As absentee ballots are sent out for the April 1, 2025 election, I wanted to share some information about the State of Wisconsin Referendum Question you will see on your ballot. 

The question this spring asks if we should enshrine Wisconsin’s current voter ID laws, which requires voters show a valid photo ID before voting, into our state Constitution. 

Official Question: “Photographic identification for voting. Shall section 1m of article III of the constitution be created to require that voters present valid photographic identification verifying their identity in order to vote in any election, subject to exceptions which may be established by law?”

Translation of Question: Do you think that the current state law, which requires you to show a form of valid photo ID to vote, should be added to the Wisconsin Constitution?

YES vote — The State Constitution should be amended to ensure our current voter ID laws will remain in place for years to come. 

NO vote — Voter ID will remain current state law, but will not be added to the Constitution and could be overturned by any legislature or court ruling at any time. 

I was proud to co-sponsor the legislation that put this important question directly before the voters of our state. A recent Marquette University Law School poll shows that 77% of Wisconsinites support requiring a photo ID to vote. This is common-sense legislation. You need an ID to drive a car, go to a bar, get on an airplane, and even to buy cold medicine. Requiring an ID at the polling place just makes sense. If you do not have a valid photo ID you can get one for free at your local DMV for the purpose of voting. 

In addition to being common-sense, this is a well vetted idea; Wisconsin’s voter ID law went into effect in 2012. Since then, we have seen some of the highest turnout elections in recent history. With more than a decade of experience, this idea has proven to work. 

As this proposed amendment moves on to voters, you will make the final decision during the spring election on April 1st. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to make your voices heard. Thank you to everyone who has contacted my office about this issue. I appreciate your engagement. 

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol — 608-266-0703 — or email me — Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.

EMS Funding Assistance Program (FAP) Recipients in the 17th Senate District

The table illustrates the amount that each local EMS provider in the 17th Senate District received from Wisconsin’s Funding Assistance Program (FAP). Last legislative session, funding for the FAP program was increased from $2 million to $25 million. As part of the program’s expansion, Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) became eligible for FAP funding starting in 2025. 

Service Level Key

Paramedic (CCE) — Paramedic with Critical Care Endorsement

AEMT — Advanced Emergency Medical Technician 

EMT — Emergency Medical Technician 

EMR — Emergency Medical Responder

— Sen. Howard Marklein represents Wisconsin’s 17th Senate District. He can be reached at 608-266-0703 or email Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov.