Error on Ballot Makes Abortion Question Invalid

Vote "Keep" on Ballot

To all voters:

The abortion advisory referendum question on the current ballot is inaccurate and misleading, therefore, it cannot be answered in a valid way.

The question states the opposite of what the law says. We believe our local government should meet the minimum requirement of stating facts accurately on our ballots.

The question says, "Should the Wisconsin legislature repeal or keep the state's 1849 abortion ban that provides no exceptions in cases of rape or incest nor to protect the health of the mother? a. Repeal. b. Keep."

Wisconsin currently does allow abortions to save the health or life of the mother.

Wisconsin statute 940.04(5)(b) states that the ban “does not apply to a therapeutic abortion which … is necessary to save the life of the mother.”

Unless you know the law, this question leads voters to believe that the law literally allows the mother to die to avoid an abortion.

When the La Crosse County Board pushed to put this question on the ballot, it was because they wanted to know the public's opinion about the 1849 law that banned abortion with few exceptions. Those opposed to having this question on the ballot said it was a waste of taxpayer's money and a political stunt.

Channel 19 did a story on this (6 PM report, March 22), asking attorney Brent Smith of John's, Flaherty & Collins about this question. He replied, "It's a political question...it doesn't have any legal effect. It's a political statement."

So, does this mean "political" questions can be inaccurate and misleading? That’s why the County Board spent $5,000 of taxpayers’ money for a "political" statement? For a survey that can't be answered in a valid way because the question is in error?

You be the judge. I’m voting “keep” to keep false statements off the ballot.