Madison Commons reporters are out telling Election Day stories across the Madison community. Check back for updates throughout the day. In the featured photo above,
Category: Elections
New ballot ruling creates confusion for absentee voters in Dane County
Voters and clerks have raised concerns following a Wisconsin judge’s ruling that state law does not allow election clerks to fill in information on absentee
New political coalition focuses on equity and inclusion
After a frustrating Summer 2020, Larissa Joanna noticed that while many Madison residents realized the need for change and wanted to contribute, they had no idea of where to start. As protests turned violent and attendance decreased, Joanna decided that change was needed. That’s when Reshaping Madison Together (RMT), the newest coalition in the Madison political scene, formed. What started as a survey and a group of 40 people has emerged as a progressive group of activists and volunteers who Joanna says are “fighting the good fight.”
The Bus Stops Here: Voter ID requirement hurts transit-dependent voters
Next week, perhaps for the last time, the City of Madison will elect 20 City Council members for a 2- year period. Among their duties, Council members pass annual budgets that set taxes and determine how those taxes get spent. Those budgetary decisions in turn impact everything, from housing and police, to parks and yes, transportation.
Various politically-minded groups gear up for this event, help with political campaigns and/or endorse particular candidates. Their activity is based on the probably incorrect premise that potential or actual transit riders are as able to vote as others. It should be correct, and the Dane County Voter ID Coalition has assigned itself the task of identifying voters who may not have an acceptable voter photo ID, then arranging for them to receive assistance in obtaining one.
Nikki Conklin looks to bring diverse community voices to the table in District 9
“I believe that District 9 needs a new, young, fresh community leader at the table. All too often, Black, Indigenous people of color are the topic at the table but yet, we’re never at the table,” said District 9 Common Council candidate Nikki Conklin. “And so now, I really feel like this is my chance to shine and break all the odds and be at the table and actually bring the voices of the community to the table so we can be heard.”
Council candidate Doug Hyant: communication is top priority
Doug Hyant, the current Chief of Staff for State Representative Mark Spreitzer, is running for Alder of Madison’s Ninth District, representing the far west side. With past experience in electoral politics, and a sharp focus on communication, Hyant says that he is qualified and ready to listen to and represent the voices of district nine.
Amato seeks to leverage long history in Madison in Common Council race
At the beginning of 2020, Nino Amato had no intention of running for common council. After a successful career in the private sector, in which he held roles such as the CEO of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging and Health Groups, the Public Policy Chair for United Against Hate, as well as the President of the Madison Equal Commission- to name a few- Amato planned on stepping back, focusing on teaching, and taking time to be with his family.
However, after seeing crime and racial disparities rise this summer, he decided to run for alderperson in Madison’s 9th District.
Neighborhood leaders weigh in on proposal to shrink Common Council, convert to full-time alders
The Madison Common Council is debating whether to add a referendum to the spring ballot that would ask whether the council should undergo structural changes by making alder positions “full-time,” increasing their salary, decreasing the number of alders and implementing term limits. Our Courtney Degen spoke with leaders of several neighborhood associations for their reactions.
When you’re not ‘safer at home’: How city, state services are supporting domestic abuse victims during quarantine
Data suggests domestic abuse is proliferating around the world in conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle have publicly stated they are seeing increases in domestic violence allegations. Shannon Barry, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, anticipates the same for Madison.
Marsy’s Law passed in the Spring Primary, but what does it actually mean?
The Marsy’s Law amendment was supported by an overwhelming majority in this month’s election, passing with 75 percent of the vote. While the amendment appeals to common common sense on the surface, opponents like the ACLU of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Justice Initiative (WJI), say the wording of the amendment is misleading.
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