Wausau Ballot Measures, Explained Simply: November 3, 2026
Each measure below is explained in plain words, from the official ballot language and the City of Wausau. For every one we say what a yes vote means and what a no vote means. This page does not tell you how to vote.
Election day is November 3, 2026. Last updated October 10, 2026. For the candidates, see what's on the ballot in Wausau.
Statewide
Question 1Partial veto
Today, the governor can reject parts of some spending bills. The ballot question says that power may not be used to create or increase a tax or fee. It would add that rule to the state constitution.
- If Yes wins
- A yes vote means the state constitution would stop the governor from using a partial veto to create or increase a tax or fee.
- If No wins
- A no vote means the governor’s current partial-veto power would not get this added limit. The governor could still use that power in ways that create or increase a tax or fee.
- How it got on the ballot: Referred by the Wisconsin Legislature through 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 116.
Explained from Wisconsin Elections Commission, Notice of Referendum Election, Wisconsin Legislature, 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 116. Listed by Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Question 2Freedom to gather in places of worship during an emergency
Today, the state or a local government may order places to close during an emergency. This question would add a rule to the state constitution saying the government may not close places of worship or forbid people from gathering there during an emergency, including a health emergency.
- If Yes wins
- A yes vote means the state constitution would stop state and local governments from closing places of worship or forbidding gatherings there during an emergency.
- If No wins
- A no vote means this new rule would not be added to the state constitution. State and local governments would not be barred by this amendment from ordering places of worship to close during an emergency.
- How it got on the ballot: Referred by the Wisconsin Legislature through 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 10.
Explained from Wisconsin Elections Commission, Notice of Referendum Election, Wisconsin Legislature, 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 10. Listed by Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Question 3Governmental entity discrimination prohibited
This question is about state and local government actions, including public jobs, schools, contracts, and government work. It would add a rule to the state constitution barring government entities from treating people differently or giving them preference because of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
- If Yes wins
- A yes vote means the state constitution would bar government entities from discriminating or giving preference on the listed grounds in public jobs, education, contracts, or government work.
- If No wins
- A no vote means this new rule would not be added to the state constitution. This question would not create the proposed ban on discrimination or preferential treatment by government entities.
- How it got on the ballot: Referred by the Wisconsin Legislature through 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 102.
Explained from Wisconsin Elections Commission, Notice of Referendum Election, Wisconsin Legislature, 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 102. Listed by Wisconsin Elections Commission.