Elections and Redistricting

In Wisconsin, elections are held for a variety of purposes, as outlined in state statute. Regularly scheduled elections – the spring primary, spring election, partisan primary, general election, and presidential preference primary – are held to elect individuals to federal, state, and local offices. Special elections are held to fill vacancies in elected offices and to conduct referenda. Recall elections are held to determine whether an elected official will be recalled from, or retained in, an elected office.

This information memorandum describes the regularly scheduled elections, as well as special elections, referenda, and recall elections.

Wisconsin law allows for the involuntary removal of an elected official from office before the end of the official’s term. The particular method used for removing an elected official depends upon the type of official. Removal is generally initiated by an elected body or official, such as the Legislature or the Governor. Recall is the exception and may be initiated by the voting public to remove any elected official.

This memorandum describes the following removal methods for elected officials: recall, impeachment, expulsion, removal by contesting the right to sit, removal by address, removal for cause or disability, removal by the Governor, and removal by local bodies or courts.