Ellie here. Election Day is one week away, and we've got everything you need to know before heading to the polls.

Whether you're voting by mail, early in-person, or on Election Day, having a plan makes it easier to fit it into a busy schedule.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak with some Wisconsin voters on the importance of casting a ballot. Here's what I heard:

"[I'm voting] to preserve the American dream."

"I am voting for my grandkids and kids."

"I am voting because I can and so many others are prevented from that privilege."

With this special edition, we're hoping to help answer any and all questions you have before heading to the polls.

Already voted? Good for you! Forward this email to a friend to help them get ballot-ready.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Whether you’re voting early, by mail, or in person, it's important to be prepared.

Here are the key things to know before casting your ballot:

🗳 Make sure you're registered

If you're not registered, there's still time to do so. You can register at your municipal clerk's office until 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 or at your polling place on Election Day.

🗳 Bring an acceptable photo ID

Wisconsin requires a photo ID for in-person voting, including early in-person voting. Check to see what IDs are accepted.

🗳 Know your voting options

Early in-person voting runs from now until Nov. 1. Hours and locations vary by municipality. Additionally, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 29 at 5 p.m., and completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

🗳 Find your polling place

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you can still vote. Check out your polling place for early in-person voting and on Election Day.

🗳 Know your voting rights

Voters have protections against intimidation and the right to accessible voting. If you encounter a problem at the polls or have any voting-related questions, call the Election Protection Hotline.

Read more: A guide to your voting rights in Wisconsin

This year's midterm elections will shape who holds the power in Wisconsin. 

Here’s a closer look at the key races and what’s at stake.

➡️ Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Milwaukee County Executive and Democrat David Crowley faces US Rep. and Republican Tom Tiffany to succeed current Gov. Tony Evers. Crowley's running mate is Crowley’s running mate for Lt. Gov. is Democratic Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, and Tiffany's running mate is former Lancaster Mayor David Varnam.

➡️ Attorney General

Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul faces a rematch from 2022 against Republican and Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney. 

➡️ State Treasurer

Republican incumbent John Leiber faces challenger Yee Leng Xiong, a Democrat and Marathon County Board member. 

➡️ Secretary of State

Democrat JoCasta Zamarripa, a Milwaukee Common Council member and former state legislator, faces Republican Jay Schroeder.

➡️ Wisconsin Legislature

All 99 Assembly seats and 17 odd-numbered state Senate seats are up for election this year. In the legislature, Republicans have maintained control for 16 years. To gain control of both chambers, Democrats need to flip at least five Assembly seats and two Senate seats.

➡️ US House of Representatives

All eight of Wisconsin's congressional seats are up for election with both parties competing for control of the House. Just a few of the key races to keep an eye on are the rematch for the 3rd District between Republican Derrick Van Orden and Democrat Rebecca Cooke, and in the 7th District, with Tiffany leaving his seat, the race between Republican Michael Alfonso and Democrat Fred Clark.

➡️ Constitutional amendments

There are three amendments placed on the ballot this year by the Republican legislature that would impact preferential treatment to marginalized people, the governor's partial veto power, and restrictions on gatherings at places of worship during emergencies.

➡️ Local races

County sheriffs and circuit court clerks are also on the ballot this midterm cycle. Check your local ballot for additional races to be aware of.

Read more: Crowley vs. Tiffany and the top issues of the Wisconsin governor’s race

Election Day is one week away, but there are several important dates to keep in mind beforehand!

🗓 Now through Nov. 1: Early in-person voting

Before heading out to vote early, be sure to check with your municipal clerk for times and locations, as they vary by location.

🗓 Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.: Absentee ballot request deadline

Regular and overseas voters must submit their requests for an absentee ballot by this day. Request your absentee ballot here!

🗓 Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.: Voter registration deadline at municipal clerk's office

If you've missed the online and mail registration deadlines, you can still register in-person at your municipal clerk's office or at your polling place on Election Day.

🗓 Nov 3. from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Election Day

Polls are open statewide throughout this time period. You can register to vote at your polling place, and as long as you're in line by 8 p.m., you can still cast your ballot.

🗓 Nov. 3 by 8 p.m.: Absentee ballot return deadline

Absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk at this time, whether by mail, an authorized return location, or hand-delivered.

Read more: How to find your polling location in Wisconsin

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOTING, REGISTERING TO VOTE, OR PROOF OF VOTING IS NOT REQUIRED. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 18+. Entry Period: 12:00 a.m. ET 10/19/26 - 11:59 p.m. ET 10/29/26. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules. Sponsor: Courier Newsroom, Inc.