Milwaukee election voting guide for April 2: races, referendums & more

The city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin will hold general elections on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Voters will decide on key positions at the city and county levels, two statewide referendums, and several school district funding measures. Here’s what you need to know to make your voice heard.

Key Races to Watch

City of Milwaukee

• Mayor: Incumbent Cavalier Johnson faces challenger David King. Key issues include public safety, affordable housing, and economic development.
• City Attorney: Incumbent Tearman Spencer is being challenged by Evan Goyke.
• Comptroller: Bill Christianson and Gregory Gracz are vying for this open seat.
• Common Council:
  • District 3: Incumbent Jonathan Brostoff vs. Ieshuh Griffin
  • District 4: Incumbent Robert Bauman vs. Rayhainio “Ray Nitti” Boynes
  • District 5: Incumbent Lamont Westmoreland vs. Bruce Winter
  • District 6: Incumbent Milele Coggs vs. Brandon Payton
  • District 7: DiAndre Jackson vs. Jessica Currie
  • District 8: Incumbent JoCasta Zamarripa vs. Ryan Antczak
  • District 10: Sharlen Moore vs. Richard Geldon
  • District 11: Peter Burgelis vs. Josh Zepnick

Milwaukee County

• County Executive: Incumbent David Crowley faces challenger Ieshuh Griffin. The county executive oversees a $1.3 billion budget and over 4,000 employees, and his priorities include racial equity, mental health, and infrastructure.
• County Comptroller: Michael Harper and Liz Sumner are running for this open position.
• County Board of Supervisors:
  • District 3: Incumbent Sheldon Wasserman vs. Alexander Kostal
  • District 4: John Eckblad vs. Ron Jansen
  • District 9: Incumbent Patti Logsdon vs. Danelle Kenney
  • District 14: Incumbent Caroline Gomez-Tom vs. Angel Sanchez
  • District 18: Incumbent Deanna Alexander vs. Brandon Williford

Statewide Referendums

1. Restricting private funds in elections: A “yes” vote would bar governments from using private donations or grants to conduct elections. Supporters say this would prevent undue influence, while opponents argue elections are underfunded.
2. Restricting who can work on elections: A “yes” vote would specify that only designated election officials can perform election tasks. Proponents aim to limit private consultants’ power, but critics say the language is unclear on which activities and workers are affected.

If passed, the amendments would take effect almost immediately and be in place for the August primary and November general elections.

School District Referendums

• Milwaukee Public Schools: A $252 million operational referendum, the largest on the ballot, would allow MPS to exceed revenue limits to maintain and expand academic, mental health, and extracurricular programs.
• Other districts: Grafton, Greendale, Hamilton, Lake Country, Mukwonago, North Lake, Pewaukee, and South Milwaukee have referendums for operational and facilities costs.

Voter Registration and Absentee Voting

To vote, you must be registered. Check your status at myvote.wi.gov. Registration deadlines:

• At your polling place: April 2, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Return ballot by mail or delivery by April 2, 2024 at 8 p.m.

Proof of residence is required, such as a driver’s license, state ID, recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document (paper or electronic).

Find Your Ballot and Polling Place

Visit myvote.wi.gov and enter your address to see exactly what’s on your ballot, including the presidential preference primary.

For polling locations:

• City of Milwaukee residents: city.milwaukee.gov/election
• Other Milwaukee County municipalities: Check your community’s website or myvote.wi.gov

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 2nd. Bring an acceptable photo ID, such as a Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card.

Make a plan to vote and let your voice be heard in shaping Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s future. Every vote counts!