What's on the Ballot? The State Legislature

In the lead-up to the midterm elections, we’ll be taking some time to break down the key roles and responsibilities of the various offices voters will see on their ballot. We’re kicking this series off with a double feature: The Wisconsin state legislature.

The state legislature has two houses: 

• Wisconsin Senate: Made up of 33 senators that serve 4-year terms. Odd-numbered districts will be on the ballot this year.

• Wisconsin Assembly: Made up of 99 representatives that serve 2-year terms. All 99 districts will be on the ballot this year.

Each member of the legislature is sent to the capitol to represent the voters in their district. State legislative districts have changed since the last election due to redistricting. 

What does the state legislature do?

Wisconsin’s legislature makes our state’s laws. Proposed laws (bills) can originate from either the state senate or assembly. Both houses must approve the bill before it is passed on to the governor for signature or veto. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each house. The legislature also determines how our tax dollars are spent.

Why does this matter?

The laws passed by the state legislature and decisions that are made about how our tax dollars are spent impact each and every Wisconsinite. The state legislature makes an impact on taxes, education, healthcare, natural resources, voting rights and more. The future of our state is determined by the members of the state legislature.