Wisconsin's federal and state representatives are elected directly through popular vote. The winner is the candidate who receives the largest share — or plurality — of the popular vote in their electoral district, even if it's less than 50%, which can happen when three or more candidates are running for the same position.

In general elections, the president and the vice president are elected through the Electoral College process. Each state receives one electoral vote for each of its members in the House and Senate. Wisconsin has eight Congressional members, based on its population, and two senators, for a total of 10 electoral votes. It takes 270 electoral votes to become president.

Wisconsin — like all states except Maine and Nebraska — awards all of its electors to the presidential candidate who wins the state's popular vote. That's why a candidate can lose the national popular vote — but still win the presidency.