Wisconsin's 2026 Primary Is Today: What You Need To Know To Vote

MADISON, WI — Wisconsin voters are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, for the state's partisan primary, with the state's top offices on the ballot for the first time in years.

Here's what you need to know before polls close.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you're in line at your polling place by 8 p.m., stay in line. You're entitled to vote.

Here's how to vote today:

In person: Find your polling place at myvote.wi.gov. A photo ID is required to vote.

By mail: Absentee ballots must be received by your municipal clerk by 8 p.m. tonight to count. Track your ballot at myvote.wi.gov.

The general election follows on Nov. 3, 2026.

What's on my ballot?

Governor

This is an open race. Gov. Tony Evers is not seeking a third term, the first time since 2010 that Wisconsin's governor, state Senate majority leader, and Assembly speaker will all turn over at once.

The Democratic field has been in flux all summer. Former state economic development director Missy Hughes dropped out in June, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her campaign in mid-July amid a campaign finance controversy, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out July 30 as state Rep. Francesca Hong surged in the polls.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley had briefly stepped aside earlier in the race, then jumped back in after Rodriguez's exit with Evers' endorsement.

Four Democrats remain on the ballot: Hong, Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys and former state administration secretary Joel Brennan.

A Marquette Law School poll found Hong with a significant lead heading into today, though roughly a third of primary voters were still undecided.

Note that voters who already cast absentee ballots for a candidate who has since dropped out cannot change their vote, so some of those votes will still count for candidates no longer actively campaigning.

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who gave up his 7th Congressional District seat to run, is the clear frontrunner.

Lieutenant Governor

Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Republicans David Varnam and Will Martin are competing for their party's nod. The winners will be paired with each party's gubernatorial nominee on the November ballot.

Attorney General

Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul is running unopposed for a third term. He'll face Republican Eric Toney, also unopposed in his primary, in a rematch of their 2022 race.

Secretary of State

Godlewski isn't seeking re-election. Milwaukee Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Four Republicans are competing for their party's nomination.

U.S. House

Wisconsin's most closely watched primary is in the 3rd Congressional District, where Democrats Rebecca Cooke and Emily Berge are competing for the right to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden in November. Cook Political Report rates that race a toss-up.

State Legislature

All 99 Assembly seats and 17 odd-numbered state Senate seats are up for election in November.

For more information, including your polling place and what's on your specific ballot, visit myvote.wi.gov.