Wisconsin Voters Show Signs of Referendum Fatigue

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 -- 10:00 AM

(Wisconsin Radio Network) Wisconsin voters are showing signs of referendum fatigue.

According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, a new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows support for school district referendums continues to slide. In the April 7 election, voters approved just over 61% of ballot questions, well below the 70% approval rate seen in 2025. If that trend holds through November, it would mark the lowest approval rate since 2010.

School districts have increasingly relied on referendums to raise revenue above state-imposed limits, especially as federal pandemic aid expires, enrollment drops, and labor costs rise.

Even with the declining support, voters still signed off on $541.9 million in new funding this spring, slightly more than last year.

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