Ellie here. We are officially less than one month away from Election Day!

There are a lot of important dates to remember ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Here are a few reminders:

Oct. 14: This is the last day to register to vote by mail or online. After this date, you can still register at your municipal clerk’s office by Oct. 30, or in person at your polling place on Election Day.

Oct. 20-Nov. 1: In-person early voting takes place through these dates. Voting hours may vary, so be sure to check with your municipal clerk for more info.

Nov. 3: This is the last day to cast your vote for Wisconsin’s midterm elections. If you are using an absentee ballot, it must be received by your municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on this date.

Voting can be overwhelming. We want to make it as easy as possible for you.

Do you have any questions about voting before Election Day? Let me know, and I’ll get it answered for you!

On the Ballot: UpNorthNews Live is a COURIER event presented in partnership with Tech For The People, featuring a live conversation with Milwaukee County Executive and gubernatorial candidate David Crowley, along with UpNorthNews Founding Editor Pat Kreitlow.

This is a real, unscripted conversation built to get past the talking points and give Wisconsinites real answers before they vote.

What Wisconsinites want answered:

Cost of living: Rent, groceries, and child care are stretching Wisconsin families thin. What would a Crowley administration actually do about affordability?

Public schools: From funding fights to teacher shortages, where does he stand on the future of Wisconsin’s classrooms?

Healthcare: We’ll ask how he plans to lower costs and protect access to care across the state, from Milwaukee to rural communities.

Reproductive freedom: Reproductive rights remain on the line in Wisconsin. We’re asking directly where he stands and what he’d do as governor.

Democracy and voting rights: In one of the country’s most closely watched swing states, voters deserve to know how their next governor will protect their freedom to vote.

Admission is FREE, but space is very limited. Register here ASAP: https://luma.com/courier-kmmd

Can’t make it in person? Catch the livestream on COURIER’s YouTube channel.

Prior to a recent Green Bay Packers home game, a tailgate party at Lambeau Field was organized by Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward to show how strangers are able to find common ground even in divisive political times. (Photo by Pat Kreitlow)

“I Voted” stickers are set out for residents voting in the spring election at the Schuetze Recreation Center polling location in Waukesha, Wis. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

This week is National Voter Education Week, and there’s no time like the present to make sure that you’re prepared for Election Day—it’s less than one month away!

To start, check your voter registration status. This is the best way to ensure all your information is up to date. And while you’re at it, encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to check theirs, too. Oct. 14 is the last day you can register by mail or online.

First-time voters, we’ve also got you covered. We have a full guide to first-time voting that walks you through the important dates, information, and everything you need to know before heading to the polls.

Early voting also starts soon. Starting on Oct. 20 through Nov. 1, you can vote early in-person. This is a great way to give yourself more flexibility and avoid a last-minute scramble.

And, with important local and statewide races on the ballot, knowing what’s at stake can help you make an informed decision.

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

General Election

Deadline to request an absentee ballot-regular: 22 days (Oct. 29)

Election Day: 27 days (Nov. 3)*

*You can register to vote at your polling place

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Pat Kreitlow and Lucas Henkel. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

UpNorthNews is free for everyone. Your support makes that possible.