09/11/2026
I want to talk about something that will be on the November 3 ballot — the proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict how Wisconsin’s government addresses equity and opportunity.
As the Executive Director of YWCA La Crosse, I spend every day seeing what happens when people face barriers to housing, education, employment, safety, and opportunity. I also see what happens when we intentionally work to remove those barriers.
Our mission is clear: to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
That mission isn't about giving someone an unfair advantage. It is about recognizing that people do not all start from the same place—and that creating genuine opportunity sometimes means addressing the barriers that have kept people from having that opportunity in the first place.
That is why I am deeply concerned about this proposed amendment.
I am not asking you to simply take my word for it. Please research it for yourself. Read the proposed constitutional language. Look beyond the ballot wording. Read information from multiple sources. Ask what this could mean for public education, employment, contracting, community programs, and efforts to address disparities.
And ask yourself:
What could change if this becomes part of our Wisconsin Constitution? Who could be affected? What programs or practices could be limited? What might we lose that we don't fully recognize today?
A constitutional amendment deserves more than a quick decision based on a political slogan or a few words on a ballot.
At YWCA La Crosse, we believe in equity, access, opportunity, and the inherent dignity of every person. We believe our community is stronger when everyone has a meaningful opportunity to thrive.
So before November 3, please take the time to learn what you're voting on.
Don't just ask, “What does the ballot say?”
Ask, “What could this actually mean for Wisconsin and for the people in our communities?”
Do your research. Have the conversations. Ask the hard questions.
Our Constitution belongs to all of us—and we should be thoughtful about what we put into it.
In solidarity,
Rosanne Northwood
There will be Wisconsin Constitutional Amendment questions on the ballot in the November 3, 2026 election. It is important to review these questions and break them down in more understandable terms to be an informed voter.
