The seven-member Wisconsin Supreme Court has one vacancy, which is up for election Tuesday, April 5. Justices serve for a 10-year term. The Court has the responsibility for deciding any legal challenge to laws passed by the State Legislature and Governor.
In 1998, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of religious schools being able to participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. It took until 2002 for the U.S. Supreme Court to make the same ruling about the Cleveland (and subsequently all) voucher programs. However, during the intervening four years, the Milwaukee voucher program was able to continue in Wisconsin because of our state court ruling.
There are many other education-related issues that could come before the court over the next ten years, so the role of the voter is crucial in determining who will serve on the bench.
For a non-partisan overview of each of the candidates — in their own words — download this handy primer from the nonprofit Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. The Alliance is dedicated to citizen education and does not participate in campaigns or electioneering.
