Wisconsin Democrats seek reversal of absentee ballot rule

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has formally requested that the state elections commission reverse a recent rule preventing voters from recasting absentee ballots if their chosen candidate drops out of the race, a move that comes amid a turbulent and shifting gubernatorial primary. With the primary scheduled for August 11, more than 80,000 absentee ballots have already been returned, and the party argues that voters who supported candidates who have since withdrawn should be allowed to spoil their original ballots and submit new ones.

The request, submitted in a letter to the Wisconsin Elections Commission on Tuesday, July -21, 2026, follows a series of dramatic developments in the Democratic primary for governor. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez ended her campaign on Friday, July -18, after a financial scandal, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley rejoined the race shortly thereafter with the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers. Another candidate, Missy Hughes, suspended her campaign in June. Despite these exits, all three names remain on the ballot.

The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 4-2 on July -9 to issue guidance stating that a...