Every week we bring you a list of events and action opportunities to make a difference in your community and across Wisconsin. One of the most impactful ways to make a difference is by voting. The primary election in Wisconsin is Tuesday, Aug. 11, which means it’s time to get ready to cast your ballot if you haven’t already. Whether you vote in every election, or are planning to register and vote for the first time, there are several voter deadlines to keep in mind.
Already voted? There’s still ways to take action. Check out our voter tool to set reminders for future elections and share key voting details with your friends and family.
Mark your calendar with these key dates for Wisconsin’s 2026 primary election:
Now-Aug. 6, 5 p.m.
Deadline to request an absentee ballot: Regular and overseas voters must have their absentee ballot request received by their municipal clerk by 5 p.m. on Aug. 6. Scroll down to find deadlines for indefinitely confined, military, and hospitalized voters.
Now-Aug. 7, 5 p.m.
Deadline to register to vote at your municipal clerk’s office: The deadline to register online or by mail has passed. You can still register at your municipal clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Aug. 7. If you miss this deadline, you can register in-person at your polling place on election day.
Now-Aug. 9
In-person absentee voting period: Early voting, often called in-person absentee voting, allows voters to go to their municipal clerk’s office or a designated early voting location to cast a ballot up to two weeks before Election Day. That ballot is then stored by the city and counted on Election Day. Voters may request and cast an absentee ballot in person at their municipal clerk’s office through Aug. 9. Office hours vary by municipality, and some municipal offices may not offer additional in-person absentee hours. Check with your municipal clerk for more information.
Aug. 11: Election Day
Vote in person: Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., stay in line. It is your legal right to cast your ballot.
Deadline to Return Absentee Ballot: You must return your absentee ballot so it is received by your municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you have yet to return your absentee ballot, it’s recommended to drop your ballot off at your municipal clerk’s office or another authorized absentee ballot return location to avoid postal delays.
Last day to register to vote: Eligible voters can register to vote at their polling place while polls are open on Election Day.
Special circumstances–deadlines for indefinitely confined, military, and hospitalized voters:
Indefinitely confined voters: Absentee ballot requests must be received by the voter’s municipal clerk by 5 p.m. by Aug. 7.
Military voters not away from home: Absentee ballot requests must be received by the voter’s municipal clerk by 5 p.m. by Aug. 7.
Military voters away from home: Absentee ballot requests must be received by the voter’s municipal clerk by 5 p.m. by Aug. 11.
Hospitalized voters: Voters hospitalized during the seven days before the election may request an absentee ballot through an appointed agent. Requests must be made by 5 p.m. Aug. by 11.
Related: NEW POLL: Francesca Hong takes a commanding lead in Democratic primary for governor
Need help getting ready to vote? Use our online portal below to see what’s on your ballot, find your polling place, and find answers to your voting questions.
