Record Wisconsin Turnout Foreshadows Rural Electoral Power

With the highest turnout in 60 years, rural Wisconsinites flex their might

Last month, voters in Wisconsin flooded to the polls in record numbers to turn down a dangerous constitutional amendment with harmful, partisan ramifications. Thanks to rural organizing efforts by grantees like the Wisconsin Farmers Union, turnout at the polls exceeded every Wisconsin election in the past 60 years. On the heels of that victory, Wisconsinites are excited about their power to influence the presidential election and other important races down the ballot.

Across the country, the influence of Wisconsin voters stands out since the evenly divided state is one of few with the ability to swing the presidential election. Recent polling puts the presidential candidates at a near-statistical tie, and Wisconsin is one of just nine states with a partisan split between the legislature and the governor. Another constitutional amendment, this time targeting noncitizen voting in local elections, is also on the ballot in November. With an energized base of pro-democracy voters fresh off the ballot campaign victory, the farmers union and other grantees have prepared rural Wisconsin to succeed this fall. 

The base of pro-democracy support in Wisconsin cut its teeth on campaigns for important statewide causes like multiracial solidarity. Our grantees know it takes collaboration across different demographics to win campaigns like defeating the August constitutional amendment. Fortunately, organizations like the Wisconsin Public Education Network and All in Wisconsin have done deliberate anti-racism work to unite across race and geography in their state. 

The Network offers a toolkit of equity resources specifically guided towards accurate education, with tools that give advocates ways to teach about race, history, and solidarity, among other topics. All in Wisconsin also demonstrates how to build coalitions through their “Don’t Take the Bait” toolkit. The toolkit exposes dangerous dog whistles in local politics, preparing people in Wisconsin to counter divisive rhetoric. “Lead with values, not problems,” they advise. “Focus on what we want using language that paints a picture of our desired outcomes — fully funded schools, great jobs, and the ability to go to the doctor. By keeping the conversation in our frame, we can ensure lies about our elections don’t derail us.” These resources strengthen political power to reverse racial inequities and benefit everyone. 

In the past few years, the issue of representative maps and other critical fights like reproductive freedoms have also come to the fore in Wisconsin. RDI grantees mobilized in support of democracy champion Janet Protasiewicz’s election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2023. Rural Democracy and our partners — including Progress North and Wisconsin Conservation Voters — organized a webinar exploring the critical role of rural and small-town voters in anticipation of that election, which marked a major win for the pro-democracy faction. Wisconsin advocates carried this momentum to the polls last month.

Hard Work Pays off in Rural Wisconsin

As this network has grown, rural Wisconsinites felt prepared to tackle the worrying constitutional amendment proposal in August. The proposal would’ve limited the governor’s ability to distribute federal funds to Wisconsin communities, threatening rural Wisconsinites in crisis situations such as a public health emergency or natural disaster. Because the confusingly worded ballot initiative had the potential to change the state constitution, preventing the governor from spending federal dollars without the approval of the legislature, the move would have added bureaucratic red tape and partisan delays to the distribution of essential funds. 

But with an impressive outreach campaign, the farmers union and its partners said “no” to the amendment. Wisconsin Farmers Union distributed 2,000 yard signs, boosted digital outreach, placed an op-ed in the local press, and engaged in several additional voter mobilization and education tactics. 

Now, the farmers union and plenty of other RDI grantees are gearing up for the presidential election in November, drawing on the strong existing infrastructure they’ve built in rural Wisconsin. 

Our Network Now

Our research indicates the growing potential of pro-democracy forces in Wisconsin. The trends demonstrate exciting progress over the years, especially in last month’s ballot referendum. It’s a testament to the enduring work of our grantees who have long been committed to rural Wisconsin’s wellbeing and future success.

But we know there is more to be done so rural Wisconsinites benefit from the national attention of the presidential election. At the same time, we need to make certain rural Wisconsin voters show up in November armed with the accurate information and strong values to influence the presidential outcome in a way that supports all Americans. 

By supporting Rural Democracy, you can contribute to this monumental effort at a key moment in the history of Wisconsin – and our country.