Voters go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the midterm election, with the governor's office, the state Legislature and Congress all on the ballot.
In the 3rd Congressional District, Democrat Rebecca Cooke, a campaign consultant and nonprofit founder who won the primary over former City Council President Emily Berge, faces incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a Republican from Prairie du Chien, again. Van Orden won their 2024 race by less than three points. The two candidates shared a forum stage on Oct. 20 in Eau Claire, at an event hosted by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and moderated by WEAU 13 News.
The race for governor is the first open race for the office since 2010, with Gov. Tony Evers set to retire at the end of his term. Voters will choose between Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Democrat David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive. The gubernatorial candidates debated in Milwaukee on Oct. 21.
Statewide, voters will also decide three referendum questions covering the governor's partial veto power, freedom to gather in places of worship during an emergency, and governmental entity discrimination. If approved by a majority of voters, the measures would change the state constitution.
Eau Claire County voters will see an additional City of Eau Claire question asking whether an ordinance should be enacted creating a Citizens' Advisory Healthcare Action Committee. The proposal, advanced by Community Action Wisconsin, would require a commission to gather data on healthcare access and affordability and make recommendations to the city council. On Oct. 30, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about how a new commission would be funded and staffed and about potential overlap with existing advocacy efforts.
Voters can check their registration, find their polling place, see what will be on their ballot and learn what photo ID they will need at myvote.wi.gov. Anyone who is not already registered can still register in person at their polling place on Nov. 3 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
