Milwaukee County supervisors vote to include abortion question on April ballot

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County voters will be asked to share their opinion on Wisconsin's abortion this spring.

State statute 940.04 bans abortion without exceptions for rape or incest.

The law has been on the books since 1849, and active since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June.

In a board meeting Thursday, Milwaukee County supervisors voted on an advisory referendum for the April 4, 2023 ballot, which would ask voters if the 1849 Wisconsin law should be repealed.

Similar resolutions were unanimously passed in Dane County and Racine County.

Thursday's resolution was sponsored by eight supervisors and recommended by the committee.

Those opposed to the resolution argued it wouldn't make a difference on a state level.

"To think that putting it on the ballot in April is going to change anything, you're fooling yourself. You truly are," said Supervisor Steve Taylor from District 17.

Supervisors that support the resolution said they owe the move to their local constituents.

"It is deeply profoundly cynical to suggest that because our action today won't result in an immediate change in state law, that we shouldn't do it," said Supervisor Ryan Clancy, representing District 4. "We take votes all the time in the minority, knowing that it will not ultimately sway the vote, but we do it because it's the right thing to do."

The resolution led to a nearly half-hour discussion between board members.

"Whether Madison does anything with it or not, I am beholden to my constituents in Milwaukee County," said Supervisor Sequanna Taylor, of District 5. "It is definitely something necessary that we have to do to make sure our voice is heard."

Ultimately, the resolution was approved by the county board, 14 to 3.

The resolution will allocate $16,500 to the Milwaukee County Election Commission for the cost of the referendum.