Digest

This episode of What Next dives into the complex and contentious political landscape of Wisconsin, a state that has become a microcosm of the national fight over voting rights. The episode begins with a visit to a small town in Wisconsin where election officials are being reassured by local authorities that their work is safe and secure, despite the rise of election denialism. The episode then delves into the history of how Republicans in Wisconsin have used gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics to maintain control of the state government for over a decade. The episode highlights the 2010 election, when Republicans took control of the state legislature and dramatically changed the state's voting system, drawing new redistricting maps in secret and targeting Democrats with surgical precision. The episode also discusses the 2020 election, when Donald Trump filed an unprecedented lawsuit to overturn the results in Wisconsin, which was ultimately rejected by the state Supreme Court. The episode then focuses on the recent shift in the state Supreme Court, which now has a progressive majority for the first time since 2008. This shift has led to the striking down of the gerrymandered maps and the reinstatement of drop boxes, which had been significantly reduced by the previous conservative majority. The episode concludes with a discussion of the challenges facing election workers in Wisconsin, who are facing increasing threats and harassment from those who believe the 2020 election was stolen. The episode highlights the importance of Wisconsin as a battleground state and the national ramifications of the political battles taking place there.

Outlines

00:00:00

Election Officials in Wisconsin

This Chapter begins with a visit to a small town in Wisconsin where election officials are being reassured by local authorities that their work is safe and secure, despite the rise of election denialism. The episode highlights the concerns of election officials in Wisconsin, who are facing increasing threats and harassment from those who believe the 2020 election was stolen. The episode also discusses the importance of Wisconsin as a battleground state and the national ramifications of the political battles taking place there.

00:08:12

The History of Gerrymandering in Wisconsin

This Chapter delves into the history of how Republicans in Wisconsin have used gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics to maintain control of the state government for over a decade. The episode highlights the 2010 election, when Republicans took control of the state legislature and dramatically changed the state's voting system, drawing new redistricting maps in secret and targeting Democrats with surgical precision. The episode also discusses the 2020 election, when Donald Trump filed an unprecedented lawsuit to overturn the results in Wisconsin, which was ultimately rejected by the state Supreme Court.

00:18:01

The Shift in the Wisconsin Supreme Court

This Chapter focuses on the recent shift in the state Supreme Court, which now has a progressive majority for the first time since 2008. This shift has led to the striking down of the gerrymandered maps and the reinstatement of drop boxes, which had been significantly reduced by the previous conservative majority. The episode highlights the challenges facing election workers in Wisconsin, who are facing increasing threats and harassment from those who believe the 2020 election was stolen.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the tactics that Republicans have used to maintain control of Wisconsin's government?

  Republicans in Wisconsin have used a variety of tactics to maintain control of the state government, including gerrymandering, voter suppression, and election denialism. Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party or class. Voter suppression is any strategy employed to discourage or prevent people from voting. Election denialism is the belief that elections are rigged or fraudulent, even when there is no evidence to support this claim.

• How has the recent shift in the Wisconsin Supreme Court changed the political landscape?

  The recent shift in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which now has a progressive majority for the first time since 2008, has led to the striking down of the gerrymandered maps and the reinstatement of drop boxes. This could lead to more competitive elections in the future and make it easier for some voters to cast their ballots.

• What are the challenges facing election workers in Wisconsin?

  Election workers in Wisconsin are facing increasing threats and harassment from those who believe the 2020 election was stolen. They have been the subject of conspiracy theories and death threats, and many are feeling exhausted and burned out. This is a major concern, as it could make it more difficult to recruit and retain election workers in the future.

• Why is Wisconsin considered a battleground state?

  Wisconsin is considered a battleground state because it is a state that is closely contested between the two major political parties. In recent years, Wisconsin has been a key state in presidential elections, and the outcome of elections in Wisconsin can have a significant impact on the national political landscape.

• What are the national ramifications of the political battles taking place in Wisconsin?

  The political battles taking place in Wisconsin have national ramifications because Wisconsin is a pivotal swing state. It is almost impossible to imagine the next president carrying the Electoral College without winning Wisconsin. Therefore, the outcome of elections in Wisconsin can have a significant impact on the national political landscape.

Show Notes