Good morning!

Ellie here. Happy Election Day!

The day has finally come. It’s time to head to the polls and cast your vote. As we talked about yesterday, here are some reminders before you head to the polls today:

Polling places in Wisconsin will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., stay in line! You can still cast your vote as long as you’re in line by 8 p.m. You can check your polling place here before you head out.

Don’t forget to bring a photo ID. Wisconsin requires a photo ID to vote in person. Here’s a list of accepted photo IDs.

Haven’t registered to vote yet? Don’t worry about it. You can still register at your polling place today! Just make sure to bring proof of residence showing your current address.

And don’t forget: Tonight, join UpNorthNews’ live election night coverage where we’ll be keeping you up to date on key races, election numbers, and developments throughout the night.

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

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First, a few headlines from around the state:

🗞 Disability Rights Wisconsin has some reminders for voters heading to the polls today. Each polling place must have an accessible voting system available for voters. (WKOW)

🗞 The new president of the Universities of Wisconsin has been selected by the Board of Regents. Dr. Tonjanita L. Johnson will start her new role on Jan. 1, 2027. (Civic Media)

🗞 On Friday, the Milwaukee Brewers made their way through the city to celebrate the team’s World Series championship win. Hundreds of thousands of fans lined the streets to celebrate. (WPR)

I hope everyone had a great Halloween weekend with some spooky festivities.

Speaking of which, check out this awesome view from our reader, Gail L.

“Halloween on the Yahara River.”

Show me your Wisconsin view!

Stories rooted in Wisconsin’s Up North

After years of dedication to the land, Chippewa County farmer George Polzin has made the difficult decision to retire. His retirement comes with heavy worries about what the future holds for the next generation of small family farms across the state. (Photo by Cyndi Greening)

Is this the end of the family farm in Wisconsin?

For the first time, Wisconsin dairy farms have dropped below 5,000. For fourth-generation Chippewa County farmer George Polzin, this loss is a consequence of rising diesel prices, increasing operating costs, trade disputes, and federal policies.

Polzin explained how this decline goes beyond family farms, as communities have lost machinery dealerships, car dealerships, grocery stores, and hardware stores.

As he prepares to retire, he worries that younger generations will no longer be able to afford to take over family farms, and communities will continue to struggle because of rising costs.

“I’m concerned about what’s happening in agriculture, and I’m concerned about what’s happening in the farming community,” Polzin said. “I’m concerned about what’s happening in our rural communities.”

A guide to your voting rights in Wisconsin

Voter ID laws in Wisconsin. (Rawpixel/Getty Images Signature)

If you’re heading out to cast your ballot today, don’t forget that you have rights that protect your vote.

Here’s what you need to know if you are in need of assistance or if you need to report problems or intimidation at the polls.

Learn more →

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Salina Heller and Abigail Deatrick. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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