MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU) — When voters go to the polls in Marshfield Tuesday, one of the items on the ballot will be a referendum question calling for the regulation of political campaign spending by large entities like corporations, unions, non-profits, or super-PACs.
Ben Dorshorst spearheaded the group ‘Marshfield to Amend’ which collected the more than 1200 signatures needed to bring the issue to the voters as a referendum.
“This movement is about ensuring that all citizens are fairly represented and are able to have their voice heard. Therefore, we feel it’s of the utmost importance that the citizens approve or reject this resolution via the ballot box,” Dorshorst said.
The referendum itself calls for a constitutional amendment to end the almost unlimited political spending made possible by a Supreme Court ruling almost a decade ago.
Dorshorst explained, “Since the 2010 ‘Citizens United’ Supreme Court decision, many citizens have decided to say ‘enough is enough.’ It’s time to ensure that our political system works for all citizens, and not just those command vast resources.”
Marshfield alderman and former mayor Chris Jockheck is one of those anxious to see the results Tuesday night, saying, “I’m excited to see what the citizens of Marshfield will say about this, as many other communities have done. This is really critical to the future of this country.”
Nationwide, 19 state legislatures have already called for a constitutional amendment limiting campaign spending; and in Wisconsin, nearly half of all voters have already approved similar resolutions.
(To read the exact wording of the referendum question as it is expected to appear on the April 3rd ballot in Marshfield, click on the attached screenshot to enlarge)
