Why all eyes are on Wisconsin
In 2022, more than 850 veterans and military family members volunteered with Vet the Vote to poll workers in Wisconsin, a state with one of the most decentralized electoral systems in the country. More than 1,500 polling jurisdictions are spread across the state serving a population of approximately 5.8 million.
In Wisconsin, we have work cut out for us helping to staff all those polling stations. The next round of elections in the Badger State is happens in April 2023, with primaries coming atend of February So, after our success last November, we’re already recruiting poll workers again,just when you thought the elections were over.
Let’s talk about what is on the ballot in Wisconsin this Spring, and why it’s so important. All elections are important, and one of the great parts of the primaries and spring elections is that these smaller turnout elections give poll workers (and would-be poll workers) a chance to really understand and learn the election process and system. However, these 2023 elections are getting national attention. Politico reports that “Control of the Wisconsin state Supreme Court is on the ballot this spring, and the contest could decide the fate of abortion rights, redistricting and more in the critical swing state.” So among other races, the judicial elections could have implications at the state and national level for years to come.
We've discussed why elections and primaries matter and stand behind our call to action at Vet the Vote. Your neighbors depend on you. But we also want to highlight our partner organizations, likeVeterans for Political Innovation (VPI), who are also putting democracy first.
VPI’s big idea is: “inspiring and educating one of America’s most-trusted institutions, veterans, to mobilize and advocate for election innovations that will help repair some of America’s least-trusted institutions (the political system and Congress). In so many elections, it’s hard to feel like your vote matters because there aren’t meaningful choices for voters and there’s no accountability for the lack of results in Congress. That is why VPI is advocating for Wisconsin to adopt Final Five Voting, as a way to bring more choice, voice, and accountability into elections.”
What is Final Five Voting?
Final Five Voting is a combination of two voting innovations:
Top-Five Primary: For the primaries, all candidates run on a single ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Voters select their favorite candidate. When the votes are tallied, the top five finishers advance to the general election.
Instant Runoff General Election: In the general election, voters pick their favorite, just like always. If they want to, they can also pick their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and last place candidates, using a ranked choice ballot.
The first-place votes are counted. If one candidate gets a majority (50%+), that candidate wins.
If no one has a majority, the count continues via instant runoff voting. The last-place candidate is eliminated and anyone who voted for that candidate has their single vote transferred to their second choice.
The votes are counted again, and the process continues until one candidate gets over 50%. In an instant runoff, the candidate with the widest appeal to the greatest number of voters wins.
Voters in Alaska used this system for the first time in 2022. Nevada voters also passed Final Five Voting as a ballot initiative in 2022, but they will need to do so again in 2024 for it to take effect. Wisconsin had bipartisan legislation for Final Five Voting introduced last legislative session, and it is expected to keep moving forward this session.
Why is Final Five different and meaningful?
At most 10 percent of voters effectively decide elections in the party primary. Therefore, the primary, and not the general election, is the election that candidates are beholden to, and determines electoral accountability. Additionally, the primaries are the elections responsible for ensuring elected officials get and keep their jobs - meaning a lot of playing politics and partisanship throughout an official’s term. Final Five Voting makes sure that all our elected officials answer to more of the electorate and makes sure that the general election always decides who wins.
No matter where you live, elections are likely just around the corner. So, pay attention in Wisconsin and look into voting innovations in your state, as well. And remember, whether it’s the election season of 2023 or the Presidential cycle in 2024, we are going to need you to help us Vet the Vote!
You can learn more about VPI and their work here, and watch this testimony from veterans in Wisconsin advocating for Final Five Voting here. They also have a great podcast with veteran leaders in the state, listen here.