Voices and Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin - Softcover

Wisconsin Historical Society

Softcover

ISBN 10: 197660026X ISBN 13: 9781976600265

Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2025

Synopsis

An engaging introduction to civics for young readers with an emphasis on participation. 

What are the different levels of government in Wisconsin? How are laws made? What is a political party? Who is allowed to vote in elections? How can citizens get involved in their communities? 

These questions and many more are answered in this revised and updated edition of Voices and Votes, aimed at students in grades 3–5. Filled with color photos and illustrations—as well as diagrams, maps, and vocabulary words that make the material easy to absorb—this book explores: 

• The fundamentals of federal, state, local, and Tribal government  
• How Wisconsin’s constitution was created and how it has changed 
• The way elections work and why voting matters 

Readers will also find compelling examples of citizens from our state’s past who spoke up and worked to change laws and policies in order to improve their communities, including: 

• Gaylord Nelson, who advocated for the environment as a state senator, member of Congress, and governor 
• Vel Phillips, who helped expand housing opportunities as a member of Milwaukee’s city council 
• Jesus Salas, who worked with state agencies to improve the lives of migrant farmworkers in Wisconsin 

The book also offers contemporary stories of young people engaging with their communities, working to solve problems, and sharing their voices. This brilliantly updated edition of Voices and Votes will inspire a new generation of readers to understand and participate in our democracy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 197660026X
• ISBN 13: 9781976600265
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 120