The presidential race in Wisconsin is heating up as the state begins mailing ballots to eligible voters. With Vice President Harris and former President Trump only one point apart in the polls, the campaigns are gearing up for a tight race over the next 47 days. Voting has already begun in several states, including Michigan and North Carolina, setting the tone for a competitive election season ahead. Wisconsin is seen as one of the most crucial battleground states this cycle, having flipped from voting for Trump in 2016 to supporting Biden in 2020 by a slim margin of 0.7 points.
Wisconsin is just one of three Rust Belt states that have swung back and forth between parties in recent elections. The state has a high percentage of White working class voters, with 58% of the electorate being White without a college degree. These voters heavily favored Trump in the last election, and he will seek to build on that support in order to win back the state for the GOP. On the other side, Democrats are aiming to drive turnout in urban and suburban areas, particularly in cities like Milwaukee and Madison, which are key Democrat strongholds in the state.
In addition to the presidential race, Wisconsin is also home to a Senate race and eight U.S. House races. Some of the most competitive races include the Senate race between Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde, as well as House races in districts like the 1st and 3rd, where Republican incumbents are facing tough challenges from Democratic opponents. These races will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s political landscape for the next few years.
When it comes to voting in Wisconsin, the state offers several options for voters to cast their ballots. Registration can be done online or by mail until October 16, and voters can then choose to vote early either in person or by mail. Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without needing a specific reason, and they can track the status of their ballot online once it has been submitted. In-person early voting locations will be available starting October 8, and voters can also cast their ballots at their assigned polling place on election day.
Wisconsin is leading the way in the early voting season, with ballots already out to a wide group of voters. States like Alabama and Kentucky have also started sending out absentee ballots to eligible voters, and others will follow suit in the coming weeks. By the end of the month, 26 states and DC will have some form of voting underway, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched and highly contested election season. Voters are encouraged to stay informed on eligibility, processes, and deadlines by visiting the relevant websites or sources for up-to-date information.