Get ready for August 11 Partisan Primary Election
Updated July 5, 2026
Editor’s Note: We’ve compiled key information you need to prepare to vote in the August 11 partisan primary 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
Index
The full version of this article follows. Click on the following links to go to specific sections.
Introduction/Important Notes
Meet the candidates: 7th CD
Meet the candidates: Wisconsin Legislature
Meet the candidates: Wisconsin governor
Meet the candidates: Other state officials
Meet the candidates: Sawyer County offices
Deadlines for August 11 primary election
Preview of Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot
Introduction
This is it. 2026. The big election year we’ve been waiting for. We Democrats have big dreams for blue waves nationwide and statewide. And we can take inspiration from Judge Chris Taylor’s victory in the April 7 election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
But we recognize the reality of Republican opposition, including contributions from megadonors and outrageous gerrymandering. We also recognize the work yet to do to mobilize voters—not only from our base, but from swing voters and infrequent voters disenchanted with the direction of the country. So get ready for two big upcoming elections:
· The 2026 partisan primary on Tuesday, August 11, and
· The 2026 midterm election on Tuesday, November 3.
Important notes
Voter registration
Your vote is critical! 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.
Please volunteer
Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party also asks that you volunteer to support our cause and candidates. See the Volunteer pageof this website to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Meet the candidates
Following is a rundown of candidates and issues on the August 11 partisan primary ballot. We’ll add information about what’s on the November 3 general election ballot after the primary.
7th Congressional District U.S. House of Representatives
Three candidates are running as Democrats in the August 11 primary for the 7th CD U.S. House seat. The top vote getter will run against the winner on the Republican side in the November 3 General Election. Click on links to their campaign websites for more information.
· Chris Armstrong campaign website
· Fred Clark campaign website
· Ginger Murray campaign website
There are six Republican candidates running in the August 11 primary for the 7th CD U.S. House seat, including Michael Alfonso, son-in-law of Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. Trump has endorsed Alfonso. For a list of all 7th CD U.S. House candidates, go to Ballotpedia. (Scroll down the Ballotpedia page.)
Wisconsin Legislature
There is one Democratic candidate, Charly Ray, running for the 25th District Wisconsin Senate seat, and one Democratic candidate, Paul Johnson, running for the 74th District Wisconsin Assembly seat. Ray and Johnson are each unopposed in the August 11 primary.
Select this link to view Charly Ray’s campaign website.
Select this link to view Paul Johnson’s campaign website.
Two Republicans are on the primary ballot for the 74th District Assembly seat: incumbent Chanz Green and Scott Harbridge.
See Ballotpediafor more information on all candidates for the 74th District Assembly seat.
Two Republicans are on the primary ballot for the 25th District Senate seat: Angie Sapik and Eric Severson.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all candidates for the 25th District Senate seat.
Wisconsin governor
As of June 22, six candidates are competing as Democrats in the August 11 primary for governor. Missy Hughes dropped out of the race on the 22nd and endorsed Sara Rodriguez in the August 11 primary. Click on links to the gubernatorial campaign websites for more information:
· Mandela Barnes campaign website
·Joel Brennan campaign website
· David Crowley campaign website
· Francesca Hong campaign website
· · Sara Rodriguez campaign website
· Kelda Roys campaign website
The top Democratic vote getter in the August 11 gubernatorial primary will take on the winner on the Republican side. Two Republican candidates are running in the gubernatorial primary: Andrew Manske and Toxic Tom Tiffany.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all candidates for governor.
Other state officials
Besides governor, four other state offices are on 2026 ballots.
Lieutenant Governor
Former Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewskiis running as a Democrat for lieutenant governor. She has no opponent in the August 11 Democratic primary.
Three Republican candidates are competing in the August 11 primary: Will Martin, Cyril Sablich, and David Varnam. Steve Johnson of the Common Sense Party is also running for lieutenant governor in 2026.
For more details on all lieutenant governor candidates, see Ballotpedia.
Attorney General
Incumbent Josh Kaulis running as a Democratic candidate for his third four-year term as attorney general. Eric Toney is running as a Republican candidate for attorney general. See Ballotpedia for more details on the attorney general race.
Secretary of State
Four Democratic Party candidates are running for Secretary of State in the August 11 primary:
Collin McNamara
Eileen Newcomer
Lorenzo Southall
JoCasta Zamarripa
Four Republican Party candidates are running for Secretary of State in the August 11 partisan primary: Brayden Myer, Nathan Pollnow, Jay Schroeder, and Cindy Werner. Pete Karas is running as a Green Party candidate for Secretary of State.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all Secretary of State candidates.
Treasurer
Two Democratic Party candidates are running for Treasurer in the August 11 primary:
Two Republican candidates are running for treasurer: John Leiber and Orlando Owens.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all Treasurer candidates.
Sawyer County offices
Two county offices are on the August 11 ballot: sheriff and clerk of circuit court. Note: Three candidates are running as Republicans for these offices—two for sheriff and one for clerk of court. No candidates are running as Democrats. Therefore, the only 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 the Wisconsin Elections Commission by 4 p.m. on the Friday before the election.
For more information
See Sawyer County Election Information.
See ‘Deadline to register as a write-in candidate for the Partisan Primary’ on the Wisconsin Elections Commission website.
See ‘Write-in election rules changed under new Wisconsin law’ on the Isthmus website.
Preview of Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot
Three statewide ballot measures will appear on the November 3 General Election ballot. Here’s a preview of those measures, including notes on supporters and opponents. It’s safe to say these amendments are written in ambiguous ways that hide their actual impact or true intent. Therefore, we urge you to educate yourself on these amendments, and 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.
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.
Besides Democratic legislators, the Wisconsin ACLU opposes the amendment. The ACLU 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.
Deadlines for the August 11, 2026 Partisan Primary 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.)
July 22, 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 July 22, 2026. Find your municipal clerk’s contact information here.
July 22, 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 July 22, 2026.
August 7, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to register at your municipal clerk’s office. Voters may register in person at their municipal clerk’s office during the clerk’s business hours until 5 p.m. on August 7, 2026. Find your municipal clerk’s contact Information here.
August 11, 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, August 11, 2026. Find your polling place here.
Absentee Voting Deadlines
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.
June 25, 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 June 25, 2026 to send ballots to all voters with a request on file by that day. Requests received from voters after June 25, 2026 must be fulfilled within one business day.
August 6, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot—Regular and Temporary Overseas Voters. If you are a regular or temporarily overseas voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on August 6, 2026.
August 7, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot—Indefinitely Confined and Military. If a voter is indefinitely confined or a military voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on April 3, 2026.
July 28, 2026, possibly through August 9, 2026: In-Person (Early) Absentee Voting period. Voters can possibly request and vote an absentee ballot in-person at their municipal clerk’s office through August 9, 2026. Office hours vary by municipality. Some municipal offices may not offer additional in-person absentee hours. Please contact your municipal clerk for absentee voting hours.
August 11, 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 August 4, 2026 and August 11, 2026 at 5 p.m.
August 11, 2026 @ 5:00 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 August 11, 2026.
August 11, 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 p.m. on Election Day, August 11, 2026.
Introduction
This is it. 2026. The big election year we’ve been waiting for. We Democrats have big dreams for blue waves nationwide and statewide. And we can take inspiration from Judge Chris Taylor’s victory in the April 7 election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
But we recognize the reality of Republican opposition, including contributions from megadonors and outrageous gerrymandering. We also recognize the work yet to do to mobilize voters—not only from our base, but from swing voters and infrequent voters disenchanted with the direction of the country. So get ready for two big upcoming elections:
· The 2026 partisan primary on Tuesday, August 11, and
· The 2026 midterm election on Tuesday, November 3.
Important notes
Voter registration
Your vote is critical! 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.
Please volunteer
Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party also asks that you volunteer to support our cause and candidates. See the Volunteer page of this website to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Meet the candidates
The following is part of a rundown of candidates and issues on the August 11 partisan primary ballot. We’ll add information about what’s on the November 3 general election ballot after the primary.
7th Congressional District U.S. House of Representatives
Three candidates are running as Democrats in the August 11 primary for the 7th CD U.S. House seat. The top vote getter will run against the winner on the Republican side in the November 3 General Election. Click on links to their campaign websites for more information.
· Chris Armstrong campaign website
· Fred Clark campaign website
· Ginger Murray campaign website
There are six Republican candidates running in the August 11 primary for the 7th CD U.S. House seat, including Michael Alfonso, son-in-law of Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. Trump has endorsed Alfonso. For a list of all 7th CD U.S. House candidates, go to Ballotpedia. (Scroll down the Ballotpedia page.)
Meet the candidates
The following is part of a rundown of candidates and issues on the August 11 partisan primary ballot. We’ll add information about what’s on the November 3 general election ballot after the primary.
Wisconsin Legislature
There is one Democratic candidate, Charly Ray, running for the 25th District Wisconsin Senate seat, and one Democratic candidate, Paul Johnson, running for the 74th District Wisconsin Assembly seat. Ray and Johnson are each unopposed in the August 11 primary.
Select this link to view Charly Ray’s campaign website.
Select this link to view Paul Johnson’s campaign website.
Two Republicans are on the primary ballot for the 74th District Assembly seat: incumbent Chanz Green and Scott Harbridge.
See Ballotpediafor more information on all candidates for the 74th District Assembly seat.
Two Republicans are on the primary ballot for the 25th District Senate seat: Angie Sapik and Eric Severson.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all candidates for the 25th District Senate seat.
The following is part of a rundown of candidates and issues on the August 11 partisan primary ballot. We’ll add information about what’s on the November 3 general election ballot after the primary.
Wisconsin governor
As of June 22, six candidates are competing as Democrats in the August 11 primary for governor. Missy Hughes dropped out of the race on the 22nd and endorsed Sara Rodriguez in the August 11 primary. Click on links to the gubernatorial campaign websites for more information:
· Mandela Barnes campaign website
·Joel Brennan campaign website
· David Crowley campaign website
· Francesca Hong campaign website
· · Sara Rodriguez campaign website
· Kelda Roys campaign website
The top Democratic vote getter in the August 11 gubernatorial primary will take on the winner on the Republican side. Two Republican candidates are running in the gubernatorial primary: Andrew Manske and Toxic Tom Tiffany.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all candidates for governor.
The following is part of a rundown of candidates and issues on the August 11 partisan primary ballot. We’ll add information about what’s on the November 3 general election ballot after the primary.
Other state officials
Besides governor, four other state offices are on 2026 ballots.
Lieutenant Governor
Former Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewskiis running as a Democrat for lieutenant governor. She has no opponent in the August 11 Democratic primary.
Three Republican candidates are competing in the August 11 primary: Will Martin, Cyril Sablich, and David Varnam. Steve Johnson of the Common Sense Party is also running for lieutenant governor in 2026.
For more details on all lieutenant governor candidates, see Ballotpedia.
Attorney General
Incumbent Josh Kaulis running as a Democratic candidate for his third four-year term as attorney general. Eric Toney is running as a Republican candidate for attorney general. See Ballotpedia for more details on the attorney general race.
Secretary of State
Four Democratic Party candidates are running for Secretary of State in the August 11 primary:
Collin McNamara
Eileen Newcomer
Lorenzo Southall
JoCasta Zamarripa
Four Republican Party candidates are running for Secretary of State in the August 11 partisan primary: Brayden Myer, Nathan Pollnow, Jay Schroeder, and Cindy Werner. Pete Karas is running as a Green Party candidate for Secretary of State.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all Secretary of State candidates.
Treasurer
Two Democratic Party candidates are running for Treasurer in the August 11 primary:
Two Republican candidates are running for treasurer: John Leiber and Orlando Owens.
See Ballotpedia for more information on all Treasurer candidates.
The following is part of a rundown of candidates and issues on the August 11 partisan primary ballot. We’ll add information about what’s on the November 3 general election ballot after the primary.
Sawyer County offices
Two county offices are on the August 11 ballot: sheriff and clerk of circuit court. Note: Three candidates are running as Republicans for these offices—two for sheriff and one for clerk of court. No candidates are running as Democrats. Therefore, the only 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 the Wisconsin Elections Commission by 4 p.m. on the Friday before the election.
For more information
See Sawyer County Election Information.
See ‘Deadline to register as a write-in candidate for the Partisan Primary’ on the Wisconsin Elections Commission website.
See ‘Write-in election rules changed under new Wisconsin law’ on the Isthmus website.
Deadlines for the August 11, 2026 Partisan Primary 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 deadlines on the My Vote Wisconsin home page.)
July 22, 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 July 22, 2026. Find your municipal clerk’s contact information here.
July 22, 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 July 22, 2026.
August 7, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to register at your municipal clerk’s office. Voters may register in person at their municipal clerk’s office during the clerk’s business hours until 5 p.m. on August 7, 2026. Find your municipal clerk’s contact Information here.
August 11, 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, August 11, 2026. Find your polling place here.
Absentee Voting Deadlines
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.
June 25, 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 June 25, 2026 to send ballots to all voters with a request on file by that day. Requests received from voters after June 25, 2026 must be fulfilled within one business day.
August 6, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot—Regular and Temporary Overseas Voters. If you are a regular or temporarily overseas voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on August 6, 2026.
August 7, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot—Indefinitely Confined and Military. If a voter is indefinitely confined or a military voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on April 3, 2026.
July 28, 2026, possibly through August 9, 2026: In-Person (Early) Absentee Voting period. Voters can possibly request and vote an absentee ballot in-person at their municipal clerk’s office through August 9, 2026. Office hours vary by municipality. Some municipal offices may not offer additional in-person absentee hours. Please contact your municipal clerk for absentee voting hours.
August 11, 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 seven days preceding the election. Hospitalized electors may request an absentee ballot between August 4, 2026 and August 11, 2026 at 5 p.m.
August 11, 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 August 11, 2026.
August 11, 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 p.m. on Election Day, August 11, 2026.
Preview of Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot
Three statewide ballot measures will appear on the November 3 General Election ballot. Here’s a preview of those measures, including notes on supporters and opponents. It’s safe to say these amendments are written in ambiguous ways that hide their actual impact or true intent. Therefore, we urge you to educate yourself on these amendments, and 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.
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.
Besides Democratic legislators, the Wisconsin ACLU opposes the amendment. The ACLU 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.
Deadlines for the August 11, 2026 Partisan Primary 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.)
July 22, 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 July 22, 2026. Find your municipal clerk’s contact information here.
July 22, 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 July 22, 2026.
August 7, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to register at your municipal clerk’s office. Voters may register in person at their municipal clerk’s office during the clerk’s business hours until 5 p.m. on August 7, 2026. Find your municipal clerk’s contact Information here.
August 11, 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, August 11, 2026. Find your polling place here.
Absentee Voting Deadlines
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.
June 25, 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 June 25, 2026 to send ballots to all voters with a request on file by that day. Requests received from voters after June 25, 2026 must be fulfilled within one business day.
August 6, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot—Regular and Temporary Overseas Voters. If you are a regular or temporarily overseas voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on August 6, 2026.
August 7, 2026 @ 5 p.m.: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot—Indefinitely Confined and Military. If a voter is indefinitely confined or a military voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on April 3, 2026.
July 28, 2026, possibly through August 9, 2026: In-Person (Early) Absentee Voting period. Voters can possibly request and vote an absentee ballot in-person at their municipal clerk’s office through August 9, 2026. Office hours vary by municipality. Some municipal offices may not offer additional in-person absentee hours. Please contact your municipal clerk for absentee voting hours.
August 11, 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 August 4, 2026 and August 11, 2026 at 5 p.m.
August 11, 2026 @ 5:00 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 August 11, 2026.
August 11, 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 p.m. on Election Day, August 11, 2026.