With the 2016 presidential election right around the corner it’s important for residents to know and understand Wisconsin’s voting laws. If you follow this guide you will be able to cast your ballot on November 8th without issue.
If you want to vote on Election Day you must be registered to vote in Wisconsin. Follow this quick and easy step by step process to make sure you are properly registered:
- Access My Vote Wisconsin by going to https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/
- Select “search by name” in the upper right hand corner
- Enter your name and birth date and click search
- Once you click search you should see your voter status, name, address, and your designated polling location (where you go to vote).
- At this point you can change your voter registration information by selecting “update name” and/or “update address.”
- If your name doesn’t appear the website will give you the option to register online.
If you’re not registered to vote on November 8th you still have the option to register at your designated polling location the day of the election.
Wisconsin’s Vote ID Law
Wisconsin’s Voter ID law is still in effect for the November 8, 2016 presidential election. Portions of the Voter ID law were struck down in July but the law itself still stands.
To vote in Wisconsin you must bring, to your polling location, a form of identification. There is not a separate “voter ID” card. Any of the following forms of identification will satisfy the requirements of Wisconsin’s Voter ID law:
- A Wisconsin Department of Transportation (“DOT”) issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
- A Wisconsin DOT issued identification card
- A Wisconsin DOT issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption.
- Military ID card issued by U.S. Uniformed Services
- A United States Passport
- An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
- A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains the date of issuance, signature of student, and an expiration date no later than two years after the date of issuance. **IMPORTANT NOTE: The university or college ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment.
Any of these forms of identification are valid as long as they didn’t expire before November 4, 2014.
The following forms of identification will also be accepted but they must be current; these forms of identification cannot be expired:
- A veteran’s photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
- A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
- An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
- A temporary identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT through the Identification Petition Process (IDPP) (valid for 60 days)
- A citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend a Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license that is dated within 60 days of the date of the election.If you do not have an ID that qualifies under Wisconsin’s Voter ID law you can go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and obtain a free state-issued ID. To obtain a free ID you’ll need to bring, to the DMV, a birth certificate/social security card and a utility or cell phone bill to prove residency.
Early Voting
A law that placed restrictions on early voting was struck down by a federal court in July. Cities, villages, and towns are now free to set their own hours for early voting in Wisconsin. If you’re interested in voting early contact your local clerk’s office for information:
City of Sheboygan: Susan Richards 920-459-3364
City of Sheboygan Falls: Sabrina Dittman 920-467-7900, ext 110
Village of Kohler: Laurie Lindow 920-459-3873
City of Plymouth: Patricia Huberty 920-893-1271
Town of Sheboygan: Catherine Conrad 920-451-2320