Jun 24, 2024 – Independence Day is a time for patriotic decorations, small-town parades, and spectacular fireworks displays across the United States. It’s also an opportune time to reflect upon and take pride in our unique form of government. Two upcoming State Bar-sponsored events are a great way to stay engaged in this year’s elections, both at a state and federal level.
On June 26, the State Bar of Wisconsin will sponsor an event with WisPolitics called “The RNC in Milwaukee—Kickoff to a Pivotal Election Year in Wisconsin.” This lunchtime panel discussion at Spectrum News 1 Channel Headquarters (1320 North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee) will give a rundown of what observers can expect for this fall’s elections, from state races under bnew, more competitive legislative maps to Wisconsin’s must-win swing state status for the presidential election.
Moderated by Spectrum News anchor Jason Fechner, the discussion panel will include State
Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin), State
Rep. Kalan Haywood, (D-Milwaukee), Chuck Chvala, the former Senate majority leader from Madison and co-star of the WisPolitics video podcast, "The Insiders,” and
Joe Handrick, a former GOP state representative from Minocqua and author of a 2024 redistricting handbook.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the program runs to 1 p.m. Advance tickets ($5) are required. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
On July 9, there will be a half-day program at the State Bar center (5302 Eastpark Blvd, Madison) entitled “Elections in the 21st Century” that will explore Wisconsin election issues and how they affect democracy and civil engagement. The nonpartisan event will include panel discussions on voting protections in the Wisconsin Constitution, election laws in Wisconsin, federal election litigation, social media engagement and civil discourse, and election mechanics and how elections work (explained by local clerks and election administrators).
The program is organized as part of the American Bar Association’s
Task Force on American Democracy, along with the Wisconsin Democracy Task Force. ABA President Mary Smith and Task force Co-Chair Jeh Charles Johnson (former Secretary of Homeland Security) will open the program. It will run from 12:30 to 5 p.m., followed by a reception.
Registration is free.
Later this year, State Bar Advocacy staff will be offering a presentation on important state races to watch, so stay tuned to Rotunda Report to learn more and request a presentation for your local bar, firm, or organization.
