We received two important election updates this afternoon from the Wisconsin Elections Commission that may answer many questions about the election Tuesday, and particularly on spoiling ballots.

The Elections Commission is currently holding a media briefing on the election - the video is available below.

In the back-and-forth battle over absentee voting in Wisconsin, the 7th District Court of Appeals reversed its former ruling and has now decided that all absentee ballots in Wisconsin must be returned by 8 PM on November 3 to be counted. Last week a three-member panel of the court had decided to leave the extension in place on the absentee ballots, and that they would be counted if they were postmarked by election day and received by Nov. 9.

This afternoon the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals extended the stay on implementing new absentee ballot rules. Last week US District Judge William Conley issued a decision to extend the time to return absentee ballots in the Nov. 3 election, among other changes.

Federal Judge William Conley has ruled that Wisconsin absentee ballots may be counted if they are postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 9. The ruling also extends the date for requesting absentee ballots by one week, until Oct. 21. The injunction does not take place for a week to allow defendants to make an emergency appeal, which is almost certain to happen. The ruling is attached below. Judge Conley is the same judge who allowed similar changes in voting for the April election.

Some of you may still be wondering how you get an absentee ballot, despite the news and YouTube tutorials, and other sources of information. Have no fear. You may remember Chad Vader, the star of the Wisconsin-grown series filmed in the Willy St. Market in Madison. He has come out of retirement to show you how to request an absentee ballot.