Absentee Voting Opens: Wisconsin’s 2026 midterm absentee voting is underway, with clerks mailing ballots to voters who already requested them; the WEC is urging people to use trusted sources and return ballots on time (with a recommended mail deadline now set for Oct. 20). Election Administration: After Aug. 11 primary delays, the WEC says Winnebago and Green counties faced equipment/settings problems that have been corrected, and officials stress audits show no miscounting. Constitutional Amendments: Voters will decide three amendments on Nov. 3, including one aimed at limiting governor partial vetoes tied to the “400-year” property tax increase, plus an “equality” amendment that critics warn could complicate equity programs. Data Centers & Local Politics: A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Port Washington’s $15B data center TID incentives, while elsewhere the data center debate is driving political attention and moratorium efforts. Public Health: Marathon County confirmed a third measles case and says there are no known public exposures yet. Education & Courts: Wisconsin’s DOJ is advising residents to check eligibility for compensation under a multistate generic drug antitrust settlement, and a court ruling in Illinois found K-12 teacher preparation grant terminations unlawful. Campaign Signals: GOP candidates are increasingly talking about ending the Iran war as gas prices and costs bite, with Tom Tiffany facing pressure over his voting record. LGBTQ+ Politics: Fair Wisconsin PAC announced endorsements, including David Crowley for governor and other statewide and legislative candidates. Milwaukee Governance: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s proposed 2027 budget includes higher parking fees and more funding priorities, while rental inspection and public safety debates continue.