Election Day is almost here! I know it seems like we just said that. But the spring election on April 1 brings a lot of important races and questions, both statewide and locally. Here’s what you need to know before you cast your vote.
Voting Before Election Day
In-person absentee voting, which is basically Wisconsin’s form of early voting, starts Tuesday. Head to one of these absentee voting locations and make sure you have your ID with you! In-person absentee voting ends on March 30.
You can register to vote at your local clerk’s office with proof of address until March 28.
Voting On Election Day
On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Use this online tool to find out where your polling location is.
Haven’t registered to vote? Don’t sweat it. Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration. Again, bring that proof of address along with you.
What’s On the Ballot in Madison?
All 20 Madison City Council seats are up for election April 1, and 14 of those feature contested races.
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, who won a special election for the position in the fall, is now running again in the general election against challenger Stephen Ratzlaff.
There are three seats up for election on the Madison School Board. Two of those feature incumbents running unopposed. The third is an open seat that Martha Siravo and Bret Wagner are vying for.
Want to know more about Siravo and Wagner? You’re in luck! City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin interviews both of them on today’s City Cast Madison podcast.
What’s On the Ballot Statewide?
On the City Cast Madison podcast, Cap Times reporter Andrew Bahl gave a good rundown of the statewide races that every Wisconsinite will see on their ballot.
The big ticket item is the race for an open seat on the ostensibly nonpartisan Wisconsin Supreme Court between Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, who is backed by the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, who is backed by the Wisconsin Republican Party. The City Cast Madison podcast will talk to Crawford on an upcoming episode, and we’ve extended the same invitation to the Schimel campaign.
Also on the ballot is a choice for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, often referred to as state superintendent of schools. Incumbent Jill Underly is running for reelection against Milwaukee education consultant Brittany Kinser.
Voters will also get to vote on a constitutional amendment mandating voter ID in Wisconsin elections. Voter ID is already state law in Wisconsin, but supporters hope enshrining it in the state constitution will make it harder to revoke.
