Absentee Ballots Arriving Earlier for Dane County Voters

For Immediate Release
March 6, 2026

Ahead of the April 7 election, Dane County municipal clerks will have access to absentee ballots more than a week earlier than last year's Spring election. This is positive news for voters because it allows more time for an absentee ballot to arrive at their local clerks' office. For example, City of Madison voters will be mailed their absentee ballot a full week sooner.  

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell says the improved service is possible thanks to a new contract with WPS Data Logistics.

"Voters should be on alert that they will likely be receiving their absentee ballots sooner than expected. But please don't wait to complete your ballot and return it to your local election clerk," said Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell at a March 6 news conference at WPS. "Over the last few years, the U.S. Postal Service's delivery of mail has been slower. This additional week will allow time for voters to return their ballot to ensure that it is counted.”  

McDonell says not only is WPS providing faster service, the Madison-based company is also saving taxpayers around $100,000 compared to prior contracts.  

Unlike other states, Wisconsin clerks cannot accept ballots that arrive after Election Day. The deadline for clerks to mail absentee ballots for the April 7 election is March 17. This ensures overseas and military voters receive their ballots in time to return them. Like the City of Madison, many other local municipal clerks are expected to mail absentee ballots a week earlier than previous elections because of this new printing contract.  

City of Madison Clerk Lydia McComas said it's also utilizing WPS to print poll books.

"We are now able to print poll books closer to Election Day, which greatly improves accuracy and reduces an administrative burden on our chief inspectors," said Clerk McComas. "We are also thrilled about the additional time for absentee ballots. It strengthens the safeguards and policies the Clerk's Office has implemented to ensure every eligible ballot is counted — no matter how a voter chooses to vote."

WPS, a health solutions company, has been a major local employer in Dane County for decades. Its Data Logistics division has a long history of processing, handling, and printing information that's protected by federal privacy laws. Andrew McCready, vice president of WPS Data Logistics, says they are proud to support elections in Wisconsin and honored to partner with the City of Madison and Dane County.

"With decades of secure government printing experience, our team is committed to delivering materials voters can trust," said McCready. "Secure, accurate printing is the core of our work. Our team follows strict controls and proven processes to protect the integrity of every ballot and poll book we produce.”