Gov. Evers considering new special election dates

Governor Tony Evers is considering moving the dates of the special election to replace Sean Duffy in the 7th congressional district. Previously Evers had set the date for the primary as December 30 and the final election on Jan. 27, 2020. Various objections had been raised to these dates, particularly by Robin Vos, revolving around the dates conflicting with minor Jewish Holidays and the fact that the primary date during the holidays would lower voter turnout.

However, it turns out that the dates selected, though legal under Wisconsin law, conflict with federal laws on special election dates. Federal law requires a 45 day gap between the primary and general elections to allow military personnel to vote. 

According to Evers' spokesperson Melissa Baldauff, the governor is considering having the primary on the same day as the upcoming Supreme Court primary (Feb. 18, 2020) and the general election on the same date as the Spring General Election (April 7, 2020). These dates, unlike those chosen initially, may favor the  Republican candidates in this race as the district is heavily Republican, and voter turnout is likely to be higher because multiple races are involved.