Record Wisconsin Turnout Highlights Rural Civic Engagement

Rural Wisconsinites bring enthusiasm to the polls

This summer, record numbers of voters flooded to the polls to vote on amendments to the Wisconsin constitution. Thanks to rural organizing efforts by Heartland Fund grantees, enthusiasm around voting led to turnout that exceeded every Wisconsin election of its kind in the past 60 years. 

Then, in November, Wisconsinites voted with fair maps for the first time in 13 years. Heartland Fund grantees like the Wisconsin Public Education Network spurred public education outcomes that will benefit students across the state – voters approved 78% of the referendums to fund public schools in Wisconsin. Efforts outside the ballot box also support rural Wisconsin residents, thanks to campaigns addressing dilapidated county roads and continued public ownership of nursing homes. With such a suite of promising organizing initiatives in their state, Wisconsinites are fired up about their potential.

Grantees Get Ready

Exciting outcomes like the voter turnout in August evolved from years of rural organizing across the state. Heartland Fund invests in rural organizations throughout Wisconsin. Grantees include Wisconsin Native Vote, Grassroots Organizing of Western Wisconsin (GROWW), Progress North, Citizen Action, WISDOM, and Power up Eau Claire. Heartland Fund has provided key support to these groups through funding, capacity building, research, and communications strategy.

The base of support in Wisconsin cut its teeth on campaigns that prioritized multiracial solidarity. Our grantees know the value of collaboration across demographic groups. Fortunately, organizations like the Wisconsin Public Education Network and All in Wisconsin have led deliberate anti-racism work to unite across race and geography in their state. 

The WI Public Education Network offers a toolkit of equity resources specifically guided towards accurate education, with tools that give advocates ways to teach about race, history, and solidarity, among other topics. All in Wisconsin also demonstrates how to build coalitions through their “We Believe in Wisconsin” campaign and “Don’t Take the Bait” toolkit.

The toolkit exposes dangerous dog whistles in local politics, preparing people in Wisconsin to counter divisive rhetoric. “Lead with values, not problems,” they advise. “Focus on what we want using language that paints a picture of our desired outcomes — fully funded schools, great jobs, and the ability to go to the doctor. By keeping the conversation in our frame, we can ensure lies about our elections don’t derail us.”  

Our Network Now

The growing potential for positive change in rural Wisconsin is a testament to the enduring work of our grantees. 

But there is much more work to do to help rural Wisconsinites secure the tools they need to build good lives. By supporting Heartland Fund, you can contribute to this effort at a key moment in the history of Wisconsin – and our country.