MADISON, Wis. — Voters in Madison were asked their opinion on multiple questions about the makeup of the city’s Common Council as part of Tuesday’s spring election.
The questions were non-binding advisory referenda, meaning they won’t hold the power to make any changes themselves, but could be used as the city decides how to make its government more representative.
Currently, city alders serve two-year terms. The one question asked whether those terms should be four years instead. Voters said no to that with more than 55% of the vote.
Madison Ref: 4-Year Council Term
Madison Ref: 4-Year Council Term
-
No Winner
55.5%
30,072 -
Yes
44.5%
24,143
Another question asked whether council members should transition from part-time to full-time, with alders earning between $45,000 and $71,000 per year. Voters said no to that with more than 58% of the vote.
Madison Ref: Full-Time Council
Madison Ref: Full-Time Council
-
No Winner
58.2%
31,529 -
Yes
41.8%
22,653
The council current has 20 seats. A third question asked whether that should be increased, decreased, or stay the same. More than 70% of voters said that number should stay the same.
Madison Ref: Size of Council
Madison Ref: Size of Council
-
Remain the Same Winner
70.2%
37,632 -
Be Reduced
16.5%
8,826 -
Be Increased
13.4%
7,164
Finally, a fourth question asked whether term limits should be introduced to the Common Council, with a maximum of 12 years on the council being allowed. Voters said yes to that, with more than 70% agreeing.
Madison Ref: 12-Year Term Limit
Madison Ref: 12-Year Term Limit
-
Yes Winner
70.9%
38,551 -
No
29.1%
15,826
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