Election Day in Wisconsin and across the country is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, but if you’re planning to vote in the election, which includes high-profile races for governor, Congress, and state representatives, there are a lot of other important dates to keep in mind.
Here’s your calendar of key dates in Wisconsin’s 2026 midterm elections:
Scroll down for special circumstances for indefinitely confined, military, and hospitalized voters.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17: This is the deadline for municipal clerks to send absentee ballots to voters with an active request already on file. All registered voters in Wisconsin can request an absentee ballot, you do not need a reason or excuse to vote absentee. Voters may request their absentee ballot in writing. To request an absentee ballot, click here.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 14: This is the last day to register by mail (postmarked) or online. After this date, you still register at your municipal clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 30. If you miss these deadlines, you can register in-person at your polling place on Election Day.
Click here to register for the Nov. 3 election.
TUESDAY, OCT. 20-SUNDAY, NOV. 1: This is the in-person early voting period. Voters can request and cast an absentee ballot in person at their municipal clerk’s office. 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.
THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 5 P.M.: This is the deadline for regular and overseas voters to request an absentee ballot. Scroll down to find deadlines for indefinitely confined, military, and hospitalized voters.
FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 5 P.M.: This is the deadline to register to vote at your municipal clerk’s office. If you miss this deadline, you can register in-person at your polling place on Election Day.
TUESDAY, NOV. 3: This is the last day to vote in Wisconsin’s midterm elections. 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. Eligible voters can register to vote at their polling place while they are at the polls.
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 by this time, it’s recommended to drop your ballot off at your municipal clerk’s office or another authorized absentee ballot return, do not mail it.
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., Oct. 30.
- Military voters not away from home: Absentee ballot requests must be received by the voter’s municipal clerk by 5 p.m., Oct. 30.
- Military voters away from home: Absentee ballot requests must be received by the voter’s municipal clerk by 5 p.m., Nov. 3.
- Hospitalized voters: Voters hospitalized during the seven days before the election may request an absentee ballot through an appointed agent. Hospitalized electors may request an absentee ballot between Oct. 27 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Are you ready to vote?
Any voters who experience problems, or who have questions on Election Day, can call the Election Protection Hotline, which is run by the nonpartisan Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
- English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
- Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
- Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
- Asian Languages: 1-888-API-VOTE / 1-888-274-8683
Use our voter tool below to see what’s on your ballot, find your polling place, and get answers to your voting questions. Plus, set reminders for future elections and remind your friends and family to vote.
