Question 2: Freedom to Gather in Places of Worship During an Emergency
What will appear on the ballot?
“Freedom to gather in places of worship during an emergency. Shall section 18 of article I of the constitution, which deals with religious liberty, be amended to prohibit the state or a political subdivision of the state from ordering the closure of, or forbidding gatherings in, places of worship in response to a state of emergency, including a public health emergency?”
What would this amendment do?
The amendment would prohibit the state or a political subdivision of the state, such as a city or county, from ordering the closure of places of worship or forbidding gatherings in places of worship during a declared state of emergency, including a public health emergency.
Under Wisconsin law, the governor may declare a state of emergency when a disaster or imminent threat of disaster exists. The governor may also declare a public health emergency and designate the Department of Health Services as the lead state agency responding to that emergency.
The proposed amendment would establish a constitutional restriction specifically concerning gatherings in places of worship during those emergencies.
What would a "Yes" vote mean?
A Yes vote would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to prohibit the state or a political subdivision from ordering places of worship closed or forbidding gatherings there during a state of emergency, including a public health emergency.
What would a "No" vote mean?
A No vote would leave the Constitution unchanged by this amendment.
Additional context
The proposed constitutional language is broader than the short question printed on the ballot. Voters who want to examine the proposed constitutional text should review the full language before making their decision.
Before You Vote
Referendum questions are part of the ballot along with the candidates and other races. You can review your ballot and voter information through MyVote Wisconsin before Election Day.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Polls: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.