If you notice people wearing “I Voted” stickers or polling stations set up around Wisconsin today, it’s because the state is holding its primary election. While these spring elections might not grab as much attention as the upcoming presidential election in November, they still play a crucial role in shaping local leadership and policies.
Voters across Wisconsin will have the opportunity to select candidates for important positions such as state superintendent, local offices like school board seats, and judicial roles. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s election, including polling locations, what’s on the ballot, and what you need to bring to vote.
What’s on the Ballot for Wisconsin Voters Today?
The most significant statewide race in this primary is for the position of state superintendent, the official responsible for leading the Department of Public Instruction and overseeing K-12 education in Wisconsin. All voters will have the chance to vote in this race, with the top two candidates moving forward to the general election on April 1. Voters are allowed to select only one candidate.
Current Superintendent Jill Underly is running for reelection against two challengers: Jeff Wright, superintendent of the Sauk Prairie School District, and Brittany Kinser, an education consultant. While Underly and Wright are Democrats, Kinser identifies as a moderate candidate with conservative backing.
Aside from the state superintendent race, the rest of the elections are for local positions, and what appears on each voter’s ballot depends on where they live. A primary will only take place in races with more than two candidates running for the same position.
For example, in Milwaukee’s east side, voters will select from eight candidates to fill a vacant Common Council seat previously held by the late Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. Some communities also have primaries for school board seats or funding referendums. To check what will appear on your ballot, visit the Wisconsin MyVote website and enter your address under the “What’s On My Ballot” section.
Where Can You Vote in Wisconsin?
To find your designated polling station, use the “Find My Polling Place” tool on the MyVote Wisconsin website. Keep in mind that if you participated in early voting, you must vote at your assigned polling place today and cannot return to an early voting location.
Wisconsin Polling Hours
Polling places across Wisconsin open at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you will still be allowed to cast your vote.
What Do You Need to Bring to Vote?
Voters in Wisconsin must show a valid photo ID at the polling station. Accepted forms of identification include:
- A Wisconsin driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- A tribal ID card
- A U.S. passport
- A military ID card
The Wisconsin Elections Commission provides a full list of acceptable photo IDs. If you arrive without a valid ID, you may still cast a provisional ballot, but you must provide proper identification to your local clerk by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 21, for your vote to be counted.
Can You Register to Vote on Election Day?
Yes! Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, meaning you can register at your polling place when you arrive to vote. If you have recently moved, changed your name, or haven’t voted in several years, you may need to re-register. To be eligible, you must have lived at your current address for at least 28 days prior to the election.
To register, you’ll need a proof of residence document, such as:
- A utility bill
- A lease agreement
- A bank statement
Visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission website for a full list of acceptable documents.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
If you still have an absentee ballot, it must be received by 8 p.m. today to be counted. Since mailing it today would be too late, you have several other options:
- Drop it off at your designated polling place
- Deliver it to a central count location or your local clerk’s office
- Use an official ballot drop box
In Milwaukee, voters can drop their absentee ballots at any of the city’s drop boxes until 6 p.m. or at the Central Count Processing Center (1901 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) until 8 p.m.
When is Wisconsin’s Next Election?
The next election in Wisconsin is on April 1. This will include the candidates who advanced from today’s primary, along with additional races that didn’t require a primary vote.
One of the key races on April 1 is for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a pivotal election that will determine whether the court has a liberal or conservative majority. Since only two candidates are running for this seat, it is not part of today’s primary.
Conclusion
Participating in today’s primary election is a crucial step in shaping local government and educational policies in Wisconsin. Whether you’re voting for state superintendent, local officials, or school board members, your vote matters. Make sure to head to your assigned polling station before 8 p.m., bring a valid photo ID, and check the MyVote Wisconsin website for any additional details about your ballot or polling place.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
