What is Wisconsin voting for today is the question on voters’ minds as people across the state head to the polls this Tuesday, November 4, 2025. While this isn’t a presidential election year, the ballots are packed with important state and local issues that will shape Wisconsin’s political direction for years to come.
From mayoral elections and school funding referendums to constitutional amendments on election rules, voters are making big decisions about how their communities are governed. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m., with early ballots already being counted in several counties.
Why the 2025 Wisconsin Election Matters
Even though it’s an off-year election, this one is far from quiet. Wisconsin’s 2025 ballot includes local leadership contests, judicial elections, and two statewide constitutional amendments that could change how the state runs its elections.
Here’s a quick overview of what voters are deciding today:
- Mayoral races in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha.
- Judicial elections for Circuit and Appeals Court judges.
- More than 60 school referendums asking for local funding for education.
- Two constitutional amendments focused on election administration and funding.
- Local advisory questions on abortion rights, marijuana legalization, and tax policies.
These issues may not dominate national headlines, but they matter deeply to everyday life in Wisconsin — from classroom budgets to how elections are conducted.
The Two Statewide Amendments Explained
Two major constitutional amendments are drawing statewide attention today. Both could reshape Wisconsin’s election process and how local governments fund voting operations.
1. The Election Administration Amendment
This proposal would require that only elected officials, not appointed commissions or administrators, have the authority to oversee Wisconsin’s elections.
- Supporters believe it ensures greater accountability and transparency.
- Critics worry it will politicize election oversight, weakening the nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission.
If passed, this amendment would significantly change how elections are managed at the state and county level.
2. The State Resources Amendment
This measure limits how public funds and private grants can be used to run elections. It aims to stop outside organizations from donating money to help local governments with voting equipment or staffing.
- Proponents say it keeps elections free from outside influence.
- Opponents argue it could hurt smaller municipalities that depend on grants to maintain secure and efficient elections.
Together, these two measures reflect Wisconsin’s ongoing debate over voting access and election security — a topic that’s been front and center in the state since 2020.
Key Mayoral and City Elections
Several major Wisconsin cities have important leadership races on the ballot today.
Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, incumbent Mayor Cavalier Johnson faces challenger David King, a conservative community leader. Johnson is running on his record of public safety, infrastructure investment, and neighborhood development. King’s campaign focuses on lower taxes, crime reduction, and government accountability.
This race is closely watched statewide, as Milwaukee continues to navigate budget pressures and efforts to attract new businesses downtown.
Madison
In the capital city, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway seeks a second term against Patrick Miles, a former city council member. Their campaigns have centered on affordable housing, public transportation, and green energy initiatives.
Madison voters are also deciding on a city referendum to expand funding for electric buses and sustainable infrastructure.
Green Bay
Green Bay voters are electing a new mayor after Eric Genrich chose not to run for re-election. The two main candidates — Chad Weininger and Laura McCoy — are both promising to focus on economic growth, infrastructure upgrades, and election security.
Kenosha and Racine
In Kenosha, voters are selecting new city council members while debating public safety and redevelopment downtown. In nearby Racine, residents are considering a $120 million school bond to build new facilities and improve existing ones.
Education Takes Center Stage: Dozens of School Referendums
Education is one of the biggest issues on Wisconsin’s ballot this year. More than 60 school districts across the state are asking voters to approve new funding through local referendums.
Some of the largest proposals include:
- Madison Metropolitan School District: $200 million to modernize high schools.
- Appleton Area School District: $150 million for a new middle school and building upgrades.
- Eau Claire School District: $95 million for safety improvements and facility repairs.
- Waukesha School District: $55 million to raise teacher pay and update classroom technology.
Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to maintain quality education and keep talented teachers in Wisconsin schools. Critics counter that rising property taxes could place an extra burden on homeowners.
Hot-Button Social Issues on the Ballot
In addition to education and elections, several social and cultural issues are energizing voters today.
- Abortion Access: Counties like Dane, La Crosse, and Milwaukee are holding advisory referendums asking voters whether abortion should remain legal in Wisconsin.
- Marijuana Legalization: Brown and Rock counties are polling residents on whether recreational marijuana should be legalized and taxed.
- Public Safety Funding: Rural counties are voting on proposals to raise local sales taxes to fund sheriff’s offices, fire departments, and EMS services.
While many of these votes are nonbinding, they give lawmakers a sense of where Wisconsin residents stand on issues that may dominate the 2026 midterms.
Judicial Elections: Local Courts in Focus
Several judicial races are also on the ballot, though they often draw less attention. Judges elected to Circuit and Appeals Courts handle cases ranging from criminal offenses to family law disputes.
In 2025, contested judicial races are happening in Dane, Milwaukee, Marathon, and Outagamie counties. Many incumbents are facing challengers who promise to bring more transparency and efficiency to local courts.
County and Local Government Elections
Voters are also choosing county supervisors, treasurers, and clerks in dozens of communities. These local officials manage key services like budgeting, road maintenance, and elections — the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Wisconsin running smoothly.
In smaller towns, residents are also voting on property tax limits, infrastructure funding, and local zoning policies, reflecting the state’s strong tradition of local control.
Turnout and Early Voting Trends
The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) reports that over 3.2 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots today.
More than 410,000 early votes — both absentee and in-person — were submitted before Election Day, a record for an off-year election.
Turnout has been strongest in Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Brown counties, with younger voters showing increased participation compared to 2023.
Poll workers across the state report steady voting and no major technical issues as of early afternoon. Despite brisk temperatures, lines have been long at several urban polling stations.
Voting Information and What to Bring
Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration at all polling locations. To register or vote, residents must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Polling places remain open until 8 p.m. Central Time, and anyone in line by that time will be allowed to vote. Election officials encourage voters to double-check their polling site using the MyVote Wisconsin website before heading out.
When and How Results Will Be Announced
Preliminary results are expected by 10:30 p.m., though final certification may take several days, especially in close races or large referendums.
Counties with heavy absentee voting, like Dane and Milwaukee, may take longer to report complete totals. Officials say the counting process is going smoothly and expect transparent, verifiable results by the end of the week.
What Today’s Election Means for Wisconsin’s Future
The 2025 election serves as a political temperature check ahead of the 2026 midterms, when Wisconsin will elect a governor, attorney general, and U.S. senator.
Analysts believe the results will show how voters feel about key issues such as:
- Public education and funding
- Reproductive rights
- Election integrity
- Economic development in local communities
With Wisconsin often considered a bellwether state, the outcomes of today’s races could hint at broader national trends heading into 2026.
A Day of Civic Engagement Across the State
Across Wisconsin, polling stations have seen high energy and community spirit. In Milwaukee, early voters lined up before sunrise. In Madison, university students turned out in large numbers between classes. Small towns reported first-time voters inspired by local referendums and school issues.
Election officials have praised the professionalism of poll workers and the positive turnout across urban and rural areas alike.
From classrooms to city halls and state policies, Wisconsin voters are shaping their communities today. What are your thoughts on the issues on the ballot? Share your perspective below and stay informed as results come in.