The long-term health of Wisconsin is inextricably linked with the health of our democracy.
Unchecked political spending from polluting special interests and voter protections that have been gutted are making it harder for many people to participate in elections. We know Wisconsinites care about protecting our environment. A free, fair, and equitable political process is essential to ensuring that elected officials reflect the values of their constituents and advance protections that are critical to our health, our environment, and future generations.
Voting rights and access to the polls
We know that to make progress in our state, everyone should have the freedom to vote and have fair access to the ballot. But our voting rights have been under attack in Wisconsin and around the country. A number of elected officials tried to put up barriers to voting by passing laws that make access to the ballot harder. They think this will allow them to hold onto their power.
Restrictive voter laws disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, people of color, and young people. For example, registering to vote in Wisconsin is tied closely to driver’s licenses – registering is far easier for people who have a license. However, people of color, low income citizens, and elderly citizens are far less likely to have a driver’s license, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
With the unprecedented attempts to limit access to the ballot, our work is more important than ever. Since 2020, we have expanded our democracy work, advocating for policy changes at the local and state level and taking a lead role in democracy coalitions. We successfully championed expanded early voting hours and locations in Green Bay, advocated for the appointment of pro-voters clerks around the state, and continue to push for Automatic Voter Registration.
We will continue to build and expand our work, ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their vote.