Wisconsin voters cast ballots Tuesday in a spring election that could reshape state Supreme Court dynamics and test citizen authority over local tax policy, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide.
Supreme Court Battle Shapes Up
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race pits conservative-backed Maria Lazar, a Brookfield appeals judge, against liberal-backed Chris Taylor from Madison. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority. A Lazar victory maintains that split, while a Taylor win expands liberal control to 5-2. The winner serves a 10-year term. Marquette University Law School polling released March 24 found many registered voters remain undecided. Outside groups spent roughly $683,000 as of March 25, dramatically less than last year’s $100 million contest where liberal Susan Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel.
Port Washington Voters Test Referendum Rights
Port Washington residents vote on whether future tax incremental financing districts exceeding $10 million require voter approval. The measure stems from controversy over Vantage’s planned $15 billion data center facility. City leaders approved TIF for the project, which uses future tax revenue to fund current public improvements. The referendum would not cancel the existing data center district but would require citizen approval for similar future projects. The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce has already filed suit, arguing Wisconsin voters cannot independently create referendums to change state laws, though the League of Wisconsin Municipalities says cities and villages have that authority.
School District Seeks Building Funds
Whitefish Bay School District asks voters to approve $135 million for renovations. Half would fund demolishing the current middle school and building a replacement across the street. The remainder covers repairs at other district buildings. District officials estimate the average Whitefish Bay home, assessed at $685,000, would see annual tax increases if approved.
Voter Requirements Remain Strict
Wisconsin law requires photo ID for votes to count. Acceptable identification includes valid Wisconsin driver’s licenses or state ID cards, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Same-day registration requires proof of address documents like utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, leases, tax bills, or government-issued documents. Voters can present paper copies or digital versions on phones. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. gets to vote. Voters can verify registration status and find polling locations through the MyVote Wisconsin website, as each municipality maintains separate voting sites.