Skip to main content

Jefferson County

Not in Jefferson County? Find your state's guide.

Election Day November 8, 2022
Find Drop Box Locations
Ballot Drop Boxes

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8!

The Wisconsin Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Absentee ballots must be received by your municipal clerk by Tuesday, November 3 at 8PM. Vote in every race on your ballot, then share this guide with your friends and family!

Statewide

A native of Plymouth, Wisconsin, former public school educator, husband, father of three and grandfather of nine, Tony Evers is running for re-election as Wisconsin Governor. During his first term, Gov. Evers cut income taxes by 15% for middle class families, led the investment of nearly $1 billion to support Wisconsin's small businesses, farms and workers, and stood with Wisconsinites by stopping numerous extreme policies designed to divide people from becoming law. Based on his belief that what's best for our kids is what's best for our state, Gov. Evers has provided strong and steady leadership for Wisconsinites and continued to reach across the aisle to find solutions to the issues most important to Wisconsinites, like addressing rising costs and making sure Wisconsin's public schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education to our kids.

Throughout his first term, Gov. Evers has prioritized equality and inclusion and taken steps to show all Wisconsinites they are welcome in our state, including being the first Wisconsin governor to raise the LGBT pride flag over the State Capitol. Gov. Evers believes Wisconsin women should be able to make their own reproductive decisions, which is why he called a special session to overturn Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban. His opponent is Republican Tim Michels, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that supports Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, prohibiting abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Evers is the progressive choice in this race.

A native of Plymouth, Wisconsin, former public school educator, husband, father of three and grandfather of nine, Tony Evers is running for re-election as Wisconsin Governor. During his first term, Gov. Evers cut income taxes by 15% for middle class families, led the investment of nearly $1 billion to support Wisconsin's small businesses, farms and workers, and stood with Wisconsinites by stopping numerous extreme policies designed to divide people from becoming law. Based on his belief that what's best for our kids is what's best for our state, Gov. Evers has provided strong and steady leadership for Wisconsinites and continued to reach across the aisle to find solutions to the issues most important to Wisconsinites, like addressing rising costs and making sure Wisconsin's public schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education to our kids.

Throughout his first term, Gov. Evers has prioritized equality and inclusion and taken steps to show all Wisconsinites they are welcome in our state, including being the first Wisconsin governor to raise the LGBT pride flag over the State Capitol. Gov. Evers believes Wisconsin women should be able to make their own reproductive decisions, which is why he called a special session to overturn Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban. His opponent is Republican Tim Michels, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that supports Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, prohibiting abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Evers is the progressive choice in this race.

Nurse, entrepreneur, former CDC Epidemic Intelligence Officer and first-term State Representative, Sara Rodriguez is the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. On the ticket with Gov. Tony Evers, Rodriguez promises to be a partner to Gov. Evers by fighting to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, to adequately fund public schools, to protect women's access to reproductive healthcare, and to support economic development throughout Wisconsin.

In 2020, Rodriguez was one of only two Wisconsin candidates to flip a Republican-held seat. Her opponent, Roger Roth, is a longtime Republican state legislator who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Rodriguez is the progressive choice in this race.

Nurse, entrepreneur, former CDC Epidemic Intelligence Officer and first-term State Representative, Sara Rodriguez is the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. On the ticket with Gov. Tony Evers, Rodriguez promises to be a partner to Gov. Evers by fighting to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, to adequately fund public schools, to protect women's access to reproductive healthcare, and to support economic development throughout Wisconsin.

In 2020, Rodriguez was one of only two Wisconsin candidates to flip a Republican-held seat. Her opponent, Roger Roth, is a longtime Republican state legislator who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Rodriguez is the progressive choice in this race.

Attorney General Josh Kaul is a running for re-election to continue addressing crime in Wisconsin, defending our rights, protecting our natural resources, and delivering for the people of Wisconsin. As Attorney General, Kaul has fought to increase funding for public safety to help keep Wisconsin families and communities safe, as well as investigated and prosecuted serious offenses like homicides, sexual assaults, internet crimes against children, and drug trafficking. Attorney General Kaul has also taken on corporations responsible for the opioid epidemic and cancer-causing water pollution, and is leading the fight in court to restore access to safe and legal abortion. His opponent is Republican district attorney Eric Toney, who has promised to enforce Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, which prohibits abortion even in cases of rape or incest and could send doctors and nurses to jail. Kaul is the progressive choice in this race.

Attorney General Josh Kaul is a running for re-election to continue addressing crime in Wisconsin, defending our rights, protecting our natural resources, and delivering for the people of Wisconsin. As Attorney General, Kaul has fought to increase funding for public safety to help keep Wisconsin families and communities safe, as well as investigated and prosecuted serious offenses like homicides, sexual assaults, internet crimes against children, and drug trafficking. Attorney General Kaul has also taken on corporations responsible for the opioid epidemic and cancer-causing water pollution, and is leading the fight in court to restore access to safe and legal abortion. His opponent is Republican district attorney Eric Toney, who has promised to enforce Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, which prohibits abortion even in cases of rape or incest and could send doctors and nurses to jail. Kaul is the progressive choice in this race.

Long-time Secretary of State Doug LaFollette is running for re-election to ensure far-right politicians don't use the Secretary of State office to undermine Wisconsin's democracy by laying the groundwork to overturn future election results they disagree with. LaFollette strongly supports worker's rights, advocates for environmental protection and for investing in local economies, supports women's rights including reproductive rights, and believes in decentralization of power, particularly with respect to election administration. LaFollette's opponent is Republican state legislator Amy Loudenbeck, who, like many of her Republican legislative colleagues, has perpetuated the Big Lie and now wants to get rid of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and consolidate election oversight power in the Secretary of State office. LaFollette is the progressive choice in this race.

Long-time Secretary of State Doug LaFollette is running for re-election to ensure far-right politicians don't use the Secretary of State office to undermine Wisconsin's democracy by laying the groundwork to overturn future election results they disagree with. LaFollette strongly supports worker's rights, advocates for environmental protection and for investing in local economies, supports women's rights including reproductive rights, and believes in decentralization of power, particularly with respect to election administration. LaFollette's opponent is Republican state legislator Amy Loudenbeck, who, like many of her Republican legislative colleagues, has perpetuated the Big Lie and now wants to get rid of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and consolidate election oversight power in the Secretary of State office. LaFollette is the progressive choice in this race.

A fifth-generation Wisconsinite and the current mayor of Fitchburg in Dane County, Aaron Richardson is running for Wisconsin State Treasurer to ensure state investments are done with intelligence, excellence and safety, to support home ownership in our state by creating new opportunities for Wisconsinites to become first-time home owners and create generational wealth, working to ensure Wisconsin is investing in companies that are acting responsibly about protecting the environment, and restricting the predatory payday lending industry. Richardson's opponent is John Leiber, who is a long-time Republican political operative and legislative staffer. Richardson is the progressive choice in this race.

A fifth-generation Wisconsinite and the current mayor of Fitchburg in Dane County, Aaron Richardson is running for Wisconsin State Treasurer to ensure state investments are done with intelligence, excellence and safety, to support home ownership in our state by creating new opportunities for Wisconsinites to become first-time home owners and create generational wealth, working to ensure Wisconsin is investing in companies that are acting responsibly about protecting the environment, and restricting the predatory payday lending industry. Richardson's opponent is John Leiber, who is a long-time Republican political operative and legislative staffer. Richardson is the progressive choice in this race.

State Senate

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

State Senator, District 11

A life-long teacher, past president of his teacher's union, and strong supporter of renewable energy efforts, Steven Doelder is running for the 11th Senate District. Doelder spends much of his time focused on protecting the environment, including founding the Great Circle Co-op, helping to organize several Earth Days, and supporting the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Doelder is running against Republican incumbent Steve Nass, who is one of the most conservative members of the Senate and who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Doelder is the progressive choice in this race.

A life-long teacher, past president of his teacher's union, and strong supporter of renewable energy efforts, Steven Doelder is running for the 11th Senate District. Doelder spends much of his time focused on protecting the environment, including founding the Great Circle Co-op, helping to organize several Earth Days, and supporting the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Doelder is running against Republican incumbent Steve Nass, who is one of the most conservative members of the Senate and who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Doelder is the progressive choice in this race.

State Senator, District 13

Senator John Jagler has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, anti-midde class and anti-democracy votes in the state senate. There is no progressive choice in this race.

Senator John Jagler has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, anti-midde class and anti-democracy votes in the state senate. There is no progressive choice in this race.

State Senator, District 15

State Representative Mark Spreitzer currently represents the 45th Assembly District and is running to succeed Janis Ringhand in the Wisconsin State Senate. As the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee, Spreitzer has been a strong defender of democracy in Wisconsin through his push for non-partisan redistricting reform and his sharp, effective criticism of Republican efforts to push conspiracy theories like the Big Lie following the 2020 election. In office, Spreitzer has been a leader on issues related to conservation, local government, family farms, middle-class economic security, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ equality. His opponent is Republican candidate Mark Trofimchuck. Spreitzer is the progressive choice in this race.

State Representative Mark Spreitzer currently represents the 45th Assembly District and is running to succeed Janis Ringhand in the Wisconsin State Senate. As the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee, Spreitzer has been a strong defender of democracy in Wisconsin through his push for non-partisan redistricting reform and his sharp, effective criticism of Republican efforts to push conspiracy theories like the Big Lie following the 2020 election. In office, Spreitzer has been a leader on issues related to conservation, local government, family farms, middle-class economic security, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ equality. His opponent is Republican candidate Mark Trofimchuck. Spreitzer is the progressive choice in this race.

State Senator, District 33

Senate President Chris Kapenga has been responsible for gaveling in and out of multiple special sessions, including a special session to repeal Wisconsin's 1849 criminal abortion ban and a special session to approve Governor Tony Evers' proposal to give taxpayers $150 refunds in March 2022. There is no progressive choice in this race.

Senate President Chris Kapenga has been responsible for gaveling in and out of multiple special sessions, including a special session to repeal Wisconsin's 1849 criminal abortion ban and a special session to approve Governor Tony Evers' proposal to give taxpayers $150 refunds in March 2022. There is no progressive choice in this race.

State Assembly

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.

Representative, District 33

Longtime educator Don Vruwink is running for re-election in the re-drawn 33rd Assembly District. Vruwink has been a leader in the fight for nonpartisan redistricting and an advocate for fair compensation for teachers. Vruwink supports a worker's right to join a union and collectively bargain and sees the creation of family sustaining jobs as a top priority. His opponent is Republican Scott L. Johnson. Vruwink is the progressive choice in this race.

Longtime educator Don Vruwink is running for re-election in the re-drawn 33rd Assembly District. Vruwink has been a leader in the fight for nonpartisan redistricting and an advocate for fair compensation for teachers. Vruwink supports a worker's right to join a union and collectively bargain and sees the creation of family sustaining jobs as a top priority. His opponent is Republican Scott L. Johnson. Vruwink is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 37

Dane County Supervisor and DeForest resident Maureen McCarville is running for the 37th Assembly District to fight for progress in the State Assembly. McCarville supports investing more in education, making healthcare more accessible, keeping Wisconsin's air, water, and land clean, enacting common sense gun safety measures, and protecting women's reproductive rights. McCarville, who served in the Wisconsin National Guard for nine years, also lists investing in Wisconsin's veterans as a priority. She is a long-time community volunteer, even getting recognized by the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce as "volunteer of the year" for organizing the annual 4th of July parade. McCarville is challenging Republican incumbent William Penterman, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. McCarville is the progressive choice in this race.

Dane County Supervisor and DeForest resident Maureen McCarville is running for the 37th Assembly District to fight for progress in the State Assembly. McCarville supports investing more in education, making healthcare more accessible, keeping Wisconsin's air, water, and land clean, enacting common sense gun safety measures, and protecting women's reproductive rights. McCarville, who served in the Wisconsin National Guard for nine years, also lists investing in Wisconsin's veterans as a priority. She is a long-time community volunteer, even getting recognized by the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce as "volunteer of the year" for organizing the annual 4th of July parade. McCarville is challenging Republican incumbent William Penterman, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. McCarville is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 38

Assemblywoman Barb Dittrich is running unopposed. She is a conservative legislator who has cast consistently anti-healthcare, anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-worker, and anti-middle class votes. She was also the lead author of dangerous and discriminatory legislation targeting transgender girls who want to participate on girls sports teams. There is no progressive candidate in this race.

Assemblywoman Barb Dittrich is running unopposed. She is a conservative legislator who has cast consistently anti-healthcare, anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-worker, and anti-middle class votes. She was also the lead author of dangerous and discriminatory legislation targeting transgender girls who want to participate on girls sports teams. There is no progressive candidate in this race.

Representative, District 43

Jenna Jacobson has deep ties to the 43rd Assembly District. Jacobson is currently serving her third term as Village of Oregon Trustee and working as a Housing Program Specialist to help people get and stay in affordable, quality housing in Dane County. Jacobson promises to fight for our shared values like making sure our public schools are fully funded, expanding broadband internet access, expanding BadgerCare and mental health support, fighting to protect Wisconsin's natural resources and promoting access to clean water, and supporting family farms throughout Wisconsin. Jacobson is also passionate about women's rights. She is a pro-choice candidate who believes Wisconsin should legalize abortion. Her opponent is Republican candidate Marisa Voelkel, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Jacobson is the progressive candidate in this race.

Jenna Jacobson has deep ties to the 43rd Assembly District. Jacobson is currently serving her third term as Village of Oregon Trustee and working as a Housing Program Specialist to help people get and stay in affordable, quality housing in Dane County. Jacobson promises to fight for our shared values like making sure our public schools are fully funded, expanding broadband internet access, expanding BadgerCare and mental health support, fighting to protect Wisconsin's natural resources and promoting access to clean water, and supporting family farms throughout Wisconsin. Jacobson is also passionate about women's rights. She is a pro-choice candidate who believes Wisconsin should legalize abortion. Her opponent is Republican candidate Marisa Voelkel, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Jacobson is the progressive candidate in this race.

Representative, District 46

Dane County supervisor and Cottage Grove village board member Melissa Ratcliff is running for Assembly to be an advocate in the State Capitol on issues important to her community. Ratcliff lists ending gun violence, defending reproductive rights, fully funding public education, and expanding housing options as some of her top priorities. Ratcliff's platform also includes protecting our environment, addressing roads and infrastructure needs, expanding BadgerCare, and working to lower prescription drug costs. After winning a five-way primary election in August, Ratcliffe faces Republican candidate Andrew McKinney, who claims he was previously conned into running as a Democrat in a past race. Ratcliff is the progressive choice in this race.

Dane County supervisor and Cottage Grove village board member Melissa Ratcliff is running for Assembly to be an advocate in the State Capitol on issues important to her community. Ratcliff lists ending gun violence, defending reproductive rights, fully funding public education, and expanding housing options as some of her top priorities. Ratcliff's platform also includes protecting our environment, addressing roads and infrastructure needs, expanding BadgerCare, and working to lower prescription drug costs. After winning a five-way primary election in August, Ratcliffe faces Republican candidate Andrew McKinney, who claims he was previously conned into running as a Democrat in a past race. Ratcliff is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 97

Incumbent Republican Scott Allen is anti-choice, favors private school voucher programs, refuses to support gun violence prevention laws and consistently cast anti-environment, anti-middle class and anti-democracy votes in the Assembly. Allen, who is white, attempted to pass his own resolution commemorating Black History Month that cited mostly white abolitionists instead of a resolution authored by members of the legislature's Black Caucus. There is no progressive choice in this race.

Incumbent Republican Scott Allen is anti-choice, favors private school voucher programs, refuses to support gun violence prevention laws and consistently cast anti-environment, anti-middle class and anti-democracy votes in the Assembly. Allen, who is white, attempted to pass his own resolution commemorating Black History Month that cited mostly white abolitionists instead of a resolution authored by members of the legislature's Black Caucus. There is no progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 99

Alec Dahms is a student at Marquette University who is running to change the direction of the standstill legislature. Dahms supports women's rights, increasing funding for public schools, and common sense gun safety measures. Particularly interested in addressing Wisconsin schools' technology needs, Dahms has pledged to introduce legislation providing funding for low-income and rural schools that need updated technological access. Dahms is challenging Republican incumbent Cindi Duchow, who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Dahms is the more progressive choice in this race.

Alec Dahms is a student at Marquette University who is running to change the direction of the standstill legislature. Dahms supports women's rights, increasing funding for public schools, and common sense gun safety measures. Particularly interested in addressing Wisconsin schools' technology needs, Dahms has pledged to introduce legislation providing funding for low-income and rural schools that need updated technological access. Dahms is challenging Republican incumbent Cindi Duchow, who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Dahms is the more progressive choice in this race.