The Nov. 3 election is exactly two weeks away, which means in-person absentee voting in Wisconsin starts today. Do you have a plan to vote? Do you know what you’ll be voting on? This handy-dandy fall election guide is designed to help you through the process.
What’s On My Ballot?
The big-ticket item on the Nov. 3 ballot for Wisconsin voters is of course the race for governor. It’s an open seat with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers declining to seek a third term. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany is running as the Republican nominee while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is the Democratic nominee. The candidates’ only debate is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21, and will air on WKOW. Earlier this year, Crowley spoke with the City Cast Madison podcast about his hopes for Wisconsin if elected. (Tiffany did not respond to multiple requests for interviews.)
In Wisconsin, candidates for lieutenant governor run separately from the governor’s race. Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski is the Democratic candidate, while former Lancaster Mayor David Varnam is the Republican nominee.
In the race for attorney general, it’s a rematch between incumbent Democrat Josh Kaul and his Republican challenger, Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney.
This could also be a pivotal year in the state Legislature, where new legislative maps mean Democrats could be poised to take over one or both chambers after 16 years of uninterrupted Republican rule.
Isthmus has a good rundown of all the contested Assembly and Senate races in Dane County. In District 76, which state Rep. Francesca Hong decided to leave for her unsuccessful run for governor, it’s a tale of two Ninas as Democrat Ald. Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford runs against Republican Nina Chat. If Rutherford wins, she will be the first openly transgender member of the state Legislature.
The ballot will also include three constitutional amendment questions approved by the state Legislature. We took a deep dive into these questions earlier this year, and you can learn more about the Republican-backed proposals here.
Voting FAQ
Where and when can I vote on Election Day? Polls are open on Nov. 3 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 to fill out your registration forms. Same-day registration is allowed!
Can I vote early? In-person absentee voting starts today and runs through Oct. 31. 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.
