Wisconsin Primary Voter Guide: What Your Need to Know

Wisconsin holds one of the later primary elections in the country. While Illinois held their primary in March, Wisconsin voters can vote in an open primary on Tuesday, August 11th. Because it is an open primary, voters can vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary, however, a voter can only vote in one party primary. Below are the what voters need to know:

How Can I Vote?

Wisconsin offers in-person, mail and early vote options. The deadline varies as in-person ends on Election Day at 8 p.m. and polls open at 7 a.m. 

Registration Deadlines: 

• In-person: Aug. 11, 2026

• By mail: Postmarked by July 22, 2026

• Online: July 22, 2026

Absentee Ballot Request Deadlines: 

• In-person: Aug. 9, 2026

• By mail: Received by Aug. 6, 2026

• Online: Aug. 6, 2026

Absentee Ballot Return Deadlines:

• In-person: Aug. 11, 2026

• By mail: Received by Aug. 11, 2026

Early Vote: Starts July 28th and ends August 11th

Who is Running?

The marquee race this year is for the open seat Governor’s race. Governor Tony Evers declined to run for a third term so both parties have a competitive primary. On the Democratic side, there are seven candidates: Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Missy Hughes, Francesca Hong, Sara Rodrigues, and Kelda Roys. The Republican Party has two candidates: Andy Manske and Tom Tiffany. 

Votes will also cast votes for Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Congress and State Legislative races.

Voters can get a specific sample ballot by entering their information here. 

Why Are We Not Voting for a Senator This Year?

Neither Senator Ron Johnson or Tammy Baldwin are up for re-election this year. United States Senators serve six-year terms with a third of the Senate elected every two years. Ron Johsnon won re-election in 2022 and isn’t up until 2028 and Senator Tammy Baldwin won re-election in 2024 and isn’t up until 2030.

Who Are the Front Runners for Governor?

Polling for the race has been sparse but Tom Tiffany is the clear front runner for the Republican nomination. A poll released in March by Marquette University Law School showed Tiffany with a 34 point lead over Manske. 

The Democratic Primary is much closer with no clear front runner. 65% of voters polled were undecided, leaving the race for the nomination unsettled.