MADISON – The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) is reminding prospective candidates of law changes to the nomination paper process and steps required to secure their name on the ballot.

With the statutory nomination paper filing deadline approaching on June 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., candidates and circulators must follow the updated state statutes and administrative rules to the process.

To ensure compliance, candidates and circulators should carefully review the key changes and requirements:

  • A new statute requiring circulators of nomination papers to reside in Wisconsin and be qualified to vote in the state. (Enacted March 30, 2026).
  • A new permanent administrative rule setting the standards for sufficiency of nomination papers and declarations of candidacy. The new rule also establishes how to challenge nomination papers and declarations of candidacy. (Took effect April 1, 2026).

Nomination papers and other required forms are the primary way for partisan or independent candidates to get their name on the ballot when seeking elected office. Following correct procedure when obtaining and submitting nomination paper signatures is crucial to ensure ballot placement for a candidate.

Candidate Resources:

  • Updated Nomination Paper Templates
  • Getting on the Ballot
  • Ballot Access Checklists
  • Filing Challenges to Nomination Papers
  • Candidate Tracker and Notification of Noncandidacy Reports (updated at the end of each business day)

Important Dates and Deadlines:

  • May 22, 2026 – Deadline (5:00 p.m.) for partisan incumbents not seeking reelection to file Notification of Noncandidacy (EL-163) with the filing officer. Failure to notify along with a failure to file nomination papers by the deadline will extend nomination paper deadline 72 hours for that office
  • June 1, 2026 – Deadline (5:00 p.m.) for candidates to file nomination papers, declarations of candidacy, and campaign registration statements for the General Election
  • June 4, 2026 – Deadline for filing officer to accept challenges to nomination papers
  • Within three calendar days of the challenge behind filed – Deadline for challenged candidate to file verified response and any correcting affidavits with filing officer
  • June 9, 2026 – Commission Meeting for Ballot Access at 10 a.m.