Wisconsin
Here’s what to know about Wisconsin’s April 1 election, Supreme Court race
How to register to vote in Wisconsin (you’ll need a have a photo ID)
Here’s how to register and vote in Wisconsin.
In less than a month, Wisconsin voters will head to the polls for an election that will determine the state Supreme Court’s partisan control, select who holds local offices and possibly elevate the voter ID law to the state constitution.
Wisconsin’s spring election is April 1. Candidates who advanced from the Feb. 18 primary will appear on the April ballot.
There are plenty of deadlines to keep in mind before April 1, including when you can register to vote online, request an absentee ballot or vote early.
Here’s a guide to what Wisconsin votes for in April and information you’ll need to cast your ballot:
What does Wisconsin vote for in April election? Wisconsin Supreme Court? Wisconsin schools superintendent?
The April ballot includes a high-profile state Supreme Court race. There was no February primary since only two candidates are running: conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel and liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford. The winner will replace longtime liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who’s not running for reelection.
If Crawford wins, the court will keep its liberal majority. If Schimel wins, the court will switch to conservative control. The candidates will debate March 12 on WISN.
Voters will also choose Wisconsin’s superintendent of public instruction. Jill Underly, a Democrat, is running for reelection. Education consultant Brittany Kinser is backed by conservatives. A third challenger, Sauk Prairie Superintendent Jeff Wright, did not advance from the primary.
The April ballot also includes a statewide referendum question, asking if Wisconsin’s law requiring voters to show photo identification should be enshrined in the state constitution. Republicans pursued the referendum in part to protect the law from being overturned by a liberal-controlled Supreme Court.
Other local races on your ballot depend on where you live. Those may include spots on the city council, school board or judgeships. Many school districts also have funding referendums on the ballot. You can see what your ballot will look like ahead of time at myvote.wi.gov.
When can I register to vote for the Wisconsin April election?
There are a few ways to register to vote. If you want to register online at myvote.wi.gov, the deadline is March 12. That’s also the deadline to register by mail by sending your clerk a completed voter registration form.
Or, you can register in-person at your local clerk’s office until March 28 at 5 p.m. Wisconsin also has same-day voter registration, so you can register at the polls on April 1.
With any of these registration options, make sure to bring a proof of residence document that shows you live at your current address. This could be a utility bill, paystub or lease, for example.
When can I request an absentee ballot for the Wisconsin April election?
The deadline for most voters to request an absentee ballot is March 27 at 5 p.m. Deadlines are slightly longer for indefinitely confined, military or hospitalized voters.
If you’ve already requested an absentee ballot, your clerk must send it out by March 11. If you make a request after that day, your clerk must mail it out within two business days.
You will need to provide a photo ID when requesting an absentee ballot, just like you would when voting at the polls. The Wisconsin Elections Commission has a full list of acceptable photo IDs. Examples include a driver’s license, state ID card, tribal ID card or passport.
How do I return my absentee ballot for the Wisconsin April election?
If you want to send your ballot back through the mail, election officials generally recommend doing so at least a week in advance, or March 25.
There are other ways to return your absentee ballot, including bringing it to your polling place or central count location on Election Day, your clerk’s office or a drop box. It’s a good idea to check your clerk’s website to see if they have specific instructions for returning your ballot.
When can I vote early in the Wisconsin April election?
Clerks may hold in-person, absentee voting between March 18 and 30. It’s up to each community to decide how many days and locations to offer early voting. You can check myvote.wi.gov or contact your clerk to ask about availability.
Keep in mind that Wisconsin doesn’t allow voter registration on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday before an election. If you need to register or re-register, you can do so at early voting locations through March 28, or wait until Election Day to register at the polls.
Where do I find my polling place on Election Day for the Wisconsin April election?
You can find your polling place by typing your address into “Find My Polling Place” at myvote.wi.gov. Polls are always open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day in Wisconsin.
If your city offers early voting locations, you can’t just go to any of those on Election Day. You must go to your assigned polling place.