Tuesday, Nov. 5 will be a big day: Election Day. But before we get there and the votes start pouring in, there are things to do to make sure you are prepared. We are here to answer potential questions to ensure your vote is counted come November.
Q: How do I make sure I am ready to vote?
A: First things first: register.
Several village and city clerks’ offices recommended myvote.wi.gov to register online or double-check that you are registered.
You will need a valid, unexpired Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin state ID card to register online, according to the website.
If you do not have a current, valid Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin state ID card, or you simply do not wish to register online, you may complete a voter registration form, which can typically be found on your village or city clerk’s website. Then mail or deliver the form to your municipal clerk along with a proof of residence document.
Q: When do I have to register by?
A: The deadlines to register are as follows:
- Oct. 16 – deadline to register online or by mail.
- Nov. 1 – deadline to register at your municipal clerk’s office.
- Nov. 5 – from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., you can register to vote at your polling place.
For all of these options, make sure to provide a proof of residence document. Contact your municipal clerk for questions about acceptable documents.
Q: Where and when do I vote on Nov. 5?
A: Polling locations and hours may vary. Generally, most polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find your polling place and hours, go to myvote.wi.gov.
Q: What is the best time to go to the polls on Election Day?
A: If you are looking to avoid lines at the polls on Nov. 5, the best time to go may be in the middle of the day.
Caroline Fochs, Mequon city clerk, said they “typically have lines first thing in the morning.”
Emily Johnson, voter registration and engagement coordinator for the Milwaukee Election Commission, also noted that there is typically a rush in the morning before most people head to work, and it picks back up again around 3-5 p.m. when people are heading home from work.
Q: What if I won’t be here on Election Day?
A: No problem at all! You can request an absentee ballot for any reason. But this route requires a little more planning and foresight. You must be registered to vote before you can request an absentee ballot.
You can request an absentee ballot by going online to myvote.wi.gov or by sending a request in writing to your municipal clerk via mail or email. A photo ID is required to request an absentee ballot. Contact your municipal clerk for more information about this.
Q: What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
A: Important deadlines to note for an absentee ballot are as follows:
- Sept. 19 – deadline for municipal clerks to send absentee ballots to voters with an active request already on file. Requests received after Sept. 19 must be fulfilled within 24-48 business hours.
- Oct. 22 through possibly Nov. 3 – deadline for in-person absentee voting.
Office hours and in-person absentee hours vary by municipality, so be sure to check with your municipal clerk for absentee voting hours.
- Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. – deadline for hospitalized voters.
Voters in a hospital may request a ballot be brought to them by an appointed agent if hospitalized during the seven days preceding the election. Hospitalized voters may request an absentee ballot between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 at 5 p.m.
For other circumstantial deadlines, go to myvote.wi.gov.
Q: What is the deadline to return my absentee ballot?
A: You must return your absentee ballot by mail or delivery to your municipal clerk. Your ballot must be received by your municipal clerk by Nov. 5.
Loading ...