Waukesha Voters Head to Polls for Mayoral, Supreme Court Races

Over 700 ballots cast by 11 a.m. as new candidates vie for open mayoral seat

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting depicting a lone voter standing in line outside a public library, the scene bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, capturing the quiet determination of local democracy.Voters in Waukesha, Wisconsin wait patiently in line to cast their ballots on Election Day, reflecting the community's strong civic engagement.Waukesha Today

Voters in Waukesha, Wisconsin headed to the polls on Election Day, with long lines forming outside the Waukesha Public Library as early as 6:50 a.m. Over 700 ballots had been cast by 11 a.m., with residents citing the mayoral race and the open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court as key issues driving them to vote.

Why it matters

The Waukesha mayoral race is an open seat for the first time in 20 years, with two new candidates vying to lead the city. Voters are also weighing in on a critical race for Wisconsin's Supreme Court, which could have significant implications for the state's political landscape.

The details

The voting line outside the Waukesha Public Library began forming around 6:50 a.m. on Election Day, with poll workers arriving around 6 a.m. to set up. Over 700 ballots had been cast by 11 a.m., with some residents present when the doors first opened. The mayoral race features two new candidates - Waukesha Alderwoman Alicia Halvensleben, who was seen voting on Tuesday, and state Rep. Scott Allen, who early voted on Friday. Voters cited the mayoral race and the open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court as key issues driving them to the polls.

  • The voting line outside the Waukesha Public Library began forming around 6:50 a.m. on Election Day.
  • Poll workers arrived around 6 a.m. to start setting up.
  • Over 700 ballots had been cast as of the last check, around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

The players

Alicia Halvensleben

Waukesha Alderwoman and candidate for mayor.

Scott Allen

State Representative and candidate for mayor.

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What they’re saying

“People who are running are the people who are going to say where the city is going, how much money you'll pay in taxes and schools, and it's going to affect all the local things.”

— Karen Good, Waukesha Resident

What’s next

The mayoral race and the Wisconsin Supreme Court election will be decided on Election Day, with polling places statewide open until 8 p.m.

The takeaway

The open mayoral race in Waukesha and the high-stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court election are driving strong voter turnout, as residents seek to shape the future direction of their city and state.