Simple Rules for Voting in Wisconsin

Voting by absentee ballot is, we think, an effective, sound and secure strategy. For one thing, the ballot typically arrives about three weeks before Election Day. That means you can take some time to bone up on candidates' qualifications and stands as you chose how you're going to vote for each office. Plus it's an insurance policy in case of unexpected illness or a sudden and unexpected need to travel on Election Day.

There are several rules for absentee ballots you must observe.

1. A witness must sign the ballot certification envelope in which you return your ballot.
2. The witness must fill in his/her/their complete address, including street number, street name, municipality and zip code.
3. You must sign the certification envelope.
4. Be sure you seal the ballot envelope. DO NOT use tape or any other way to close the envelope, making it appear to have been tampered with. Your ballot may be discarded if it is not sealed properly. If you want to avoid licking the envelope, use a dampened paper towel.
5. Finally, you return your ballot to your municipal clerk, either by posting it in the US Mail or by taking it in person to your clerk's office. In either case, YOU MUST MAIL or RETURN the ballot YOURSELF. No one is allowed to return your ballot for you. In some communities you can use a drop box to turn in your absentee ballot, but other communities still do not allow them. It's best to ask your municipality's clerk.
6. You can track the progress of your absentee ballot on MyVote.WI.Gov. Use the "Track My Ballot" tab to find out when the ballot was received and if it was accepted or rejected. If rejected, call the Democratic Voter Hotline at: 608-336-3232.
7. If you receive an absentee ballot in the mail but change your mind and want to vote on Election Day, all is not lost. As long as you have not already returned the ballot, you can take it to your polling place, surrender the blank ballot to an election worker, and receive a new ballot. At that point you simply use the ordinary process for marking your ballot and passing it through the tabulating machine.

You can also vote early for the November 5 election. Technically, this option is also called absentee voting! Early in-person absentee voting — that's its full moniker — takes place on weekdays. You can find more information about days/times/and locations for early voting on Early Voting Information for North Shore and Ozaukee County Communities or for the City of Milwaukee. Voting early in-person is convenient, flexible, and secure. You will need to take an approved photo ID with you — just as you would for voting on Election Day. If you need to register or reregister — because you have moved or changed your name — you must also bring proof on residence with you. See list of acceptable photo IDs. See a list of acceptable forms of proof of residence.

Of course, there's always Election Day. Find your polling location on MyVote.WI.gov as well as what you need to bring for photo ID and to register to vote, if necessary.