Libertarian Party of Wisconsin Supports Challenge to Wisconsin’s Fusion Voting Ban
MADISON, WI — The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin has joined the Wisconsin Working Families Party in filing an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to Wisconsin’s longstanding ban on fusion voting.
Fusion voting allows multiple political parties to nominate the same candidate, giving voters the ability to support both a candidate and the party whose principles they most closely share. Wisconsin prohibited the practice in 1897.
The brief argues that Wisconsin’s fusion ban restricts political association, limits voter choice, and makes it significantly more difficult for minor parties to build meaningful electoral influence. It further contends that the ban was originally enacted for partisan purposes and no longer serves a compelling state interest.
“Whether you’re a libertarian, progressive, independent, or something else entirely, voters should have the freedom to support candidates without being forced into an artificial two-party framework,” said Reese Wood, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin.
The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Working Families Party often disagree on policy, but both organizations recognize that Wisconsin’s election laws should not prevent voters from expressing their political preferences through peaceful political cooperation and voluntary electoral alliances.
The case, currently before Dane County Circuit Court, challenges Wisconsin statutes prohibiting fusion candidacies under protections found in the Wisconsin Constitution.
The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin believes greater voter choice, stronger political competition, and expanded opportunities for peaceful political participation benefit all Wisconsinites.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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