Vote public
Wisconsin students deserve world-class public schools and champion leaders who put their priorities first. Be a voter for public schools where every kid can thrive!
Wisconsin kids are counting on YOU to stand up for them at the ballot box
Wisconsin's next elections will be held in 2026.
The April 3 spring 2026 election includes local school board races, county and municipal referenda questions, a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat, and possibly other statewide ballot measures. The spring primary will be held on Feb. 17, 2026.
The Nov. 3, 2026 general election (primary: Aug. 11, 2026) includes all of Wisconsin's partisan executive and administrative offices, all of Wisocnsin's eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, the seventeen odd-numbered seats in the Wisconsin Senate and all 99 seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 108th Wisconsin Legislature.
School referenda could be held on any of these four dates in 2026.
Why your vote matters
Your vote matters to local kids and their public schools.
Equitable funding for public schools
Wisconsin’s funding gaps have created a system of “have” and “have nots” across the state. Every budget that does not invest in closing our funding and opportunity gaps is an investment in making them wider. School districts cannot plan responsibly without sufficient support from the state. They need transparent and sufficient aid distributed in a way that accounts for student needs over property values.
Prioritize education needs
Our funding priorities must match our great needs. For too long, the areas of greatest need - special education funding, and supports for English Language learners, students in poverty, and meeting the mental health needs of students have been neglected. Every school should have a full time nurse, counselor and school psychologist. It’s time to level the playing field by restoring the special education reimbursement to at least 60% and increasing funding in each of these areas.
Stop diverting public funds
Stop increasing tax dollars spent on unaccountable voucher and independent charter programs. It’s fiscally irresponsible and puts children at risk to continue pouring money into unaccountable private school voucher programs and non-district charters that aren’t held accountable to locally elected boards.
Address the teacher crisis
Wisconsin educators need and deserve our trust and support. We need to invest in attracting, retaining and supporting the best teachers Wisconsin has to offer, and making sure they have the autonomy and resources to do what they do best.
Be a voter for thriving public schools
Find essential voting steps and links below and be a voter for Wisconsin students!
You can vote in person on Election Day or cast your vote early via an absentee ballot. Visit MyVote.WI.go to find your polling place, register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and see what's on your ballot!
Proof of residence is required to register to vote, and photo ID is required (Wisconsin driver's license or official state ID for voting purposes, military ID, passport or certificate of naturalization, ID card from a federally recognized tribe in Wisconsin, or a Wisconsin student ID card with a signature and an expiration date no later than two years after the date it was issued).
Check your registration status, register to vote, update your name or address, and see information about voting absentee
Your ballot and local election information are based on where you live. Enter your street address and city here to:
• See what will be on your next ballot
• Find your next local election
• Learn more about voting in person
You can vote in person on Election Day or cast your vote early via an absentee ballot. Visit MyVote.WI.go to find your polling place, register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and see what's on your ballot!
Additional voter resources
Nonpartisan election advocacy resources:
• League of Women Voters
• Sample state-level candidate survey questions
• Non-partisan ballot measure advocacy
• Messaging toolkit
More on public education legislation
Public education budget
Visit our Budget Headquarters to learn about the biennial state budget: how the state budget process works, what it all means for kids, and how to take action where you live.
Referenda
Learn more about why so many schools in Wisconsin are going to referenda and find resources for local advocacy teams about how you can spearhead and support referenda efforts in your community.
School board
Thinking of running for school board in the future? Want to get to know your local candidates and educate voters about the individuals running for school board in your district? Find resources here.
