The League of Women Voters Celebrates Wisconsin Win for Democracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          Contact: Erin Grunze, Executive Director, LWVWI

March 21, 2019       608-256-0827; [email protected]

Judge Blocks Unconstitutional Lame-Duck Session Laws

MADISON – Today Judge Niess judge ruled in favor of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin in our suit against the state legislature. During a lame-duck session last year, the Wisconsin state legislature passed a series of laws limiting the incoming governor’s power, undermining the desire of the voters. Today’s decision undoes the unconstitutional actions of the lame-duck legislature.

The Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Erin Grunze, issued the following statement:

“Today’s court ruling is a victory for the people of Wisconsin, who are entitled to a government that represents their interests transparently, welcomes citizens’ input, and respects the limits of its constitutional authority. As an organization dedicated to voting rights and informed participation in government, we feel vindicated that the court saw the Legislature’s ‘extraordinary session’ for what it was—an unconstitutional act that harmed Wisconsin voters and taxpayers.”

The president of the League of Women Voters of the United States, Chris Carson added the following:

“The League stands up for democracy whenever it is attacked, and today’s victory is a huge win for fairness in our system of government. Elected officials have a duty to respect the state constitution under which they serve and honor the will of the voters above their own political interests. The actions of the Wisconsin legislature undermined the peaceful transfer of power that voters expected when they elected new leadership. Because of today’s ruling, the desires of Wisconsin voters will once again be intact, and the unconstitutional bills will be dissolved.”

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The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 20 local Leagues throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org.