Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of the states where elections can meaningfully shape women’s rights in a relatively short period of time. That’s because the state is politically divided, and some key rights are not protected by state law or the state constitution, leaving outcomes dependent on how existing laws are interpreted or enforced.

In recent years, women’s rights in Wisconsin have been shaped through court rulings and enforcement decisions rather than clear, updated laws. And unlike states where rights are either protected in the constitution or broadly restricted, Wisconsin sits somewhere between. Progress and risk coexist, and the direction of the state often depends on who holds power at key decision points.

What’s at stake

Several major areas of women’s rights in Wisconsin remain unsettled and could be affected by future political and legal decisions:

• Reproductive healthcare access
  After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Wisconsin reverted to an abortion ban written in 1849. That law was treated as enforceable until court action in July 2025 ruled it unenforceable. Abortion access in Wisconsin is now governed by state laws that regulate abortion as medical care. However, those laws do not guarantee a right to abortion or prevent future bans, meaning access could still change based on future court rulings or legislation.
• Voting and civic participation
  Wisconsin has some of the most restrictive voting rules in the country, including strict voter ID requirements and limits on absentee voting. Many of these rules have shifted based on court decisions interpreting existing election laws rather than new laws passed by the legislature. As a result, voting access can change depending on how election laws are applied or enforced—even without new legislation.

What will be on the ballot — and when

Wisconsin voters will have the opportunity to participate in several elections that shape how women’s rights laws are written, interpreted, and enforced.

Spring election (April 7, 2026)

• Wisconsin Supreme Court
  Supreme Court races in Wisconsin are officially nonpartisan, but they often play a major role in decisions involving abortion law, voting rules, and constitutional questions. When a seat is on the ballot, the outcome can influence rights policy for years.

Partisan primary (August 11, 2026)

• State legislative races
  Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election, and outcomes shape which policy approaches are available to voters in November:
  • The Wisconsin State Assembly (all seats)
  • The Wisconsin State Senate (about half the chamber)

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Governor
• Wisconsin State Legislature
  • All State Assembly seats
  • Half of the State Senate seats
• U.S. House of Representatives

These offices influence whether new laws advance or stall, how existing laws are enforced or defended, and whether unresolved legal questions gain clarity or remain contested.

Election Resources

The following links should provide the information you need to feel informed and prepared to participate.

My Vote Wisconsin - check your registration status, find your polling place, and see what specific races will be on your ballot.
Ballotpedia - Wisconsin Supreme Court elections, 2026

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.