Voters give split decision on constitutional amendments to limit governor's powers, DEI

Key Points:

• Wisconsin voters approved two constitutional amendments and rejected one in a closely watched election influenced by the Republican-controlled Legislature.
• A narrow majority (50.7%) approved limiting the governor’s partial veto power, preventing future governors from using it to raise taxes or fees, a response to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ controversial 2023 budget amendment.
• Voters rejected an amendment that would have barred government officials from closing places of worship during a state of emergency, preserving existing public health emergency powers.
• Another amendment passed barring governmental entities from discriminating or giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, national origin, or ethnicity in contracting, employment, and education, a move aligned with Republican efforts to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
• The discrimination amendment does not address sexual orientation or gender identity, reflecting a narrower focus compared to some other states’ provisions.