Resolution To Conduct Countywide Advisory Referendum On Creation Of Nonpartisan Procedure For The Preperation Of legislative And Congressional Redistricting Plans

RESOLUTION NO. _____ - 2018

RESOLUTION TO CONDUCT COUNTYWIDE ADVISORY REFERENDUM ON CREATION OF NONPARTISAN PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING PLANS

[Text Box: Fiscal Impact: [ ] None [ ] Budgeted Expenditure [ ] Not Budgeted ] [Text Box: Background: The Sauk County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution No. 86-2017 on September 19, 2017, urging the creation of a nonpartisan procedure for the preparation of legislative and congressional redistricting plans. Historically, legislative and congressional plans in Wisconsin have been subject to partisan influence that puts the desires of politicians ahead of the electoral prerogative of the people. Redistricting that achieves partisan gains is improper. In order to determine whether the people of Sauk County support the creation of a nonpartisan procedure for the preparation of legislative and congressional redistricting plans, the County Board may conduct a countywide advisory referendum, pursuant to Wis. Stat. 59.52(25), in the Spring Election on April 3, 2018.]

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sauk County Board of Supervisors, met in regular session, authorizes the following countywide advisory referendum be placed on the April 3, 2018, ballot: 

The question will appear on the ballot as follows: 

Should the Wisconsin legislature create a nonpartisan procedure for the preparation of legislative and congressional redistricting plans?

EXPLANATION

The procedure currently used allows the legislature of the majority party to prepare legislative and congressional redistricting plans.  This has the potential to result in improper partisan results, allowing legislators to pick their voters, rather than voters pick their representatives, which is what is commonly referred to as “gerrymandering.”

A “yes” vote indicates you agree with creating a nonpartisan procedure for preparing redistricting plans to end gerrymandering.

A “no” vote indicates you disagree with creating a nonpartisan procedure for preparing redistricting plans to end gerrymandering.

For consideration by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on January 16, 2018.

Respectfully submitted,

EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

__________________________________                  __________________________________

MARTIN F. KRUEGER, Chairperson                    JOAN FORDHAM

__________________________________                ___________________________________

DENNIS POLIVKA                                                   WALLY CZUPRYNKO

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WILLIAM HAMBRECHT

Fiscal Note:  This referendum would be conducted concurrently with an election that already includes creation of ballots for every voting district in Sauk County, so no special ballot creation would be needed.  Ballot layout costs are estimated to be less than $100. 

MIS Note:  No impact.