Wisconsin's August 11 Primary
Everything You Need to Know Before You Vote
On Tuesday, August 11, Wisconsin voters will choose their party's nominees for the November General Election. Whether you plan to vote on Election Day, vote early, or cast an absentee ballot, taking a few minutes to understand the process can help ensure your vote is counted.
When Is the Election?
Primary Election Day: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Polls are open: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you have the right to vote.
What Is a Primary Election?
Wisconsin's partisan primary determines which candidates from each political party advance to the November General Election.
Unlike some states, Wisconsin does not require voters to register with a political party. Instead, voters receive a partisan ballot that includes candidates from each political party in separate sections. You may vote in only one party's partisan contests.
Example: In a Wisconsin primary, if you vote for a Democrat for US congress, you cannot vote for a Republican, for Sheriff.
Important
Vote in only one political party's partisan contests.
Do not vote for candidates in both the Democratic and Republican sections.
If you vote across multiple parties' partisan contests, those votes cannot be counted.
How to Vote for Brad Smith
Brad Smith is running in the Democratic Primary for Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District.
To vote for Brad Smith:
Locate the Democratic section of your ballot.
Vote for Brad Smith for U.S. House of Representatives, District 6.
Continue voting only in the Democratic section for any other partisan offices you wish to vote in.
Ways to Vote
Vote on Election Day
Many voters choose to vote on Tuesday, August 11.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bring:
A valid Wisconsin photo ID.
Proof of residence if you need to register at the polls.
Vote Early (In-Person Absentee Voting)
Wisconsin allows early in-person absentee voting through your municipal clerk's office.
For the August 11 primary, municipalities may offer in-person absentee voting beginning July 28 and continuing through August 9. Hours and locations vary by municipality, so check MyVote Wisconsin or contact your municipal clerk before visiting.
Despite the name, in-person absentee voting is simply Wisconsin's version of early voting. You complete your ballot at your clerk's office before Election Day.
Learn More About In-person Early Voting
Vote by Mail (Absentee Ballot)
Any registered Wisconsin voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
Deadline to request a regular absentee ballot:
Thursday, August 6, at 5:00 p.m.
Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Mailing it on Election Day is not enough.
Learn More About Mail-in Voting
Before You Vote
A few minutes of preparation can make Election Day much easier.
Verify your voter registration.
Confirm your polling location.
Review your sample ballot before Election Day.
Check that your photo ID is valid.
If voting absentee, return your ballot as early as possible.
MyVote Wisconsin allows voters to:
Check their registration status.
Find their polling place.
View their sample ballot.
Request or track an absentee ballot.
Find their municipal clerk.
Helpful Voting Tips
Don't wait until the last minute to request or return an absentee ballot.
If you've recently moved, update your voter registration before Election Day.
Review your ballot ahead of time so you know the candidates and contests.
If you have questions, your municipal clerk is your best local resource.
Visit MyVote.wi.gov before Election Day to verify your registration and polling location.
Make a Plan to Vote
Voting is one of the simplest and most important ways to participate in your community.
Whether you vote early, by mail, or on Tuesday, August 11, making a plan ahead of time helps ensure your voice is heard.
If you plan to support Brad Smith, remember to vote for him in the Democratic contest for Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District and continue voting only in the Democratic section of the partisan ballot.
Take a few minutes today to verify your registration, decide when you'll vote, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Every election and every vote matters.