The complete guide on voting for the April 7 spring election

The Wisconsin Elections Commission is reminding voters of important deadlines and procedures as the April 7, 2026 Spring Election approaches.

“Voters have multiple options to cast their ballot, but it’s important to be aware of deadlines and requirements,” said Administrator Meagan Wolfe. “Whether voting early or at the polls on Election Day, we want every eligible voter to have the information they need to participate successfully.”

In-Person Absentee Voting (IPAV)
In-person absentee voting (IPAV), also known as early voting, is currently underway and allows voters to request and complete their absentee ballot at their municipal clerk’s office or at a designated location.
•    Voters must complete and return their ballot on-site. Ballots cannot be taken from the voting location. 
•    A valid photo ID is required to vote absentee in person. 
•    IPAV availability varies by municipality but must end no later than Sunday, April 5, 2026. 
•    Voters should contact their municipal clerk for specific dates, times, and locations.

Absentee Voting by Mail
•    Voters who requested absentee ballots by mail should return them as soon as possible. At this point, it’s likely too late to mail back a ballot and to have it counted on Election Day. 
•    Instead, contact your municipal clerk to learn where you should return your absentee ballot. Depending on your location, options include dropping it off at your municipal clerk’s office, or, if available, in a secure drop box. 
•    If you use either of these options on Election Day, do so as early as possible to allow ample time for your local election officials to deliver the ballot to your polling place or central count facility. You may also return the ballot directly to your polling place or central count facility. 
•    All absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (April 7).
•    Most voters must return their own ballot in person or by mail. Voters with disabilities may receive assistance returning their absentee ballot, consistent with federal law.

RELATED: Trump issues second executive order on elections, giving U.S. Postal Service unprecedented control over mail voting

Registration and Voting Requirements
•    Eligible voters may register at their polling place on Election Day.
•    To register, voters must provide proof of residence showing their current name and address. Acceptable documents include: a utility bill, bank statement, Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID. 
•    A valid photo ID is required to vote. An acceptable photo ID does not need to feature a current address. However, when registering to vote, documentation with a current address is required. Acceptable IDs include: a Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport, Military, veteran, or tribal ID, and certain student IDs.

Check Your Voting Information
Voters are encouraged to visit WEC’s MyVote.wi.gov to:
•    Confirm registration status 
•    Find polling place 
•    View what’s on their ballot

Election Day Information 
•    Polls are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. statewide 
•    Voters must be in line by 8:00 p.m. to cast a ballot

Important Dates, Deadlines
•    April 2 – Deadline (5:00 p.m.) for regular and overseas voters to request absentee ballots by mail (online, email or fax) for the Spring Election.
•    April 3 – Deadline (5:00 p.m.) for indefinitely confined voters and military voters, not on active duty or away from their residence, to request absentee ballots by mail (online, email or fax) for the Spring Election.
•    April 3 – Deadline (5:00 p.m.) for voters to register to vote in the municipal clerk’s office or other designated location(s).
•    April 15 – First day candidates may begin circulating nomination papers for the General Election 
•    May 15 – Last day for chairperson of the Wisconsin Elections Commission to certify results of the Spring Election.  

To view voting statistics, absentee ballot data, polling locations, and more visit elections.wi.gov/2026.