Wisconsin Absentee Ballot Requests Drop Ahead of General Election

Absentee ballot requests in Wisconsin for the November 3 general election are lagging behind figures from the 2022 midterm cycle. Data from the Wisconsin Elections Commission shows that statewide requests as of October 5 are nearly 9% lower than the 300,000 ballots requested by the same point four years ago.

This decline is evident across diverse political regions, including liberal hubs like Madison and Milwaukee as well as redder areas such as Eau Claire. The trend comes as voters prepare for the first open race for governor in over 15 years, which pits Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley against Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany.

Beyond the gubernatorial contest, the election includes contested statewide races for attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer. Results from several legislative seats will also determine which party controls the state Senate and Assembly.