It's time for another Ballot Bulletin so we can all better informed about the processes in place to ensure our elections are fair, accessible, and secure. Wisconsin has seen a sharp rise in constitutional amendments on our ballot. In the November 5 Election, voters will see their 5th proposed constitutional amendment this year alone. Our state constitution is revered for safeguarding Wisconsinites' rights, and any changes must be approached seriously. Let's break down the steps a proposed constitutional amendment goes through before ending up on the ballot. 

In Wisconsin, the process for amending the state constitution is designed to ensure that changes reflect the will of the people and are thoroughly considered. Here’s how it works:

1. Proposal by the Legislature:
   A constitutional amendment can only be proposed by the Wisconsin State Legislature. This requires a majority vote in both the State Assembly and the State Senate.

2. Approval in Two Sessions:
   For the proposed amendment to move forward, it must be approved by a majority vote in both the Assembly and Senate during two consecutive legislative sessions. The governor does not have the power to veto proposed amendments.

3. Referendum:
   After passing in two consecutive sessions, the proposed amendment is then placed on the ballot for a statewide referendum. The people of Wisconsin have the final say—voters will decide whether to adopt the amendment.

4. Voter Approval:
   For the amendment to be adopted, it must receive a majority of the votes cast in the referendum. If it passes, the amendment becomes part of the Wisconsin Constitution.

The Binding Nature of Constitutional Amendments

Once a constitutional amendment is approved by Wisconsin voters, it becomes a permanent part of the state constitution. This change is binding and cannot be easily altered or repealed. Any further modifications to that amendment would require going through the entire amendment process again.