What is the abbreviation for Wisconsin, and what region is it in?

Wisconsin's two-letter postal abbreviation is WI. The U.S. Census Bureau places it in the Midwest region, in the East North Central division, and about 5.89 million people lived there in the 2020 census.

When did Wisconsin become a state, and what number state was it?

Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848, the last state formed entirely from the old Northwest Territory. Congress had created the Wisconsin Territory in 1836.

Where does the name Wisconsin come from?

Wisconsin is named for the Wisconsin River. French explorers recorded a Native American name for the river in 1673, spelled "Meskousing," which later became "Ouisconsin" and then "Wisconsin." Its original meaning is uncertain.

What is the capital of Wisconsin, and has it always been the capital?

Madison has been the capital since 1838. The first territorial legislature met briefly at Belmont in 1836 and chose Madison, then an unsettled site between two lakes, as the permanent capital. The current State Capitol, completed in 1917, sits on the narrow isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

What states border Wisconsin?

Wisconsin borders Michigan to the northeast, Illinois to the south, and Iowa and Minnesota to the west, where the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers form much of the boundary. It also has long shorelines on Lake Michigan to the east and Lake Superior to the north.

Why is Wisconsin called the Badger State?

The nickname dates to the lead miners of southwestern Wisconsin in the 1820s and 1830s, some of whom lived in shelters dug into hillsides, like badgers. The badger became the official state animal in 1957. Wisconsin is also known as "America's Dairyland," and its motto is "Forward."

What are Wisconsin's state symbols?

Wisconsin's state bird is the American robin, its flower is the wood violet, its tree is the sugar maple, its animal is the badger, and its dog is the American water spaniel.

Where was the first kindergarten in the United States?

The first kindergarten in the United States opened in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1856. It was founded by Margarethe Schurz, a German immigrant who taught in German using the methods of Friedrich Froebel, the German educator who created the kindergarten.

How many representatives and electoral votes does Wisconsin have?

Based on the 2020 census, Wisconsin has 8 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, the same as before, which gives it 10 votes in the Electoral College.

State Guide30th StateEst. 1848

Wisconsin WI

"The Badger State"

The birthplace of the Republican Party and America's Dairyland, Wisconsin is a state of profound contradictions: the progressive tradition of Fighting Bob La Follette and the conservative revolution of Scott Walker, 15,000 lakes and the world's largest waterpark area, the most celebrated community-owned sports franchise in America and the most bitterly contested swing-state elections of the modern era.

State Debt - FY2024

$22.8 billion

Total state government debt outstanding at the close of fiscal 2024, including long-term bonds and short-term borrowing across state agencies and public universities.

Tax Revenue - FY2024

$24.2 billion

Total Wisconsin state tax collections in fiscal 2024, led by the individual income tax ($9.5B) and the general sales tax ($7.6B).

Borrowing

Wisconsin issues general obligation bonds backed by its full faith and credit and appropriation-backed bonds, including pension obligation bonds sold to refinance retirement liabilities. All are sold to investors in the municipal bond market. The state reported about $569 million in interest on its debt in fiscal 2024.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Annual Survey of State Government Finances.

5.9M

Population

30th

State (1848)

15,000+

Natural Lakes

U.S. Cheese State

Wisconsin's 2026 Midterm Election: Who and What Is on Your Ballot

Hey there, Wisconsin. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, you're choosing a new governor and lieutenant governor, your member of the U.S. House, other statewide officers, and state legislators, plus three amendments to the state constitution.

This is a midterm election, halfway through the president's term, and nationally it decides who controls Congress for the next two years. There's no U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin this year.

Gov. Tony Evers isn't running for a third term, so the governor's office is open. And Wisconsin lets you register right at the polls on Election Day.

Key dates and how voting works are right below. Use the buttons above to open each race. Facts first; the decision is yours.

Checked against official sources on October 6, 2026

Key Dates

Key Dates
Last day to register online or by mail (postmarked)	Wednesday, October 14
In-person absentee (early) voting at your municipal clerk's office	Tuesday, October 20 to Sunday, November 1
Absentee ballot requests due to your municipal clerk by 5 p.m.	Thursday, October 29
Election Day: polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; register at the polls; absentee ballots must reach your clerk by 8 p.m.	Tuesday, November 3

How Voting Works in Wisconsin

Register online or by mail by October 14, at your municipal clerk's office until 5 p.m. October 30, or at your polling place on Election Day. Bring proof of residence. Check everything at MyVote Wisconsin.

Any voter can vote absentee by mail; request a ballot by 5 p.m. October 29, include a copy of your photo ID with your request, and get a witness signature on the envelope. It must reach your clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

In-person absentee voting runs October 20 through November 1 at your municipal clerk's office; hours vary by town or city.

On Election Day, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wisconsin requires a photo ID, such as a Wisconsin driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or certain student or tribal IDs.

Sources & Further Reading

…

Wisconsin's 2026 Midterm Election: Who and What Is on Your Ballot

This is a midterm election, halfway through the president's term, and nationally it decides who controls Congress for the next two years. There's no U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin this year.

Gov. Tony Evers isn't running for a third term, so the governor's office is open. And Wisconsin lets you register right at the polls on Election Day.

Key dates and how voting works are right below. Use the buttons above to open each race. Facts first; the decision is yours.

Checked against official sources on October 6, 2026

Key Dates

Last day to register online or by mail (postmarked)

Wednesday, October 14

In-person absentee (early) voting at your municipal clerk's office

Tuesday, October 20 to Sunday, November 1

Absentee ballot requests due to your municipal clerk by 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 29

Election Day: polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; register at the polls; absentee ballots must reach your clerk by 8 p.m.

Tuesday, November 3

How Voting Works in Wisconsin

In-person absentee voting runs October 20 through November 1 at your municipal clerk's office; hours vary by town or city.

On Election Day, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wisconsin requires a photo ID, such as a Wisconsin driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or certain student or tribal IDs.

Wisconsin's 2026 Midterm Election: Who and What Is on Your Ballot

Key Dates

How Voting Works in Wisconsin

📚 Sources & Further Reading

Wisconsin's 2026 Midterm Election: Who and What Is on Your Ballot

Key Dates

How Voting Works in Wisconsin

📚 Sources & Further Reading

Sources & Further Reading

Sources & Further Reading