With the November 2026 election fast approaching, academic staff are encouraged to make a plan to vote and stay informed about university policies regarding civic participation and campaign activity.

Scheduling and Voting Leave Policy

If you can’t find time to vote outside of work, UW–Madison policy states that you may vote during scheduled work hours as long as you provide your supervisor with a written request prior to Election Day. You can arrange a flexible schedule that will allow you to vote, use your earned paid leave, or take an unpaid leave of absence. Details on acceptable work leave for voting are available in the Leaves of Absence for Voting and Serving as an Election Official policy.

Campus Polling and Early Voting Locations

Depending on your schedule and residence, you can vote early on campus or at your assigned ward location on Election Day.

Designated campus early voting locations include:

• Memorial Union
• Union South
• School of Nursing
• School of Human Ecology

For voting hours and off-campus voting locations, please see in-person early voting on the Badgers Vote resource site.

Election Day and Voter Requirements

On Election Day, you can only vote at your designated polling place (find it here). You will need to bring an acceptable photo ID and, if you are registering, proof of residence. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Everyone in the polling place line at 8:00 p.m. gets to vote. All locations are accessible, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Workplace Rules on Political Activity and Advocacy

Academic staff are free to volunteer for, and donate to, political campaigns. Yet, as university employees, academic staff need to adhere to State law and Regent policy when it comes to political campaign activity that includes, among other things, solicitation of campaign contributions; advocating, volunteering, or working for candidates, political parties, or political action committees; and advocating a particular position on a referendum.

Further, comments regarding the specific actions, positions, or records of a particular candidate may be perceived as support or endorsement by the institution of a particular candidate or political party. To help academic staff navigate campus rules around campaign activities, UW–Madison provides guidelines for Political Activity and Public Advocacy on Campus. The guidelines provide clear information on rights and restrictions, and links to resources. Employees and supervisors with specific questions regarding political campaign issues or employee speech regulations should request a consultation with the Office of Legal Affairs for further guidance.