The statewide Aug. 11 primary is just two weeks away. Knowing what you’re voting on and when and where to vote can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you need to know 🗳️
What’s On My Ballot?
On the ballot for all of Wisconsin is the gubernatorial primary race. There are two candidates on the Republican ticket and seven on the Democratic one. (Technically. Only five are still in the running. Missy Hughes and Sara Rodriguez have both suspended their campaigns but their names remain on the ballot.)
🎧 Go deeper: City Cast Madison has had a chance to talk to a majority of the candidates on our podcast. On the Dems’ side, we’ve had conversations with State Sen. Kelda Roys, State Rep. Francesca Hong, and former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Joel Brennan. We have an interview with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley dropping this week and an ask out to former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes’s campaign. (Hey, Team Barnes, email us back!)
On the Republican side, we have an interview with the underdog in the race, Andy Manske, and multiple asks out to U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.
Meanwhile, voters in the 76th Assembly district have a consequential primary on their ballots. Five Democratic candidates are vying for the seat currently held by gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong. The winner of the primary will face off with Republican candidate Nina Chat in a district where Democrats are heavily favored.
👀 Where do the candidates stand on the issues? We asked the five democratic candidates to fill out a questionnaire. Their answers are compiled here. They also participated in a June forum hosted by the SASY Neighborhood Association, Indivisible Madison East, and Williamson Marquette Business Alliance, moderated by Isthmus.
Other statewide primaries will also appear on your ballot, but the races are determined by which political party you choose to cast your votes for. A full breakdown of what voters in all primaries will see on their ballots can be found at myvote.wi.gov.
Voting FAQ:
Where and when can I vote on Election Day? Polls are open on Aug. 11 from 7 a.m to 8 p.m. (If you’re in line by 8 p.m., state law says you have to be allowed to vote – so stay in line!) You can find your polling place at myvote.wi.gov.
What do I need to bring with me to vote? If you are already registered to vote, all you need to bring with you is a photo ID. If you aren’t registered to vote or have moved since the last election, you will also need to bring proof of residence, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement.
Can I vote early? In-person absentee voting starts today. If you live in Madison, you can vote at any of the early polling locations, which includes libraries, churches, and the Madison Municipal Building. (For voters outside of Madison city limits, early polling locations can be found on myvote.wi.gov.) Make sure you bring ID and proof of residence if needed!
Can I vote by mail? In Wisconsin, anyone can request an absentee ballot up until the Thursday before election day. However, it’s recommended to make the request as soon as possible to leave ample time for delivery and return. Absentee ballots must be received by election day to be counted. In addition to returning your ballot by mail, you can drop it in a secure ballot drop box or take it to an early polling location. On Election Day, you can return it to your assigned polling place.
If I already voted absentee, can I change my vote before Election Day? Nope! Even if the candidate you voted for has suspended their campaign, your vote is still locked in.
