The Wisconsin Election Commission is the agency that regulates and enforces election laws. It was created as a bi-partisan agency in 2015 due to previous challenges with absentee ballots. Although, there is an option to vote early leading up to the election with early voting polling locations to end on Sunday November 1st.
Here are some of the deadlines that you can expect when voting during this election:
● Oct. 29: Deadline for most voters to request a mailed absentee ballot by 5 p.m.
● Oct. 30: Deadline to register in person at a municipal clerk's office by 5 p.m.
● Nov. 1: Final day municipalities may offer early voting.
● Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls are open statewide from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m
The due date for completed absentee ballots is on Election Day, Nov. 3rd and must be received by municipal election officials no later than 8 p.m. Voters are allowed to check their registration status, request an absentee ballot, preview their ballot and find their Election Day polling place at MyVote.wi.gov.
The following photo IDs are acceptable for voting purposes, and can be unexpired or expired after, November 3, 2026 (currently the date of the last General Election):
o A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended. Your Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license does not need to be REAL-ID compliant.
o A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card. Your Wisconsin DOT-issued ID card does not need to be REALID compliant.
o Military ID card issued by the U.S. Uniformed Services
o A U.S. passport book or card
The following photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes:
o A certificate of naturalization (that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of the election)
o An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
o A driver license receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days from date issued)
o An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days from date issued)
o A Wisconsin DMV ID Petition Process Photo Receipt (valid for 60 days from date issued) o A Veteran Affairs ID card (must be unexpired or have no expiration date)
o A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college, or technical college that contains the following:
-Date the card was issued
-Signature of student
-Expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance, can still be used if expired
-If the student ID is expired, the university or college ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves current enrollment, such as a tuition fee receipt, enrollment verification letter, or class schedule
If you are planning to register to vote on election day or if you are updating your registration, you will be required to also provide proof of residency. Each polling location will be open from 7am-8pm.
So what are the requirements? In order to be eligible to vote in the State of Wisconsin, you must be registered to vote and be a US Citizen. You also must be at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day, be a Wisconsin resident for at least 28 days prior to the election, not be currently serving a felony sentence, have not placed a bet or wager on the outcome of the election and have not been adjudicated incompetent to vote (only a judge can make such a ruling). If you are a convicted felon and are no longer being supervised by the Department of Corrections, you can vote but you must re-register. If you are in a county jail serving a misdemeanor sentence or awaiting trial, you are also eligible to vote, however this is typically done through an absentee ballot.
As a Wisconsin resident and U.S Citizen, you have the right to vote. Whether this will be your first time voting or the first time having your rights restored, your voice matters and your vote matters. No vote is left behind. You can find more information about voting at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Jasmine Tyler is a radio personality and media strategist committed to empowering communities through authentic conversations. She is the host of Tap In with Jazz Tyler on 101.7 The Truth.