Wisconsin Judge Rules Two Measures Can Appear on April Ballot

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 -- 1:00 PM

(AP) A Wisconsin judge on Monday ruled that two Republican-backed measures can appear on the April ballot over the objections of criminal justice advocates who said elections officials had missed the state deadline.

One of the measures would add an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution that would make it harder for people accused of violent crimes to get out of jail on bail. The other is a non-binding advisory referendum that asks voters if they believe that able-bodied, childless welfare recipients should be required to look for work. Dane County Circuit Judge Rhonda Lanford said the groups bringing the lawsuit had not met legal requirements for a court to intervene.

If the decision is not overturned by a higher court, the ballot measures will go before voters on April 4. Dan Lenz, an attorney for the groups that sued, said he was discussing next steps with his clients. He did not comment on the content of the ruling or say whether the groups will appeal.

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