By Mia McCauley, Student Intern
This spring semester, UW-Madison student voters will decide on representatives for the Associated Students of Madison (ASM), including Student Council, and the Student Services Finance Committee (SSFC). Voting begins at 8:00 a.m. CST on Monday, March 16, 2026, and ends at 5:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. UW–Madison students can learn more about the candidates and fill out their spring 2026 online ballot here.
By casting your vote in the spring 2026 ASM election, you take an active role in the future of our university and influence important decisions impacting student life. Every vote counts, and every vote is important.
ASM is the official student governance body representing more than 50,000 UW-Madison students. Through elected student leaders, professional staff, and roughly 200 student committee members, ASM helps shape university policy recommendations, budget priorities, and hiring processes. ASM works to directly involve and empower students through strategic campaign development and driven advocacy.
“ASM touches almost every part of campus, from your visit to the recreation centers to using services at UHS, ” said ASM Press Office Director, Drew Wesson. “Not only do we distribute your segregated fees to these parts of campus, we also advocate on behalf of students in a wide range of university processes and decisions. The upcoming election is a chance for students to make sure their voices are heard in these decisions.
More about ASM Elections
The ASM Student Council serves as the official student voice on issues that affect students all across the Madison campus. Candidates from each school and college run for representation on the 33-seat ASM Student Council.
Additionally, ASM’s SSFC oversees the allocation of student fees, which are the most significant source of support for student organizations and activities. These fees help fund resources like University Health Services, Recreation and Wellbeing, and more.
Together, these elected students strive to uphold the interests and needs of all Badgers, providing several student services, and allocating approximately $75 million in segregated university fees each academic year.
Get to know your ASM candidates before you vote in the spring 2026 election by visiting the Candidate Matrix for more information. It’s time to make your voice heard, Badgers!
How To Vote
Voting begins Monday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. CST, and closes Wednesday, March 18 at 5:00 p.m. CST. UW–Madison students can fill out their spring 2026 online ballot here.
Voter Eligibility Criteria
Any UW–Madison student who is actively enrolled at the time of the ASM elections is permitted to vote. Unlike the Wisconsin spring elections for Wisconsin Supreme Court, Madison School Board, and other local positions, there are no registration, citizenship, or residency requirements for the ASM student elections. All UW–Madison students are eligible to vote. Students vote for Student Council representatives based on their respective college/school status. For example, students in the College of Engineering vote for students within that college. However, every UW-Madison student is eligible to vote for Student Services Finance Committee (SSFC) seats.
Still Have a Question?
Additional information about ASM can be found via their home page.
Keep in mind you can also get involved in ASM through shared governance committees, paid committees seats, open committees,and elected leadership positions which occur through Student Council later in the spring. Learn more about ways to participate.
ASM is also recruiting students to serve on the shared governance committees for the 2026-27 Academic Year
UW–Madison students now have the opportunity to directly shape the future of campus life through the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) Shared Governance committees, which are officially accepting applications until March 20 at 11:59pm.
These committees place students at the table with university leadership, offering meaningful roles in conversations that influence policy, resources, and the Madison student experience.
Shared governance is one of the most impactful ways students can make their voices heard. Through direct collaboration with faculty, staff, and administrators, committee members have an opportunity to influence anything from campus wellbeing to academic resources.
Students that serve can gain firsthand experience in leadership, advocacy, and institutional decision making.
This year, students can apply to serve on a wide range of committees, including Recreation and Wellbeing, University Libraries, Student Misconduct, and several others that shape essential aspects of campus operations. Each committee offers a unique lens into how the university functions and provides a platform for students to bring forward their perspectives, priorities, and lived experiences.
Applications are open until March 20 at 11:59 p.m. Students are encouraged to explore all available committees and find the role that aligns with their interests, values, and vision for campus.