Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Launches Absentee Voting Push Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Grassroots coalition responding to increasing COVID-19 Coronavirus concerns with absentee voting push ahead of April 7 vote on proposed constitutional amendment
MADISON – Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin today announced the launch of an absentee voting push as concerns increase about the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus. The statewide grassroots coalition has begun a digital effort to educate voters about absentee voting options for the upcoming April 7 statewide vote on the proposed crime victims’ constitutional amendment.
“As concerns grow about the spread of Coronavirus, public health and safety are our utmost priority, particularly for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents,” said Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin State Chair Teri Jendusa Nicolai. “We want to urge all of the Wisconsin residents who are looking forward to supporting victims’ rights during the upcoming election to utilize the many absentee voting options available to Wisconsin residents to help reduce potential risk as we all work together to combat this public health emergency.”
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is utilizing a digital advertising campaign to help educate voters about guidance issued by Wisconsin officials regarding COVID-19 concerns in advance of the April election and is urging residents to participate through absentee voting. Information about official guidance and links to absentee voting details are available alongside information about the proposed crime victims' constitutional amendment on the Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin website.
Introduced for second consideration as Assembly Joint Resolution 1/Senate Joint Resolution 2 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. The upcoming April 7 ratification vote marks the final step in the approval process for the proposed constitutional amendment.
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About Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is a grassroots coalition that is advocating for a unique proposal to give victims of crime equal rights in our state Constitution, building on Wisconsin’s laws and history of leading on this issue. The proposal passed with strong bipartisan support in the Legislature and will be before voters for ratification on April 7, 2020. Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.
Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].