A message from Paul DeMain, co-chair, Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party
August 12, 2026
Congratulations to the Democratic primary winners going on to the General Election on November 3rd, 2026.
David Crowley for Governor
Fred Clark, U.S. House, 7th Congressional District
Yee Leng Xiong, State Treasurer (grew up in the
Wausau area)
Charly Ray, State Senate, 25th District
Paul Johnson, State Assembly, 74th District
Here is how we win elections: Voter turnout!
Wisconsin Democratic Primary Voters = 787,678
Wisconsin Republican Primary Voters = 488,844
Vote for Democrats in November!
Everything you need to know about the November 3 General Election
October 11, 2026
Editor’s Note: We’ve compiled key information you need to prepare to vote in the November 3, 2026 General Election in one place. If you prefer to go straight to the sources of information for this article, here are the links:
Ballotpedia: Wisconsin Elections 2026 (A number of these elections occurred earlier this year.)
Wisconsin Elections Commission: Your 2026 Election Road Map
Sawyer County Election Information (View what’s on your ballot, including county candidates, on the My Vote Wisconsin website at https://myvote.wi.gov
Index
Introduction
Important notes
Vote early
Deadlines for the November 3 General Election
Meet the Candidates
Constitutional amendments on November ballot
Introduction
The November 3 General Election is fast approaching. Nationally, we’re seeing some favorable polls for Democrats in this mid-term election, but here in Wisconsin, polls show a close race between David Crowley and Tom Tiffany for governor. This is all the more reason to get out the vote for Democratic candidates up and down the ticket. And don’t forget to make your personal plan to vote. Read on to learn more.
Important notes
Voter registration
Your vote is critical! And it’s even more critical now when votes are so close. First, make sure you are registered to vote. Check your status on the My Wisconsin Vote website at https://myvote.wi.gov/
You may register online, by mail, or in person with your municipal clerk. (See deadlines below.) All voters must provide a Proof of Residence Document when registering. Acceptable proof of residence documents include a current and valid Wisconsin driver license, a state-issued ID card, a utility bill with your name and current address—and more. See this Wisconsin Elections Commission page for more information.
We strongly recommend registering to vote online if you can. This method gives you valuable time to correct defects, such as how your name is spelled or whether you need to enter a new address if you moved recently.
Know the deadlines
Key deadlines
Oct. 14: Deadline to register to vote online or by mail
Oct. 20: Early voting starts (see following)
Oct. 30: Deadline to register to vote with your municipal clerk
Nov. 3, Election Day: You can register to vote at your polling place on Election Day with proper identification.
View all election deadlines on My Vote Wisconsin at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Voter-Deadlines (Scroll down the page.) We also have reprinted the deadlines further down this web page.
Vote early
We strongly recommend that you vote early in the 2026 mid-term election. Again, early voting starts Oct. 20.
Why vote early? Voting before Election Day on November 3 helps you avoid long lines and fit voting into to your own schedule. Voting early also gives you a buffer if something goes wrong on Election Day. In short, voting early in 2026 gives you more control, less stress, and the same secure vote, all without waiting until the last day. For more information on voting early visit www.powerofthevote.org
Guide to planning
· Go to My Vote Wisconsin at https://myvote.wi.gov to check your registration, and register, if necessary, by October 14.
· Request an absentee ballot ASAP, and no later than October 29.
· Return your ballot by mail ASAP. Or bring your ballot to your municipal or town clerk’s office, starting October 20. Ballots must be in your clerk’s hands by 8 p.m. Election Day, November 3.
· You may also register to vote and receive a ballot at your polling station on Election Day. You must produce proper identification to vote. See details on this Wisconsin Elections Commission page: https://elections.wi.gov/resources/brochures/voter-id-brochure
Again, view all election deadlines on My Vote Wisconsin at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Voter-Deadlines (Scroll down the page.) We also have reprinted the deadlines further down this web page.
Deadlines for the November 3 General Election
Voter Registration Deadlines
As noted, voters can register in several ways. All voters must provide a Proof of Residence document when registering to vote by mail, in-person in the clerk’s office, or at the polls on Election Day. All deadlines are listed on the My Vote Wisconsin website. (Scroll down to view “Wisconsin Election Deadlines” on the My Vote Wisconsin home page.)
All voters in Wisconsin may request an absentee ballot by mail for any reason. Voters must be registered before they can ask for an absentee ballot. Voters may request their absentee ballot in writing. To ask for an absentee ballot on MyVote.wi.gov, click here. You must provide a photo ID with your absentee ballot request. See more information on photo ID here.
October 14, 2026 Deadline to Register by Mail - Your voter registration form, along with proof of residence must be postmarked to your municipal clerk no later than October 14, 2026. Find your Municipal Clerk’s Contact Information here.
October 14, 2026 Deadline to Register to vote online. - Voters who are able to match their name, date of birth, Wisconsin Driver License or State ID number, and address with the Wisconsin DMV can register to vote online through October 14, 2026.
October 30, 2026 @ 5 p.m. Deadline to Register in Your Municipal Clerk’s Office- Voters may register in-person in their municipal clerk’s office during the clerk’s business hours until 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026. Find your Municipal Clerk’s Contact Information here.
November 3, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Register to Vote at Your Polling Place- Voters can register to vote at their polling place on Election Day, November 3, 2026. Find your Polling Place here.
Absentee Voting- Deadlines for the November 3, 2026 General Election All voters in Wisconsin can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them for any reason. Voters must be registered before they can request an absentee ballot. Voters may request their absentee ballot in writing. To request an absentee ballot on MyVote.wi.gov click here. You must provide a photo ID with your absentee ballot request, more information on photo ID can be found here.
September 17, 2026 Deadline for municipal clerks to send absentee ballots to voters with an active request already on file- Municipal clerks can begin mailing absentee ballots once official ballots are received and have until September 17, 2026 to send ballots to all voters with a request on file by that day. Requests received after September 17, 2026 must be fulfilled within one business day.
October 29, 2026 @ 5 p.m. Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot- Regular and Overseas Voters- If you are a regular or a Overseas Voters, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 29, 2026.
October 30, 2026 @ 5 p.m. Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot- Indefinitely Confined and Military - If a voter is indefinitely confined, or military and not away from home, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026.
October 20, 2026, possibly through November 1, 2026 In-Person Absentee Voting period- Voters can possibly request and vote an absentee ballot in-person in their municipal clerk’s office through November 1, 2026. Office hours vary by municipality. Some municipal offices may not offer additional in-person absentee hours Check MyVote or contact your municipal clerk for absentee voting hours.
November 3, 2026 @ 5 p.m. Deadline for Hospitalized Voters- Voters who are in a hospital may request a ballot be brought to them by an appointed agent if they are hospitalized in the 7 days preceding the election. Hospitalized electors may request an absentee ballot between October 27, 2026 and November 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
November 3, 2026 @ 5 p.m.- Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot- Military, away If a voter is in the military and away from home, then your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
November 3, 2026 @ 8 p.m.- Deadline to Return Absentee Ballot- If you have already received an absentee ballot, you must return your absentee ballot by mail or delivery to your municipal clerk. Your ballot must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2026.
Meet the candidates
Following is a rundown of candidates and issues on the November 3 ballot.
7th Congressional District U.S. House of Representatives
The candidates running for the 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House, now held by MAGA Republican Tom Tiffany are Fred Clark, Democrat, and Michael Alfonso, Republican.
Learn more about Fred Clark: https://clarkforwi.com
Learn more about Michael Alfonso: https://www.alfonsoforwisconsin.com/media/ Note the photo. Says a lot!
Fred Clark
From left, Melania Trump, Michael Alfonso, Donald Trump, Evita Alfonso (nee Duffy)
Wisconsin Governor
The candidates running for governor are David Crowley, Democrat, and Tom Tiffany, Republican. It is critical to elect Crowley as governor to promote the values Democrats believe in. It is also critical to keep MAGA supporter and 2020 election denier Tom Tiffany out of the governor’s office.
Learn more about David Crowley here: https://www.crowleyforwi.com/
Learn more about Tom Tiffany here (to be taken with a grain of salt): https://tomtiffany.com/
See Ballotpedia for more information on the gubernatorial race.
David Crowley
Tom Tiffany
Wisconsin Senate
The candidates running for the 25th District Wisconsin Senate seat are Charly Ray, Democrat, and Eric Severson, Republican.
Learn more about Charly Ray: https://www.rayforwi.com/
See Ballotpedia for more information on the 25th District Senate seat.
Learn more about Eric Severson: https://severson4senate.com/
Charly Ray
Eric Severson
Wisconsin Assembly
The candidates running for the 74th District Wisconsin Assembly seat are Paul Johnson, Democrat, and incumbent Chanz Green, Republican.
Learn more about Chanz Green: https://greenforassembly.com/
Learn more about Paul Johnson here: https://pauljohnsonforwisconsin.com
See Ballotpedia for more information on the 74th District Assembly seat.
Paul Johnson
Chanz Green
Other State Officials
Besides governor, four other state offices are on 2026 ballots.
Lieutenant Governor
The candidates for Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor are former Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Democrat, and David Varnam, Republican.
Learn more about Sarah Godlewski: https://www.sarahforwisconsin.com/
Learn more about David Varnam: https://davidvarnam.com/
For more details on the lieutenant governor race, see Ballotpedia.
Attorney General
Candidates for Wisconsin Attorney General are incumbent Josh Kaul, Democrat, and Eric Toney, Republican.
Learn more about Josh Kaul here: https://davidvarnam.com/
Learn more about Eric Toney here: https://erictoney.com/
See Ballotpedia for more details on the attorney general race.
Secretary of State
The candidates for Wisconsin Secretary of State are JoCasta Zamarripa, Democrat, and Jay Schroeder, Republican.
Learn more about JoCasta Zamarripa: https://www.votejocasta.com/
Learn more about Jay Schroeder: https://jayforwisconsin.com/
See Ballotpedia for more information on the Secretary of State race.
Treasurer
The candidates for Wisconsin treasurer are Yee Leng Xiong, Democrat, and John Leiber, Republican.
Learn more about Yee Leng Xiong: https://www.yeeforwi.vote/
Learn more about John Leiber: https://www.leiberfortreasurer.com/
See Ballotpedia for more information on the state treasurer race.
Sawyer County offices
Two county offices are on the November 3 ballot: sheriff and clerk of circuit court. The candidates for each of these positions are running as Republicans: Bryan Deyo and Marge Kelsey.
No candidates are running as Democrats. The only other option for Democratic Party supporters is to write in a candidate. However, votes for a write-in candidate are counted only if they register with their municipal clerk.
For more information
See Sawyer County Election Information.
See ‘Write-in election rules changed under new Wisconsin law’ on the Isthmus website.
Constitutional amendments on November ballot
Three state constitutional amendments will appear on the November 3 General Election ballot. Here’s more information on those measures, including notes on supporters and opponents. It’s safe to say that these amendments are written in ambiguous ways that hide their actual impact or true intent.
We urge you to educate yourself on these amendments, including the stories behind them, so you will be ready to cast your vote in November. We also note that the majority of Democratic legislators urge voting “no” on these amendments, as does the League of Women Voters Wisconsin. Learn more on the “Constitutional Corner” of the league’s website at https://mylwv/wisconsin/constitutional-corner
Amendment 1
Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 10 would prohibit the government from closing gatherings at places of worship during declared emergencies, including public health emergencies.
AJR 10 amends “Section 18. Freedom of Worship; Liberty of Conscience; State Religion; Public Funds” in the Wisconsin Constitution. If amended, the boldfaced text would be added to Section 18. Here’s the text:
The right of every person to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of conscience shall never be infringed; nor shall any person be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry, without consent; nor shall any control of, or interference with, the rights of conscience be permitted, or any preference be given by law to any religious establishments or modes of worship; nor shall any money be drawn from the treasury for the benefit of religious societies, or religious or theological seminaries; nor shall the state or a political subdivision of the state order the closure of or forbid gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including an emergency related to public health.[7]
The amendment was passed by the Wisconsin Legislature by a vote of 56-43. Votes in both chambers were largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting the amendment and all but two Democrats opposing it. Republicans proposed the amendment following closure of places of worship in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Besides most Democratic Party legislators, opponents include the Wisconsin League of Women Voters. The league urges a “no” vote on the amendment.
For more information
See this Ballotpedia page for more details on AJR 10.
Amendment 2
Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 102 would prohibit the government from discriminating or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
AJR 102 would create a new section of the Wisconsin Constitution. The new Section 27 of Article 1 reads as follows (in boldface):
Section 27 (1) In this section, “governmental entity” means the state, its political subdivisions including municipalities, the University of Wisconsin System, the Technical College System, any public college or university, any public school district, and any office, department, independent agency, board, commission, authority, institution, association, society, or other body in state or local government created or authorized to be created by the constitution or any law, including the legislature and the courts.
(2) A governmental entity may not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting, or public administration.
(3) This section does not prohibit action that must be taken to establish or maintain eligibility for any federal program, if ineligibility would result in a loss of federal funds to the governmental entity.
(4) Nothing in this section prohibits bona fide qualifications based on sex that are reasonably necessary to the normal operation of public employment, public education, public contracting, or public administration.
(5) If any part or parts of this section are found to be in conflict with the United States Constitution or federal law, the section shall be implemented to the maximum extent that the United States Constitution and federal law permit. Any provision of this section held invalid shall be severable from the remaining portions of this section.
Republican legislators proposed the amendment in the belief that affirmative action and DEI measures are in themselves discriminatory. In both the State Assembly and the Senate, legislative Republicans largely supported referring the constitutional amendment to the ballot, while legislative Democrats did not.
BesidesDemocratic legislators, the Wisconsin ACLU opposes the amendment. The ACLU characterizes the proposed amendment as banning DEI in state and local government and urges a “no” vote on this amendment.
For more information
See this Ballotpedia page for more details on AJR 102.
Amendment 3
Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 116 would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to prohibit the governor from using the partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee. If amended, the boldfaced text would be added to Section 10(1)(c) of Article V of the Wisconsin Constitution. Here’s the text:
In approving an appropriation bill in part, the governor may not create a new word by rejecting individual letters in the words of the enrolled bill, and may not create a new sentence by combining parts of 2 or more sentences of the enrolled bill, and may not create or increase or authorize the creation or increase of any tax or fee.
State Senator Chris Larson, a Democrat representing Wisconsin Senate District 7, urges a “no” vote on this amendment, saying "So what would this amendment actually do? It would make it harder for any future governor to right the wrongs of any legislature that fails to provide sufficient revenues to meet our shared priorities – education-related or otherwise."
See this Ballotpedia page for more details on SJR 116.
For more information on all three proposed amendments, see State Sen. Larson’s newsletter sent earlier this year.