LoginCan you βcross overβ vote in multiple parties in a Wisconsin primary?
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No.
In Wisconsinβs partisan primaries, like the one happening Aug. 11, voters must choose a party section and only vote for candidates within that column.
On a partisan primary ballot, voters must first select which partyβs primary they want to vote in.
Instructions on Aug. 11 ballot templates explain that if voters mark a party at the start of the ballot, votes cast in any other party wonβt be counted.Β
If voters donβt make a party selection, then vote for candidates in more than one party, none of their votes will be counted.
State law requires polling places to prominently display these rules for partisan primaries.
So, if Republican voters want to strategically vote for a Democrat they think would lose to Tom Tiffany in the governorβs race Nov. 3, they forgo participating in GOP primaries for lieutenant governor, secretary of state and some state Legislature and congressional seats.
This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Wisconsin Elections Commission: Partisan primary
- Wisconsin Blue Book 2025-26: Elections in Wisconsin
- MyVote Wisconsin: What's on My Ballot
- Wisconsin Elections Commission: 2026 Partisan Primary Optical Scan Ballot
- Wisconsin State Legislature: Wis. Stat. 5.35(6)(b)
- Wisconsin Elections Commission: Election Law & Administration in Wisconsin: Effect of Crossover Voting at a Partisan Primary
Can you βcross overβ vote in multiple parties in a Wisconsin primary? is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.
