The presidential race begins for thousands of voters today as Wisconsin begins mailing ballots to voters.
and 1 point Over the next 47 days, the two campaigns will be battling for every vote in the Badger State that separates Vice President Harris from former President Trump.
By the end of this month, more than half of all states, including Michigan and North Carolina, will have some form of voting open for many voters.
Wisconsin is one of the most competitive states this season.
Wisconsin is one of three Rust Belt states that voted for Trump in 2016 and then reverted to the Democratic Party in 2020. President Biden won the state by just 20,682 votes, or 0.7 percentage points.
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Like other competitive Midwestern states, the state is characterized by a white working-class population: 58% of the state's voters are white and have no college education. Fox News Voter AnalysisThat's 15 percentage points higher than the national average.
These voters supported Trump by 11 points in the last presidential election, and Trump is looking to widen that gap and push the state back into Republican favor.
Democratic presidential candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally in Savannah, Georgia, US, August 29, 2024. REUTERS/Elisabeth Franz
Democrats' goal is to keep turnout high in cities and their suburbs by galvanizing black and suburban voters, with Milwaukee and Madison home to large Democratic populations and counties that account for nearly a quarter of the state's votes.
Wisconsin's key elections
Eight U.S. Senate and House races are also on the ballot in Wisconsin. The most competitive races are:
- SenateDemocratic Senator Tammy Baldwin is running for a third term against Republican banker Eric Hovde. The race is Fox News Power Rankings.
- Wisconsin 1st Congressional District: Republican Rep. Brian Steele has represented this southeastern district, which includes Kenosha, since 2019 and will now face off against local Democrat Peter Barca in an election that is likely to go to the Republicans. Power Rankings.
- Wisconsin 3rd Congressional DistrictRepublican Rep. Derrick Van Alden was one of the few Republicans to win back a seat in the midterm elections, and his district includes several Democratic-leaning areas, including Eau Claire and La Crosse. He's facing off against Democratic small business owner Rebecca Cook, in a race that the Republicans are likely to win. Power Rankings.
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Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally with Republican vice presidential candidate Senator J.D. Vance, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, August 3, 2024. REUTERS/Megan Bahner
How to Vote in Wisconsin
This is your guide to registering and voting early. For comprehensive, up-to-date information on voting eligibility, procedures, and deadlines, Vote.gov and Wisconsin Election website.
Register to Vote
In Wisconsin, voters have until Oct. 16 to register online or by mail.
Voters who miss that deadline can still register by printing out a registration form, signing it and turning it in with proof to their city clerk or polling place on Election Day.
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vote
Wisconsin, like many other states, allows voters to vote early in person, by mail, or by going to a polling place in person on Election Day.
Early voting
Vote by Mail
Any registered voter in Wisconsin can vote absentee. No reason is needed.
Voters must request an absentee ballot, complete it with a qualified witness, and submit it in a signed and sealed envelope. Voters can find a full list of steps here: online.
Ballots may be returned by mail, at a clerk's office, or on Election Day at a designated polling place or absentee ballot counting location.
Once voters have submitted their ballot, they can track the status of their vote online.
Direct voting
In Wisconsin, voters have also been allowed to cast absentee ballots at locations such as clerk's offices and local libraries since October 8.
Voting on Election Day
Voters can also vote in person at their designated polling place on Election Day.
Upcoming Early Voting Dates
Wisconsin became the first state to open up absentee ballots to a wide range of voters, kicking off the election season in earnest, while Alabama and Kentucky began sending ballots last week to voters who had a valid excuse for voting absentee.
Tomorrow, Virginia will become the first state to allow voters to vote in person early, and seven more states will allow absentee voting.
By the end of this month, 26 states and Washington, D.C., are expected to begin voting in some form.
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For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voting eligibility, procedures, and deadlines, Vote.gov and Wisconsin Election website.
