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Election Day November 3, 2020
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 3!

The Wisconsin Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Absentee ballots must be received by your municipal clerk by Tuesday, November 3 at 8PM. Vote in every race on your ballot, then share this guide with your friends and family!

State Senate

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

State Senator, District 14

Union Leader Joni Anderson is the progressive candidate for the 14th Senate District. Anderson is a strong advocate for labor and favors Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. She has also made non-partisan redistricting and voting rights central to her campaign. Her opponent is current Assembly Rep. Joan Ballweg, who has been endorsed by Pro-Life Wisconsin, Wisconsin Right to Life, and the NRA. Anderson is the progressive choice.

Union Leader Joni Anderson is the progressive candidate for the 14th Senate District. Anderson is a strong advocate for labor and favors Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. She has also made non-partisan redistricting and voting rights central to her campaign. Her opponent is current Assembly Rep. Joan Ballweg, who has been endorsed by Pro-Life Wisconsin, Wisconsin Right to Life, and the NRA. Anderson is the progressive choice.

State Senator, District 16

Melissa Sargent has served as the 48th District Assembly Member for 7 years and is seeking election to the Senate. Sargent's priorities include building more affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, investing in infrastructure and public transit, and protecting natural resources. She is the author of universal background check legislation, minimum wage increase legislation, and more. Her opponent is Scott Barker, a Republican that opposes common sense gun reform laws. Sargent is the progressive choice in this race.

Melissa Sargent has served as the 48th District Assembly Member for 7 years and is seeking election to the Senate. Sargent's priorities include building more affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, investing in infrastructure and public transit, and protecting natural resources. She is the author of universal background check legislation, minimum wage increase legislation, and more. Her opponent is Scott Barker, a Republican that opposes common sense gun reform laws. Sargent is the progressive choice in this race.

State Senator, District 26

Democrat Kelda Roys is unopposed. A former Assembly member, she has extensive proposals on a number of issues from Education, Housing, and Healthcare to Disability Rights, Ending Police Brutality, and supporting dairy farms. Roys believes in Badgercare for All, a Green New Deal for Wisconsin, and the legalization of Marijuana, among many other policies. Roys is a progressive choice.

Democrat Kelda Roys is unopposed. A former Assembly member, she has extensive proposals on a number of issues from Education, Housing, and Healthcare to Disability Rights, Ending Police Brutality, and supporting dairy farms. Roys believes in Badgercare for All, a Green New Deal for Wisconsin, and the legalization of Marijuana, among many other policies. Roys is a progressive choice.

State Assembly

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.

Representative, District 42

Nurse and Army veteran Melisa Arndt is running to unseat incumbent Republican Jon Plumer. Arndt is the Wisconsin chapter leader of Free Mom Hugs, an organization that affirms and supports LGBTQ+ children. She supports affordable healthcare, clean water, and nonpartisan redistricting. Jon Plumer's stated policy positions are ambiguous--indeed, when he first announced his run for the Assembly he forgot to mention that he was a Republican. Although Plumer fails to publicize it, he has served as a consistent conservative vote as a member of the Legisature. Arndt is the progressive choice.

Nurse and Army veteran Melisa Arndt is running to unseat incumbent Republican Jon Plumer. Arndt is the Wisconsin chapter leader of Free Mom Hugs, an organization that affirms and supports LGBTQ+ children. She supports affordable healthcare, clean water, and nonpartisan redistricting. Jon Plumer's stated policy positions are ambiguous--indeed, when he first announced his run for the Assembly he forgot to mention that he was a Republican. Although Plumer fails to publicize it, he has served as a consistent conservative vote as a member of the Legisature. Arndt is the progressive choice.

Representative, District 43

Longtime educator Don Vruwink is running for re-election to his third term in the Assembly. Vruwink has been a leader in the fight for nonpartisan redistricting and an advocate for fair compensation for teachers. Vruwink supports a worker's right to join a union and collectively bargain and sees the creation of family sustaining jobs as a top priority. He is being challenged by Republican Beth Drew, whose principles include limited government and family. Drew has not released more specific policy positions. Vruwink is the more progressive choice in this race.

Longtime educator Don Vruwink is running for re-election to his third term in the Assembly. Vruwink has been a leader in the fight for nonpartisan redistricting and an advocate for fair compensation for teachers. Vruwink supports a worker's right to join a union and collectively bargain and sees the creation of family sustaining jobs as a top priority. He is being challenged by Republican Beth Drew, whose principles include limited government and family. Drew has not released more specific policy positions. Vruwink is the more progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 46

Gary Hebl is running for a sixth term in the Assembly. The lawyer and small business owner has advocated for nonpartisan redistricting, Medicaid expansion, common-sense gun violence prevention laws, protecting the environment, and publicly financed elections. His opponent, Terry Lyon, is anti-choice, opposes welfare, and is against gun violence prevention laws. He also called upon the state legislature to overturn Governor Evers' mask mandate. Hebl is the more progressive choice in this race.

Gary Hebl is running for a sixth term in the Assembly. The lawyer and small business owner has advocated for nonpartisan redistricting, Medicaid expansion, common-sense gun violence prevention laws, protecting the environment, and publicly financed elections. His opponent, Terry Lyon, is anti-choice, opposes welfare, and is against gun violence prevention laws. He also called upon the state legislature to overturn Governor Evers' mask mandate. Hebl is the more progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 47

Representative Jimmy Anderson began his career as a lawyer. He was an advocate for safe driving and the victims of drunk driving accidents. In the Legislature, he has been a progressive voice on a variety of issues. Anderson believes in transparent government, a clean environment, and a well-funded educational system. He has introduced legislation to address gun violence, cap insulin prices, and strengthen environmental regulations. Anderson has also been a vocal advocate for Medicaid expansion. Anderson is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative Jimmy Anderson began his career as a lawyer. He was an advocate for safe driving and the victims of drunk driving accidents. In the Legislature, he has been a progressive voice on a variety of issues. Anderson believes in transparent government, a clean environment, and a well-funded educational system. He has introduced legislation to address gun violence, cap insulin prices, and strengthen environmental regulations. Anderson has also been a vocal advocate for Medicaid expansion. Anderson is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 48

Madison Alderman Samba Baldeh has a progressive message. He is committed to 100% carbon-free energy by 2050. Baldeh is pro-choice and in favor of Medicaid expansion and criminal justice reform. His other priorities include increasing affordable housing to eliminate homelessness, and changing education funding from property taxes to state funding, while maintaining local control of schools. His opponent is Republican candidate Samuel Anderson. Baldeh is the progressive choice in this race.

Madison Alderman Samba Baldeh has a progressive message. He is committed to 100% carbon-free energy by 2050. Baldeh is pro-choice and in favor of Medicaid expansion and criminal justice reform. His other priorities include increasing affordable housing to eliminate homelessness, and changing education funding from property taxes to state funding, while maintaining local control of schools. His opponent is Republican candidate Samuel Anderson. Baldeh is the progressive choice in this race.

Endorsed By: SEIU Wisconsin , WEAC , WI AFL-CIO

Representative, District 76

Small business owner Francesca Hong is running on a progressive platform that is built around an intersectional understanding of Madison's challenges and a commitment to addressing systemic economic inequalities. Hong believes addressing racial inequity is an issue not just of police reform but also education and healthcare policy. Hong believes in reversing Act 10, supports universal child care benefits, and increased funding to public schools, especially for special needs programs. She is also proposing a carbon tax to address climate change, nonpartisan redistricting, Medicaid expansion, making BadgerCare accessible to more people, and a $15 minimum wage. Her opponent is Republican candidate Patrick Hull. Hong has a comprehensive progressive platform and is the most progressive choice for District 76

Small business owner Francesca Hong is running on a progressive platform that is built around an intersectional understanding of Madison's challenges and a commitment to addressing systemic economic inequalities. Hong believes addressing racial inequity is an issue not just of police reform but also education and healthcare policy. Hong believes in reversing Act 10, supports universal child care benefits, and increased funding to public schools, especially for special needs programs. She is also proposing a carbon tax to address climate change, nonpartisan redistricting, Medicaid expansion, making BadgerCare accessible to more people, and a $15 minimum wage. Her opponent is Republican candidate Patrick Hull. Hong has a comprehensive progressive platform and is the most progressive choice for District 76

Representative, District 77

An advocate, neighborhood organizer and Dane County Board member, Shelia Stubbs was elected as the first Black State Assembly Representative from Dane County in 2018. Stubbs is running unopposed for re-election. She is a strong advocate for restorative justice and racial equity, and in her first term authored legislation on women's health, marijuana decriminalization, and gun safety. She also supports policies to protect our clean air and water, increase access to health care and strengthen the safety net for seniors, children and people with disabilities. Stubbs is the progressive choice.

An advocate, neighborhood organizer and Dane County Board member, Shelia Stubbs was elected as the first Black State Assembly Representative from Dane County in 2018. Stubbs is running unopposed for re-election. She is a strong advocate for restorative justice and racial equity, and in her first term authored legislation on women's health, marijuana decriminalization, and gun safety. She also supports policies to protect our clean air and water, increase access to health care and strengthen the safety net for seniors, children and people with disabilities. Stubbs is the progressive choice.

Representative, District 78

Assemblywoman Lisa Subeck is running unopposed. Prior to becoming an elected official, Subeck worked as an early childhood educator, housing program coordinator, and NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Executive Director. On the Madison Common Council and in the Assembly, Subeck has been a progressive leader on such issues as affordable healthcare, reproductive health services, campaign finance reform, and strengthening schools. Subeck is a progressive choice.

Assemblywoman Lisa Subeck is running unopposed. Prior to becoming an elected official, Subeck worked as an early childhood educator, housing program coordinator, and NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Executive Director. On the Madison Common Council and in the Assembly, Subeck has been a progressive leader on such issues as affordable healthcare, reproductive health services, campaign finance reform, and strengthening schools. Subeck is a progressive choice.

Representative, District 79

Assemblywoman Dianne Hesselbein is the Assistant Democratic Leader. Her values include reproductive rights, protecting Wisconsin's natural resources, and supporting working peoples' rights to unionize and bargain collectively. Hesselbein supports Medicaid Expansion and a science-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her opponent, Republican Victoria Fueger has opposed mask-wearing. Hesselbein is the more progressive choice in this race.

Assemblywoman Dianne Hesselbein is the Assistant Democratic Leader. Her values include reproductive rights, protecting Wisconsin's natural resources, and supporting working peoples' rights to unionize and bargain collectively. Hesselbein supports Medicaid Expansion and a science-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her opponent, Republican Victoria Fueger has opposed mask-wearing. Hesselbein is the more progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 80

Assemblywoman Sondy Pope has been serving in the legislature for 18 years and is up for re-election to her 10th term. As a legislator, Pope has contributed to legislation or advocated for directing more funding to public schools, creating a paid family leave program, expanding Medicaid, improving water quality, and strengthening our democracy through voting and gerrymandering reforms. Her opponent, Republican Chase Binnie, was endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life, a radical organization that wants to ban abortion. Pope is the progressive choice in this race.

Assemblywoman Sondy Pope has been serving in the legislature for 18 years and is up for re-election to her 10th term. As a legislator, Pope has contributed to legislation or advocated for directing more funding to public schools, creating a paid family leave program, expanding Medicaid, improving water quality, and strengthening our democracy through voting and gerrymandering reforms. Her opponent, Republican Chase Binnie, was endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life, a radical organization that wants to ban abortion. Pope is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 81

Former dairy goat farmer and special education teacher Dave Considine has been serving in the Assembly since 2014. Considine has a reputation as a pragmatic and bipartisan legislator who favors common-sense, simple legislation. Considine believes in investing public money into public schools and has authored numerous bills on education, conservation, and marijuana decriminalization. Considine is the most progressive choice in this race.

Former dairy goat farmer and special education teacher Dave Considine has been serving in the Assembly since 2014. Considine has a reputation as a pragmatic and bipartisan legislator who favors common-sense, simple legislation. Considine believes in investing public money into public schools and has authored numerous bills on education, conservation, and marijuana decriminalization. Considine is the most progressive choice in this race.

Madison Metropolitan School district School District

VOTE YES

Vote YES to Support Madison Schools!

Vote Yes on Question 1. This will provide the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) with $33 million over 4 years to invest in greater equity and close the achievement gap, attract and retain high quality teachers and staff and preserve vital educational programming and improve disparities in access to technology.. Community leaders and organizations have joined to endorse the "Vote Yes 2 Invest" campaign, including Madison Teachers Incorporated, the South Central Federation of Labor, the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, 100% Renew Madison, and 350 Madison.

Vote Yes on Question 1. This will provide the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) with $33 million over 4 years to invest in greater equity and close the achievement gap, attract and retain high quality teachers and staff and preserve vital educational programming and improve disparities in access to technology.. Community leaders and organizations have joined to endorse the "Vote Yes 2 Invest" campaign, including Madison Teachers Incorporated, the South Central Federation of Labor, the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, 100% Renew Madison, and 350 Madison.

VOTE YES

Vote YES to Build and Improve Madison Schools

Vote Yes on Question 2. This referendum would allow Madison Metropolitan School District to issue bonds to raise up to $317 million dollars to improve facilities with modern, safe, flexible, classrooms that support multiple learning styles This would include renovations at all four high schools, remodeling Hoyt School to relocate Capital High, and constructing a new elementary school near RimRock Road. This last element in particular would eliminate the long bus rides that students, mostly from low-income and or immigrant families, in the Moorland-Rimrock neighborhood. Advocates say this would help address equity issues. Community leaders and organizations have joined to endorse the "Vote Yes 2 Invest" campaign, including Madison Teachers Incorporated, the South Central Federation of Labor, the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, 100% Renew Madison, and 350 Madison.

Vote Yes on Question 2. This referendum would allow Madison Metropolitan School District to issue bonds to raise up to $317 million dollars to improve facilities with modern, safe, flexible, classrooms that support multiple learning styles This would include renovations at all four high schools, remodeling Hoyt School to relocate Capital High, and constructing a new elementary school near RimRock Road. This last element in particular would eliminate the long bus rides that students, mostly from low-income and or immigrant families, in the Moorland-Rimrock neighborhood. Advocates say this would help address equity issues. Community leaders and organizations have joined to endorse the "Vote Yes 2 Invest" campaign, including Madison Teachers Incorporated, the South Central Federation of Labor, the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, 100% Renew Madison, and 350 Madison.