The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is launching a Constitutional Corner series to highlight issues related to our constitution. In the coming weeks, we'll explore topics related to the Wisconsin Constitution including the constitutional amendment process. Stay tuned for important information so you can be an informed voter! 

This week let's talk about the process to amend our state constitution. 

This April, we saw two constitutional amendments on the ballot. How do constitutional amendments end up on the ballot in Wisconsin?

Wisconsinites cannot currently put referenda or constitutional amendments on the ballot. All amendments to the state constitution start in the state legislature. 

To amend the constitution, lawmakers must approve identical language in two consecutive legislative sessions. Fittingly, the first approval is called a "First Consideration" amendment; the second is a "Second Consideration" amendment. After that, the amendment is scheduled for an election where it will be on the ballot of every Wisconsin voter. The Governor cannot veto a constitutional amendment, unlike regular bills the legislature passes. 

A Recent Increase in Constitutional Amendments 

Since the state’s founding in 1848, there have been 200 proposed amendments to the constitution and 150 of those have been ratified. 

In 2024 alone, Wisconsinites will vote on five constitutional amendments. This dramatic increase in constitutional changes should set off an alarm. Voters need to understand why so many amendments are being proposed, their origins, and the impact they will have on our state.

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming constitutional amendments.