Resolution to Conduct Countywide Advisory Referendum promoted by United to Amend on Recommending a Constitutional Amendment

Committee Status: 
Approved
Budget Status: 
No Fiscal Impact
Decision Impact: 
Significant
FTE Impact: 
No
Funding Source: 
Other (see budget status)

Purpose

Background:    Government of, by, and for the people has long been a cherished American value, and free and fair elections are essential to democracy and effective self-governance.  United States Supreme Court decisions have altered campaign finance so as to deny people the exercise of self-governance.   In Buckley v. Valeo, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that political spending is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech.  In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that corporate political spending is protected, holding that corporations have a First Amendment right to free speech. 

 

In order to determine whether the people of Sauk County support constitutional amendments to reclaim democracy by stating that only humans have constitutional rights, and that money is not speech,  the County Board will conduct a countywide advisory referendum, pursuant to Wis. Stat. 59.52(25), in the Fall Election on November 6, 2018.

Resolution Files: 
Microsoft Office document icon Resolution Recommending Referendum on Constitutional Amendents
Microsoft Office document icon Resolution Recommending Referendum on Constitutional Amendents Rev 1

Resolution Body

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 November 6, 2018, ballot: 

 

The questions will appear on the ballot as follows: 

 

1.Should the Constitution of the United States of America be amended to state:

 

                 Only human beings are endowed with constitutional rights – not corporations, union, nonprofits or other artificial entities.

 

A “yes” vote indicates you agree with amending the Constitution.

 

A “no” vote indicates you disagree with amending the Constitution.

 

 

2.Should the Constitution of the United States of America be amended to state:

 

                  Money is not speech, and therefore regulating political contributions and spending is not equivalent to limiting speech.

 

A “yes” vote indicates you agree with amending the Constitution.

 

A “no” vote indicates you disagree with amending the Constitution.

 

 

For consideration by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on May 15, 2018.

Requested Board Review Date: 
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
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