Wisconsin Election 2024: Key Races and Issues Voters Will Decide

Introduction to the Wisconsin Election Landscape

The Wisconsin election on April 1, 2024, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for voters in the battleground state. While the high-stakes race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court has dominated headlines, the ballot also features twoother critical contests and a constitutional amendment that will have far-reaching implications for education, voter access, and the future of the state. Early voting begins on Tuesday, and voters will weigh in on these key issues, which reflect sharp partisan divisions.

The Race for Wisconsin’s Top Education Official

The race for Wisconsin’s top education official pits two candidates with vastly different visions for the state’s K-12 education system. Incumbent Jill Underly, who is backed by the teachers’ union and the Democratic Party, is seeking reelection against Brittany Kinser, a Republican-endorsed consultant and advocate for charter and voucher schools. The outcome of this race will determine how Wisconsin approaches education policy, including funding for public schools, teacher licensing, and the future of private school vouchers.

Underly, a former teacher and principal, has built a career advocating for public education. She was elected as state superintendent in 2021 and has the support of the Wisconsin Education Association Council and prominent Democratic officials. Her opponent, Kinser, has a background in charter schools, having worked for Rocketship schools and later founding her own consulting firm. Kinser has criticized Underly’s management of the Department of Public Instruction, particularly her overhaul of state achievement standards, which Kinser argues lowered expectations for students.

The debate over voucher schools has emerged as a central issue in the race. Underly and her supporters argue that voucher programs divert resources from public schools, while Kinser believes they provide families with more educational choices. Additionally, Underly has made Kinser’s stance on the potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education a campaign issue, portraying her opponent as out of touch with the needs of public schools.

The Fight Over Wisconsin’s Voter ID Law

Another key issue on the ballot is a constitutional amendment that would enshrine Wisconsin’s voter ID law in the state constitution. Republicans, who introduced the measure, argue that it will enhance election security and protect the law from being overturned by courts. However, Democrats and voting rights advocates oppose the amendment, asserting that voter ID requirements disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including people of color, the disabled, and low-income individuals.

If passed, the amendment would make it more difficult for future legislatures to alter the voter ID law, which has been in place since 2011. Wisconsin already has one of the strictest voter ID laws in the country, and opponents fear that embedding it in the constitution will further restrict access to the ballot box. The debate highlights broader national tensions over voting rights and election integrity, with both parties recognizing the potential long-term impact of this decision.

Why These Races and Issues Matter Beyond Wisconsin

The outcomes of these races and the constitutional amendment will have implications that extend beyond Wisconsin’s borders. The state’s election could serve as a bellwether for national trends on education policy, voter access, and the role of state governments in shaping these issues. Additionally, the results may influence the broader political landscape as the country approaches the 2024 presidential election.

What’s at Stake for Wisconsin Voters

For Wisconsin voters, the stakes in these elections are personal and profound. The race for superintendent of education will determine the direction of the state’s schools, with implications for funding, curriculum, and access to resources. The voter ID amendment will shape the future of voting rights in the state, potentially affecting thousands of residents. Together, these contests offer voters an opportunity to weigh in on issues that will shape the future of Wisconsin for years to come.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Voters

As early voting begins, Wisconsin voters are being called upon to make their voices heard on some of the most critical issues facing the state. From the future of education to the fundamental right to vote, the decisions made in this election will have lasting consequences. With sharp partisan divisions and high stakes, every vote matters. Whether casting a ballot in person or through early voting, Wisconsin residents have the power to shape the direction of their state and set a precedent for the nation.