Spring 2015 Election Day Information
On The Ballot
Statewide Referendum/Constitutional Amendment:
Everyone will find a referendum on the ballot proposing a constitutional amendment that would change how the Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is elected. The Wisconsin constitution currently provides that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is its longest-serving member. Under the proposed constitutional amendment, the other Justices would select the Chief Justice.
Republicans in the Legislature brought this proposal forward, and I voted against the resolution that put it on the ballot. The resolution passed the Assembly on a party-line vote, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against it.
The non-partisan Government Accountability Board provides the following explanation of the referendum question: “A ‘yes’ vote on this question would mean that the Chief Justice shall be elected for a term of two years by a majority of the justices then serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Justice who is elected may decline to serve as Chief Justice or resign the position, but still continue to serve as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. A ‘no’ vote would mean that the longest-serving member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court serves as Chief Justice of the Court. The Justice designated as Chief Justice may decline to serve as Chief Justice or resign the position, but still continue to serve as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.”
Supreme Court Justice:
All residents will also find an election for Supreme Court Justice on the ballot. Incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley faces challenger James P. Daley, who is the presiding judge of the Rock County Circuit Court.
Madison Mayor:
City of Madison residents will cast their votes for Madison’s next Mayor. Incumbent Mayor Paul Solgin faces a challenge by current City Council member Scott Resnick.
Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Verona Area School District (VASD) Referendums:
Residents who live in the MMSD or VASD school district attendance areas will vote on referendums related to additional spending for facilities. The VASD referendum relates to purchase of land for future elementary and high school development. The MMSD referendum considers facilities improvements for expansion and accessibility, technology infrastructure updgrades, and renovations to some schools.
Also on the Ballot:
Depending upon exactly where you live, you may also find contested or uncontested elections for City Council and School board on your ballot.
More Election Information
Click here to see what is on your ballot.
Polls will be open on April 7th from 7am to 8p.m.
