This Sunday, Grassroots North Shore will present RESCUE LADY JUSTICE with featured speakers Judge Janet Protasiewicz (candidate for Supreme Court), Jodi Habush Sinykin (candidate for WI senator from Senate District 8), and Deb Andraca (Assembly Representative in AD 23) at the North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N. Bartlett Ave. Shorewood). We are meeting in person indoors for the first time in THREE YEARS! And it will be especially wonderful to see everyone up close and personal. Still COVID-19 has not gone away. So we recommend that you act prudently and wear a mask when you can. We will have some masks available for you at the sign-in table. So RSVP and enjoy the first day of daylight saving time with your Grassroots North Shore friends! (And don't forget to set your clocks one hour ahead before you hop into bed Saturday night.)
Last week I shared some maps of Wisconsin to show the counties that candidates won and the counties where the aggregate of the two liberal candidates prevailed. Here's more, and more expert, analysis of the outcomes. In the podcast (about 34 minutes long) Charles Franklin, the director of the Marquette Law School poll, talks about the primary and some election trends in the state. You'll find it here.
I promised I would have something to say about the two referendums to amend the state's constitution that will appear on you ballot. So here goes. To amend the state constitution, the exact same legislative language must pass two consecutive sessions of the legislature and THEN be offered to the voters via a ballot referendum. That's what is happening now. The issues these amendments address are complex and there are a number of different views about them. But precisely because they change our foundational document, we should take a bit more care to understand fully what each proposed amendment does.
So far there has been little discussion or analysis of them in the media or anywhere else I've been able to find. And it is a little curious that the Republican dominated legislature is choosing to put these amendments to the voters in an extremely low-turnout spring election. So Grassroots North Shore is suggesting that in the absence of strong supporting arguments with evidence, we vote NO on each of them for the following reasons.
- The proposed amendments would transfer power to the legislature from the judicial and from the executive branches of government.
- The legislature is using the constitutional amendment process for these matters, instead of simply passing laws to alter the way judges can proceed, in order to get around a gubernatorial veto. In short the majority in the legislature is gaming the system to get the results they want.
You should, however, take a few minutes to read the texts and then make up your own minds. You can read both the language that will be on your ballot and the actual legislative language on the Grassroots North Shore website.
Two warnings about absentee ballots have come to my attention this week. First, some people in Wisconsin are receiving "misleading mailers from a Washington, D.C.-based group that have incorrect information" on pre-filled absentee ballot application forms, according to an AP story on msn.com. the These mailers are coming from the Center for Voter Information, a group that has worked to register voters and elect Democrats across the country. The Center has admitted the mistakes but "was unable to say how widespread its mailing was." But voters are confused.
Second, in the primary we just held 75 mailed-in ballots were delivered in Glendale the day after the election — too late to count. This sort of problem happens in a lot of communities but the number of late ballots is usually very small. In this case, Mayor Brian Kennedy said that although the 75 ballots could not have changed the outcome of any race, they made up 2% of the ballots cast. In fact, the only contested primary on the Glendale ballot in February was the Supreme Court race. And Judge Protasiewicz won that primary with a whopping vote total of 63%. Because the Monday before the Tuesday election was a federal holiday, the post offices were closed, possibly adding to the problem. But in one case a voter in San Diego mailed a ballot on February 8, two weeks before election day!
The moral of the story: people voting by absentee ballot should take their ballots in person to their municipal clerk's office ahead of the election whenever possible. That advice, though, won't help people who mail absentee ballots because they are nowhere near their municipality. In that case, people who have to cast an absentee ballot should return the ballot as soon as it arrives and should check its status on MyVote.WI.gov a few days after it has been mailed. If the ballot has not been received with at least 10 days to election day, voters should call their municipal clerk for advice on what to do. Contact for municipal clerks is provided by the MyVote site.
And a final announcement: The Democratic Party of Milwaukee County will give anyone who completes 2 canvassing shifts in Milwaukee County a 50% discount on the price of tickets to the County Party Awards dinner on March 26th. The event will be held at the Italian Community Center at 5:30pm for drinks and 6:30pm for dinner. The party will announce the recipients of a number of awards, including Democrat of the Year Mandela Barnes. And Judge Janet Protasiewicz will be the gala's special speaker. So please find an opportunity (or 2!) to knock doors and talk to your neighbors. The events list has plenty of canvasses in a location near you for the three weekends before the election. Tickets for the gala, titled "Defenders of Democracy," are available now.
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EVENTS
Tuesday, March 7
Drinking Liberally Milwaukee, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Art Bar. 722 E Burleigh St
Due to some conflicts, this month's DL MKE will be one week earlier than normal. On the 1st Tuesday instead of the 2nd. We'll go back to our normal schedule next month! Come share a pint and talk progressive politics! Drinking Liberally is a nationwide network of informal, inclusive progressive social groups. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Look for the folks wearing Drinking Liberally MKE buttons.
Thursday, March 9
Friend to Friend Postcards for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, 1:00 - 2:00pm
online
Join us to build your list of Wisconsin contacts — friends, family, neighbors, anyone you know! In 2023, we need to take back our abortion rights and protect voting rights through the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. At this training you'll learn to use an app that will help you find your friends who are registered to vote. We will send those friends a mailed postcard with your photo on it (to really grab their attention), as well as info on what's at stake and a reminder to vote in the Spring Election on April 4th! Sign up.
Elect Jodi Habush Sinykin to SD8, 5:00 - 7:00pm
The Ivy House, 906 S Barclay Street, Milwaukee
You are invited to join Senators Chris Larson, LaTonya Johnson, Tim Carpenter and Lena Taylor for a fundraiser to support Jodi Habush Sinykin's campaign to flip State Senate District 8. With Special Guest, Governor Tony Evers! RSVP.
Weekday Grafton Canvass! 3:00 - 5:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the Ozaukee County Democratic Party to knock doors in Grafton in support of the open Senate District 8 seat and to turn out progressives for the Spring Primary election! Sign up.
Saturday, March 11
GOTV Whitefish Bay, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
4845 N Newhall St, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Whitefish Bay for Jodi Sinykin and Janet Protasiewicz. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Sign up.
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
43rd Street and Forest Home
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday. Join us.
Grassroots Glendale Gets Out the Vote!! 12:00 - 3:00pm
6563 Crestwood, Glendale
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Glendale for the Supreme Court primary and pivotal school board races this Spring. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Sign up.
Fox Point Gets out the Vote! 12:00 - 3:00pm
7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Fox Point for Jodi Sinykin and to elect a liberal to the Supreme Court. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Sign up.
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8:00 - 10:00pm CSZ Milwaukee, 420 South 1st Street, Milwaukee
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee is hosted by yours truly, comedian, cartoonist and satirist Matthew
Filipowicz. Comedians on the March 11th bill include Kristin Lytie, Jason Hillman, Dana Norris, Sarah Schmidt, and sketch comedy troupe The Accountants Of Homeland Security. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee features a special interview with a local activist, journalist, or political figure. This month’s guest is Emilio De Torre from the Milwaukee Turners. Tickets $8.
Sunday, March 12
Fox Point Gets out the Vote! 12:00 - 3:00pm
7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Fox Point for Jodi Sinykin and to elect a liberal to the Supreme Court. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Sign up.
Grassroots North Shore Rescues Lady Justice, 4:00 - 6:00pm
North Shore Presbyterian Church, 4048 N. Bartlett Ave. Shorewood
With featured speakers Janet Protasiewicz (candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court), Jodi Habush Sinykin (candidate for the 8th Senate District), and Representative Deb Andraca. Find out how you can work with us to capture these two crucial seats to move Wisconsin forward and prevent a Republican supermajority. These two elections will have a low turnout but a high impact! We recommend wearing a mask to this indoor and in person event and we will have masks available at the door. Sign up.
Monday, March 13
Flip the Court: An Indivisible Wisconsin Town Hall with Judge Janet Protasiewicz, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Zoom
There's so much at stake in the upcoming WI Supreme Court race! Join us to hear from Judge Janet on her judicial philosophy, the constitution, and her personal vision for Wisconsin. Indivisible in WI is hosting this moderated Town Hall to help get the word out about this important election, to engage and distinguish between the candidates, and to set you up with the opportunities to help make the difference on election day, April 4th. Additional SPEAKERS will include Ezra Levin, Indivisible Co-Founder plus former Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, yay!! Can't wait to see you there! Join us.
Friend to Friend Postcards for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, 6:00 - 7:00pm
online
Join us to build your list of Wisconsin contacts — friends, family, neighbors, anyone you know! In 2023, we need to take back our abortion rights and protect voting rights through the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. At this training you'll learn to use an app that will help you find your friends who are registered to vote. We will send those friends a mailed postcard with your photo on it (to really grab their attention), as well as info on what's at stake and a reminder to vote in the Spring Election on April 4th! Sign up.
Weekday Grafton Canvass! 3:00 - 5:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the Ozaukee County Democratic Party to knock doors in Grafton in support of the open Senate District 8 seat and to turn out progressives for the Spring Primary election! Sign up.
Saturday, March 18
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Farwell and Brady
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday. Join us.
Grassroots Glendale Gets Out the Vote!! 12:00 - 3pm & 3:00 - 6:00pm
6563 Crestwood, Glendale
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Glendale for the Supreme Court primary and pivotal school board races this Spring. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Sign up.
Fox Point Gets out the Vote! 12:00 - 3pm & 3:00 - 6:00pm 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point, WI 53217
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Fox Point for Jodi Sinykin and to elect a liberal to the Supreme Court. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Sign up.
Sunday, March 19
Fox Point Gets out the Vote! 12:00 - 3pm & 3:00 - 6:00pm 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point, WI 53217
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Fox Point for Jodi Sinykin and to elect a liberal to the Supreme Court. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Sign up.
Monday, March 20
MKE Dems Monthly Meeting, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 North 26th Street, Milwaukee
Join us for our regularly scheduled monthly meeting where we discuss party business and hear from Democratic candidates.
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