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Election Day 101: What to know before the polls

April 7, 2026

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Good morning!

Ellie here. Today is Election Day in Wisconsin, so let’s jump into everything you need to know!

To start, it’s important to make a plan to vote. Here are some reminders before you head to the polls:

Check your voter registration: Make sure your name and address are up to date, especially if you’ve moved recently.

Preview your ballot: Visit MyVote Wisconsin to see what’s on your ballot before you visit the polls.

Educate yourself: Know who’s on your ballot and what they stand for.

Government is shaped by the voters who show up. Make sure you head out to the polls today!

We’ll be taking a look at what to expect on your ballot today, along with other Wisconsin news.

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“Here is Moonset closely following sunset over Green Bay.” (Courtesy of Jayne B.)

Jayne B. sent in this great photo of a sunset over Green Bay. What a fantastic view, thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured.

In case you missed it, we’re gearing up for festival season in Wisconsin. Check out these can’t-miss music festivals happening around our state!

Show me your Wisconsin view!

Today’s Election Day! Here’s some reminders before you head to the polls

By Pat Kreitlow

Elections come in all styles and sizes in Wisconsin — with voting on everything from presidents to county coroners. There are occasional referendums about the constitution of our state or the property tax level for your local school district.

The spring elections are one of the two major types of elections in our state — nonpartisan offices in the spring, partisan races in the fall.

These are the main types of elections, with an emphasis on what will be on ballots around Wisconsin on April 7, 2026.

Everything on the April 7 spring election ballot in Wisconsin →

Answering your same-day questions about voting in Wisconsin

Polling place volunteers assist voters with voting documents

By Abigail Deatrick

Tuesday, April 7, is election day in Wisconsin. From polling locations to photo ID requirements and what you’ll see on your ballot, here’s your quick guide to voting in Wisconsin.

Prepare for the polls →

Political money pours into Wisconsin’s school board elections

An election official instructs a voter on how to use the machine during early voting at the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building on the morning of March 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

Although school board races are supposed to be nonpartisan, there’s plenty of political money pouring into local campaigns ahead of the April 7 election.

Political action committees, often referred to as PACs, are groups that advocate for or against a referendum or issue or in support of a candidate. They are also defined as using more than 50% of their total spending in 12 months for those purposes. They must share who their donors are and are limited as to how much they can contribute to candidates.

Learn more →

Are you enjoying this Wisconsin newsletter?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Ellie Bourdo, Pat Kreitlow, Abigail Deatrick, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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