MADISON – Today was the deadline for Wisconsin residents to cast their votes on the statewide referendum question on the proposed crime victims’ constitutional amendment commonly known as Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin. The bipartisan victims’ rights legislation was approved in 2019 for placement on the April 2020 ballot after passing the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support in two consecutive legislative sessions. Today’s ratification vote marked the final step in the approval process for the proposed constitutional amendment.
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin State Chair, Teri Jendusa-Nicolai, who became one of the state’s most prominent victims’ rights advocates after surviving a brutal attack by her ex-husband, released the following statement:
“While we will not know the results of the Wisconsin election for another week, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we’ve received from so many who recognize the need to strengthen victims’ rights in the Badger State. I’m humbled and grateful for how far we’ve come.
“I want to thank all of the Wisconsin residents who have been instrumental throughout the long road to this vote—the more than 400 criminal justice system stakeholders, victim service agencies, statewide law enforcement groups, community advocates, and the hundreds of individual police chiefs, sheriffs and district attorneys who supported this measure. Most of all, to all of the brave survivors who leant your own personal stories to this effort: we couldn’t have come this far without each and every one of you.
“Finally, to the Wisconsin residents who cast votes of support for victims’ rights on your absentee ballots or at the polls today: thank you for standing with survivors.”
