines. Democratic leaders have acknowledged that Tuesday is about setting themselves up for a 2026 run at the majority.
Citizenship voting amendment
The Wisconsin Constitution states that every U.S. citizen can vote in Wisconsin elections. Republicans are asking voters to approve an amendment that would tweak that language to say that only U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state and local elections held in Wisconsin.
Six states have already adopted the language and it’s on the ballot in seven other states besides Wisconsin this cycle.
Republicans across the country have been pushing such amendments, spurred on by the District of Columbia and a number of municipalities in California, Maryland and Vermont allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections.
veryGood! (355)
Related
- Your Wedding Guests Will Thank You if You Get Married at These All-Inclusive Resorts
- Usher reveals he once proposed to Chilli of TLC, says breakup 'broke my heart'
- Post-5 pm sunsets popping up around US as daylight saving time nears: Here's what to know
- NYC man caught at border with Burmese pythons in his pants is sentenced, fined
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Verdict in Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial expected Friday, capping busy week of court action
- Delta flight with maggots on plane forced to turn around
- Montana’s Malmstrom air base put on lockdown after active shooter report
- 'Most Whopper
- EA Sports drops teaser for College Football 25 video game, will be released this summer
Ranking
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- US eases restrictions on Wells Fargo after years of strict oversight following scandal
- Gun rights are expansive in Missouri, where shooting at Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade took place
- Kansas City mass shooting is the 50th so far this year, gun violence awareness group says
- Eva Mendes Shares Message of Gratitude to Olympics for Keeping Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Private
- The Excerpt podcast: At least 21 shot after Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade
- Tiger Woods hits a shank in his return to golf and opens with 72 at Riviera
- Fani Willis to return to the witness stand as she fights an effort to derail Trump’s election case
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Eyes on the road: Automated speed cameras get a fresh look as traffic deaths mount
A Republican plan to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin is dead
Angela Chao, shipping business CEO and Mitch McConnell’s sister-in-law, dies in Texas
Chief beer officer for Yard House: A side gig that comes with a daily swig.
See Zendaya and Tom Holland's Super Date Night in First Public Outing Since Breakup Rumors
Amy Schumer Responds to Criticism of Her “Puffier” Face
Early detection may help Kentucky tamp down its lung cancer crisis