How to prepare to vote in the primary election | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jay Heck, Common Cause Wisconsin
August 4, 2018
On Tuesday, Aug. 14, voters will whittle down the field of candidates for governor, the U.S. Senate and Congress, and for many other state and local offices. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
The Aug. 14 primary election is less than a month away. It’s important to take steps now to ensure that you have a voice in who will be on the ballot for the Nov. 6 General Election.
To preview your primary election ballot, visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s “What’s on My Ballot” page and type in your address.
Early, absentee voting is available NOW!
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If there is even the slightest chance you won’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, Aug.14, don’t wait – see our guide to voting with an early, absentee ballot – in person or by mail, and then VOTE.
The process for casting a ballot early varies across the state, so be sure to contact your local municipal clerk’s office to see what days and hours you can vote early.
The deadline for voters to request a mailed absentee ballot is Thursday, Aug. 9. All absentee ballots must be returned to the municipal clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14. The last day for in-person absentee voting is Saturday, Aug. 11.
To confirm that you’re registered to vote at your current address
Visit the “My Voter Info” page at MyVote.WI.gov, and enter your name and date of birth to check your voter registration status. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 10 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward.
If you’re not already registered, there are several ways you can register to vote:
Online. Eligible voters in Wisconsin who have a valid Wisconsin drivers license or a Wisconsin DMV-issued ID can now register online at MyVote.WI.gov up to 20 days before the election in which they are planning to vote. For the Aug. 14 primary, the last day to register online is Wednesday, July 25.
By Mail. You can start your voter registration form online at MyVote.WI.gov – then print, sign and mail it to your municipal clerk along with a Proof Of Residence (POR) document. Your form and POR must be postmarked no later than 20 days before the election in which you are planning to vote. Again, for the Aug. 14 primary, that date is Wednesday, July 25.
In your Municipal Clerk’s Office. You can register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the 5 p.m. (or close of business) on the Friday before the election in which you are planning to vote. For the Aug. primary, that date is Friday, Aug. 10. You’ll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically).
At the Polls on Election Day. If you’re unable to register by any of the methods above, you can still register at the polls on Election Day. You will need to present a proof of residence document when registering (again, this document can be shown electronically). If your drivers license or state ID card has your current address, that’s all you need.
Make sure you vote. Your participation is vital to a healthy democracy!