June 30, 2026
The Lesser of Two Evils: Why your primary vote matters
Election day: August 11th
As the upcoming primary election approaches, we wanted to share important voting information and key deadlines to help you make a plan to participate.
Why Primary Elections Matter
Primary elections play an important role in our democratic process. They help determine which candidates advance to the general election and give voters an opportunity to shape the choices that will appear on the ballot in November. Participating in primary elections ensures that your voice is heard early in the election process. Additionally, often primaries have lower voter turnout, creating a greater individual voter impact.
The phrase “the lesser of two evils” has become common election jargon, insinuating that general elections leave two viable candidates chosen by the two major parties, leaving voters with less than ideal choices, creating the feeling of voting for a “lesser of two evils”.
During primaries, voters do not have to worry about the competition between parties. This allows voters to voice their thoughts on key issues, policy preferences, and candidate representation desires.
It is common for there to be disagreements and variation within a party on policy and candidate preferences. Primaries allow for all sides of a party to weigh in on the direction of the party leading up to the general election. This is done in hopes of picking the most widely agreed upon candidate to rally support leading to the general election.
Now that we have highlighted the importance of primaries, here are some dates and resources to make sure you are a prepared voter.
Important Deadlines
July 22, 2026- Deadline to Register by Mail - Your voter registration form, along with proof of residence must be postmarked to your municipal clerk no later than July 22, 2026. Find your Municipal Clerk’s Contact Information here.
July 22, 2026- Deadline to Register to vote online. - Voters who are able to match their name, date of birth, Wisconsin Driver License or State ID number, and address with the Wisconsin DMV can register to vote online through July 22, 2026.
August 11, 2026, from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Register to Vote at Your Polling Place- Voters can register to vote at their polling place on Election Day, August 11, 2026. Find your Polling Place here.
Helpful Resources and links
Visit MyVote Wisconsin to: