Wisconsin’s upcoming special elections have the potential to shape American democracy for years to come, with the state’s supreme court and legislature critical factors in determining the outcome. The most gerrymandered state in the US, Wisconsin has given Republicans a disproportionate advantage in elections despite having an almost equal number of Democratic voters. However, the upcoming elections could see a significant shift towards democracy and fairness.
A Special Election with Far-Reaching Implications
Tuesday’s special election to fill an open state senate seat could see Republicans gain a supermajority, which would allow them to impeach the newly elected justice. This is a significant concern given that the Republican candidate for the seat, Dan Knodl, has indicated that he might attempt to do so if he does not like who is elected to the court. With state legislatures and state courts setting rules on who gets to vote in swing states, this election has far-reaching implications.
Influencing the Presidential Election
Wisconsin’s heavily gerrymandered voting maps have given Republicans an edge in past presidential elections. However, if the justice who is elected alters the supreme court’s seven-person majority, these maps could be struck down, leading to significant advances for democracy. The outcome of this election could prove decisive in determining control of both the White House and Congress in 2024.
The Upcoming Supreme Court Election
The upcoming Wisconsin State Supreme Court election is nonpartisan in name only. The two candidates vying for Justice Pat Roggensack’s formerly conservative seat are heavily linked with Democrats and Republicans respectively, and over $20 million has already been spent on campaign advertising alone. The leading issue in this race is abortion access, which could be challenged if the liberal candidate Janet Protasiewicz wins.
Redistricting is another crucial issue on voters’ minds, given Wisconsin’s heavily gerrymandered maps. The state’s maps are among the most gerrymandered in the country, and the outcome of this race could lead to challenges to policies passed by Republicans over the last decade, potentially flipping control of both the statehouse and US House of Representatives to Democrats.
Future Implications
The new Supreme Court could have a significant impact on future elections and litigation in Wisconsin. They will likely hear arguments on issues such as voter ID laws, redistricting, gun rights, and could even have a say in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. With such enormous implications, it’s no wonder that this has become the most expensive judicial race in US history.
Holding former President Trump accountable to the rule of law in Manhattan’s criminal court is undoubtedly significant. Still, it pales in comparison with what’s happening in Wisconsin, where democracy is under threat from authoritarian minorities attempting to steal it step-by-step.
In conclusion, Wisconsin’s special elections could prove decisive in determining the course of American democracy for years to come. With so much at stake, one can only hope that justice and fairness prevail.
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