To register in Wisconsin you must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States
2. Be a resident of Wisconsin and have resided at the registration address for at least 28 days prior to the election
3. Be 18 years old
4. Not have been convicted of treason, felony or bribery, or if you have, your civil rights have been restored after completion of your sentence or a pardon
5. Not have been found by a court to be incapable of understanding the objective of the electoral process
6. Not make or benefit from a bet or wage depending on the result of an election
7. Not have voted at any other location, if registering on election day
8. Find more information on voting rights restoration here.

Special Populations:

1. Formerly Incarcerated
   • • Eligible to vote if:
       • • You’re not currently in jail or prison, or on probation, parole, or extended supervision, for a felony (or for any treason or bribery conviction).
     • Convicted of a Misdemeanor, can you vote?
       • • If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor (except for misdemeanor treason or bribery), you do not lose your right to vote.
         • This means you can vote even if you are in jail or prison, or “on paper” (on probation, parole or extended supervision) for a misdemeanor.
     • Convicted of a Felony, can you vote?
       • • If you have been convicted of a felony (or any treason or bribery crime), you can vote after you have finished your sentence and are “off paper” (off probation, parole or extended supervision).
         • If you’re not sure if you are “off paper,” ask your parole/probation officer.
         • You do NOT have to get a pardon to get your voting rights back. Your voting rights are automatically restored as soon as you complete your felony sentence and are “off paper.”
         • If you have been charged with a felony but not yet convicted, you can vote.
         • If you’ve been convicted of a felony but haven’t been sentenced, you cannot vote.
     • Currently in Jail, can you vote?
       • • Maybe. If you’re in jail for a misdemeanor, or if you’re in jail because you’re waiting for your trial but haven’t been convicted yet, you can vote. (If you’re in jail and you’ve been convicted of a felony, you cannot vote.)
         • Persons who are in jail and are eligible to vote can apply to vote absentee by mail.
     • Steps to vote in Wisconsin
       • • You have to register to vote. Even if you were registered before you were convicted of a felony, you have to register again. Click here for more information.
         • Most voters need to get “photo ID” to vote, for more information click here.
2. Unhoused Individuals:
   • • Wisconsin’s election law embodies a commitment to facilitate voting for all qualified individuals, including those who happen to be homeless at the time of the election.
     • If you are homeless, you may use a letter from a shelter or other organization providing services to the homeless as proof of residence when registering to vote. The WEC. has provided a sample letter at the link below (in point d).
     • It is essential that all qualified Wisconsin electors be provided with the opportunity to help choose the elected governmental representatives who develop and implement policies that affect them.
     • Click here for more information and a sample letter about voting for homeless persons.
     • Homeless voters are eligible to vote in Wisconsin. When registering, they may use a letter from a social service agency as proof of residence. They will need to show a photo ID
     • Homeless Voter Guide (Last Updated in 2020)
3. College Students:
   • • College students have choices for where they vote, but establishing the required 28 days of consecutive residency may be a tricky for them. State law acknowledges that college students may move frequently, and provides special exceptions for them. In general:
       • • Students have the right to vote in Wisconsin if they have resided in a ward for at least 28 days, are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and are not otherwise disqualified.
         • Student status shall not be a consideration in determining residence for the purpose of establishing voter eligibility.
     • The attached Guide to Student Residency overviews residency issues for students.
4. Military and Overseas Voters:
   • • Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your election official for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
       • • Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your election official may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
         • Send the application to your election official.
         • It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible. .
         • Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
         • States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven’t received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
     • If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your election official first. Then:
       • • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
         • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted. The Federal Voting Assistance Program.
     • FVAP.gov offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Wisconsin. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE or email vote@fvap.gov
5. Indefinitely Confined Voters

Voter Registration Deadlines:

• Check if you are registered.
• Online registration deadline: Third Wednesday before Election Day
• Register by mail deadline: Must be postmarked by the third Wednesday before Election Day
• In-person registration deadline: Available up to and including on Election Day

Online Registration:

In-Person Registration:

• Due to COVID-19, in-person services may have limited availability. Contact your local election office to confirm. See CDC guidance on safe in-person registration and voting.
• You can also register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
• You can also register to vote and cast a ballot in person on Election Day.
• Learn more by visiting the Secretary of State for Wisconsin or contacting your local election office.

Wisconsin does offer registration on Election Day.

By-Mail Voter Registration

• You can register to vote using the Wisconsin voter registration form. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill it out completely. Send the completed form to your local election office.
• Use the National Voter Registration Form:
  • 1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
    2. Box 6 – ID Number: Provide your unexpired Wisconsin driver license or DOT-issued ID card number. If you do not have a current and valid DOT-issued driver license or ID card, provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a current and valid DOT-issued driver license or ID card or social security number, you will still be able to register to vote. You must also provide Proof of Residence documentation when registering. All Proof of Residence documents must show your name and current residential address. Acceptable forms include: a copy of your current and valid State of WI Driver’s License or State ID card; any other official identification card or license issued by a WI governmental body or unit; any identification card issued by an employer with a photo of the card holder, but not including a business card; a real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election; a university, college or technical college identification card (must include photo) ONLY if the voter provides a fee receipt dated within the last 9 months or the institution provides a certified housing list to the municipal clerk; a gas, electric or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing no earlier than 90 days before the date of registration; a bank or credit card statement; a paycheck or paystub; a check or other document issued by a unit of government; a letter on public or private social service agency letterhead identifying a homeless voter and describing the individual’s residence for voting purposes; an intake document from a residential care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
    3. Box 7 – Choice of Party: Wisconsin does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
    4. Box 8 – Race or Ethnic Group: Not required.
    5. Review the “Who can vote?” section above and check that you’re eligible.
    6. Sign the form.
    7. Send the completed form to your local election office.

If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: A current and valid photo identification or A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.

Religious Exceptions:

• If you wish to obtain an ID for voting purposes but have spiritual beliefs which prevent you from being photographed, you can receive a State ID card without a photo at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Please see the brochure in the section below.

Other Exceptions:

• People who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking and have a “confidential listing”

Needed for Voter Registration

• To register to vote, you must show your state department of transportation issued driver’s license or ID card number. If you have not been issued a state driver’s license or ID, you must provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Or, you may indicate that you have not been issued a state driver’s license, ID, or Social Security number. Your registration cannot be processed until you provide this information.
  • • You can now register to vote online! You will need a WI driver’s license or ID in order to complete the online registration. If you do not have either form of ID you can either mail the registration papers or register to vote in person.
    • You must provide proof of residence in order to establish your current address. The following are acceptable proof of residence (must contain your current and complete name, a current and complete residential address, including a numbered street address, and the name of a municipality):
      • • A current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license
        • A current and valid Wisconsin ID card
        • Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit
        • Any ID card issued by an employer in the normal course of business and bearing a photo of the card holder, but not including a business card
        • A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election
        • A residential lease that is effective on day of registration (not valid for first time voters registering by mail)
        • A university, college or technical institute fee statement within the last 9 months with a student ID
        • A utility bill (gas, electric or telephone service) received within the past 90 days
        • Bank or credit card statement
        • Paycheck or paystub
        • A check or other document issued by a unit of government
        • An intake document from a residential care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility
        • A letter on public or private social service agency letterhead identifying a homeless voter and describing the individual’s residence for voting purposes.

More proof of residence examples can be found here.

Free Photo IDs:

1. Free photo ID cards are available.
2. If you need a photo ID card in order to vote, the DMV can help you get a free ID card. For more information on the process, please contact the DMV. 
3. If you wish to obtain an ID for voting purposes, but have spiritual beliefs which prevent you from being photographed, you can receive a State ID card without a photo at any DMV office.

If you do not have an ID:

1. An elector who appears to vote at a polling place and does not have statutory ID shall be offered the opportunity to vote a provisional ballot.
2. An elector who votes a provisional ballot may furnish statutory ID to the election inspectors before the polls close or to the municipal clerk no later than 4pm on the Friday following Election Day.

Early Voting/Advanced Voting:

• Wisconsin offers in-person early voting. No excuse is needed to vote early. To find the dates and times of early voting, voters should contact their municipal clerk’s office.

Absentee Voting:

• Absentee Voting Dates
  • Mail Request Deadline: August 4, 2022
  • Mail Return Deadline: August 9, 2022

To vote absentee, an application must be received by the municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the Thursday before Election Day. If mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, a returned absentee ballot “must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by the municipal clerk no later than 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election.” For other means of delivery, the completed ballot must be “delivered to the municipal clerk no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Who can vote absentee?

• Any qualified elector who registers to vote. (A qualified elector is a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older, who has resided in the district in which he or she intends to vote for at least 28 days.)
• Can a Power of Attorney complete an application for an elector?:
  • • Yes.  A Power of Attorney can request an absentee ballot for an elector.  No person (not even a POA) may “vote” a ballot for another elector.  If the elector requires assistance in completing the ballot, the elector may designate another person to assist the elector in marking the ballot.*  In the presence of the elector, the ballot is marked according to the elector’s direction.  The assisting elector must sign their name on the ballot under the section entitled “Signature of Assisting Individual.”

The assisting elector cannot be the elector’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector.  S. 6.82(2)(a), Wis. Stats.  3/12/2003

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

• The absentee ballot request is made to the municipal clerk in writing using the Application For Absentee Ballot (EL-121) or by letter or email to your municipal clerk requesting an absentee ballot which provides substantially the same information required on the application form.
• You can find your municipal clerk on the MyVote Wisconsin website: myvote.wi.gov by searching for your voter record or performing an address search.
• You will need to provide a copy of your acceptable photo ID with your absentee ballot request.

Important Dates 2022

• February 15, 2022: Judicial primary
• April 5, 2022 : Judicial general election
• August 9, 2022: Primary

National Representatives

• U.S. Senate
• U.S. House

Statewide Representatives

• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• Treasurer

Local Representatives

• Intermediate Appellate Courts
• Local Judges
• School Boards
• Municipal Government
  • • Ex: Mayors, Sheriffs

None currently

State Polling Summary: You can find Wisconsin’s state polling summary here.

Find Your Polling Location: Find your polling location here.

Drop Boxes: UPDATE FOR APRIL 5 SPRING ELECTION: Due to recent rule changes plan to return your absentee ballot by mail or by delivering it to your clerk’s office rather than a drop box. Additionally, if possible, voters should plan on returning their own absentee ballot. Voters with disabilities may ask for accommodations to return their ballot. If you have questions about these changes, contact your municipal clerk.