Ellie here. Happy Monday! Thanks for starting your week with us.

Today is the start of National Voter Education Week! That means we’ll be sharing all the information you need before you head to the polls.

Last week I asked you to share your stories about your first time voting. Here’s what I heard:

“My first time voting was in the 1986 mid-terms! I had just turned 18 and was so excited to exercise this right. I voted right at UW-Green Bay – they made it so easy!” — Mel K.

“I distinctly remember turning 18 and getting my new drivers license in August and showing it at the polling place for the first time along with using it to register for the draft. Even today, I always enjoy showing my government issued photo ID when voting, ensuring that my vote is legal and counted correctly.” — Cory F.

Thank you all for sharing! First-time voting can be an intimidating experience. That’s why we’re here to help.

Throughout the week, we’ll be keeping you updated on all the key election, important dates, and everything you need to know before you cast you ballot.

Voting buttons. (Getty Images)

As we mentioned above, today is the National Voter Education Week. Whether you’re a first-time voter or just need a refresher, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re ready for Election Day. Especially because it’s less than one month away!

The best way to start is by checking your voter registration status and making sure all your information is up to date. Another great thing to do is encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to check theirs, too. 

If you’re voting for the first time, we have a first-timer’s guide to voting that walks you through what you need to know before heading to the polls.

Voting early is also a great way to give yourself more flexibility and avoid a last-minute scramble. Wisconsin’s early voting starts on Oct. 20 and goes through Nov. 1.

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.

Click the badgers for a map to find an event near you!

Another Monday means another Wisconsin event roundup. Here’s what we’ve got going on in the Badger State this week:

🚜 Enchanted Forest & Hollywood Hayride, Janesville (Oct. 7-10)

Take a candle-lit walk through a magical forest with scenes from children’s books, fairytales, and nursery rhymes, or hop on a Hollywood-themed hayride with live skits from iconic family-friendly movies and TV shows.

👻 Cliff Street Asylum, Wisconsin Rapids (Oct. 9-10)

This haunted house is sure to send a chill down your spine. Step into this terrifying experience full of dark hallways, twisted experiments, live actors, and eerie special effects. Think you’re brave enough?

🎃 Jack-o-Lantern Festival, Spooner (Oct. 9-10)

Celebrate fall with a weekend of spooky fun, including an adult beverage crawl, live music, pumpkin painting, a pumpkin roll, scarecrow decorating, and wrap up the weekend with a zombie run.

🍎 42nd Annual Applefest, Two Rivers (Oct. 10)

Apple fans, this one’s for you. Enjoy fresh apples, homemade baked goods, live music, an arts and crafts fair, and activities for all ages.

🍁 Autumn Harvest Celebration, Neillsville (Oct. 10)

Browse local vendors along Hewett Street with handmade goods, baked treats, and plenty of shopping. Kids can also enjoy bounce houses, and downtown businesses will offer food, drinks, and live entertainment.

🍺 Lake Geneva Oktoberfest (Oct. 10-11)

Enjoy traditional German festivities with a beer garden, craft beer, delicious bites, local vendors, and live entertainment. Families can also participate in kids activities, dog races, and other fun events.

Fall colors cover the trees at Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, Door County, Wisconsin on Oct. 22, 2025. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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