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Wisconsin Democrats Seek Order to Spoil 108,000 Ballots

7/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Wisconsin started early in-person voting on Tuesday, open through Aug. 9.
State Rep. Francesca Hong, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and Milwaukee Exec. David Crowley are running, with Hong becoming the first Asian and female governor and Barnes or Crowley potentially becoming the first Black governor.
The Wisconsin Democratic Party sued for a judge’s order to spoil nearly 108,000 absentee ballots, saying all must be received by poll closing on Aug. 11.

History

Historical Context

In the 2000 presidential race, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore on December 12, 2000 stopped a Florida recount that had narrowed George W. Bush’s lead to a 537-vote margin. The precedent spurs today’s Wisconsin dispute, where Democrats have asked a judge to toss about 108,000 absentee ballots for candidates such as Francesca Hong and Mandela Barnes, recalling the 2000 recount battle.

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Story summary

Wisconsin started early in-person voting on Tuesday, open through Aug. 9.
State Rep. Francesca Hong, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and Milwaukee Exec. David Crowley are running, with Hong becoming the first Asian and female governor and Barnes or Crowley potentially becoming the first Black governor.
The Wisconsin Democratic Party sued for a judge’s order to spoil nearly 108,000 absentee ballots, saying all must be received by poll closing on Aug. 11.

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