Wisconsin, once a progressive stronghold led by Robert La Follette and others, inaugurated far-reaching reforms that broadened public involvement in civic affairs. A wave of innovative social programs aimed at making the state more egalitarian followed. In recent decades, however, the Badger State has become a laboratory for antidemocratic maneuvers that have increased the political influence of the super-rich and corporations while decreasing the power of voters.
 
From tightening campaign finance laws and banning gerrymandering to rooting out structural racism and moving toward economic equality, each chapter focuses on one of the dozen reforms that are required to heal democracy within the state. Rothschild provides an in-depth rationale for each, dismantling the counterarguments against them and exploring the complexities involved in implementing them. He offers concrete proposals and action items for grassroots organizers and concerned community advocates to restore constituent control of state politics. This pocket-sized handbook is essential for politically aware citizens as well as journalists and watchdogs who see Wisconsin as a crucial battleground state and political bellwether for the nation.

Matthew Rothschild is the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and a former editor and publisher of The Progressive magazine. He is the author of You Have No Rights: Stories of America in an Age of Repression and the editor of Democracy in Print: The Best of The Progressive Magazine, 1909–2009.

Acknowledgments

Introduction
Section I
1 Ban Gerrymandering
2 Reform Campaign Finance
3 Make Voting Easier
4 Re-enfranchise Former Prisoners
5 End Prison Gerrymandering
6 Tighten Recusal Rules
7 Give Us Direct Democracy
8 Provide Ranked-Choice Voting
9 Restore Local Control
10 Save Local Media
Section II
11 Root Out Racism
12 Move toward Economic Democracy
Conclusion

Appendix A. Affirmations for Surviving the New Dark Ages
Appendix B. On Respectful Dialogue
Appendix C. How to Avoid Burnout: A Guide for Activists