The Wisconsin fall primary will be held on Tuesday, August 12. The date was moved from September to August three years ago to comply with the federal Military and Overseas Vote Empowerment (MOVE) Act which requires states to mail overseas ballots at least 45 days before the general election.
Returning students and vacationing faculty and staff may find themselves away from the polls on election day. Voters may request an absentee ballot by mail or vote early between July 26 and August 8. Weekend voting is no longer permitted. More information on absentee voting is here.
Many legislative races are uncontested, but there will be statewide primaries for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer:
- Governor: Democrats Brett Hulsey and Mary Burke will face off in the Democratic primary. The winner will challenge Republican Governor Scott Walker in November.
- Attorney General: Three Democrats are vying for the opportunity to face Republican Brad Schimel, Waukesha County District Attorney in November — Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, and State Representative Jon Richards.
- Secretary of State: State Representative Garey Bies of Sister Bay will face Julian Bradley of La Crosse in the Republican Primary. The winner will challenge incumbent Doug La Follette, a Democrat.
- Treasurer: Democrats David Leeper and David Sartori face off in the Democratic primary, while Matt Adamczyk and Randall Melchert are on the Republican ballot.
Most incumbent legislators in Dane County face token or no opposition. However, first term Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) will face Middleton Republican Brent Renteria in the 79th Assembly District.
Two Democrats are vying to represent Assembly District 78: Alders Mark Clear and Lisa Subeck. The winner will be unopposed in the November general election and will almost certainly be elected. PROFS will host a candidate forum with Clear and Subeck at 7 pm on Monday, July 21 in Room 1325 Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Avenue.