How to vote in Wisconsin

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Summary

Wisconsin allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Wisconsin offers early voting.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Wisconsin you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of Wisconsin and have resided at the registration address for at least 28 days prior to the election
  • be 18 years old on or before Election Day
  • 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
  • not have been found by a court to be incapable of understanding the objective of the electoral process
  • not make or benefit from a bet or wage depending on the result of an election
  • not have voted at any other location, if registering on Election Day

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Wisconsin's site.

Can I vote in-person absentee?

  • Yes, Wisconsin does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to show a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin.

An acceptable photo ID is not required to contain a current address. These photo IDs are acceptable and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election:
  • Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
  • Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
  • Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption
  • military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
  • U.S. passport

The following photo ID is also acceptable for voting purposes, and can be expired before the date of the most recent general election:
  • identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
  • photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, expiration date no later than two years after issuance, and signature of student (must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment if the student ID is expired)

The following photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:
  • veteran's photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs
  • certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
  • driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
  • identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
  • temporary identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT through the Identification Petition Process (IDPP) (valid for 60 days)

Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide photo ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will not count unless you provide an acceptable photo ID to the poll workers by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day or to your municipal clerk in person by 4:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Wisconsin’s site.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Wisconsin does offer early voting, which in Wisconsin is called in-person absentee voting.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

      What do I need to bring?

      You will need to show a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin.

      An acceptable photo ID is not required to contain a current address. These photo IDs are acceptable and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election:
      • Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
      • Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
      • Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption
      • military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
      • U.S. passport

      The following photo ID is also acceptable for voting purposes, and can be expired before the date of the most recent general election:
      • identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
      • photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, expiration date no later than two years after issuance, and signature of student (must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment if the student ID is expired)

      The following photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:
      • veteran's photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs
      • certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
      • driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
      • identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
      • temporary identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT through the Identification Petition Process (IDPP) (valid for 60 days)

      Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide photo ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will not count unless you provide an acceptable photo ID to the poll workers by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day or to your municipal clerk in person by 4:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.

      How do I vote by mail?

      In Wisconsin, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office. You can also submit a mail ballot application online using the MyVote Wisconsin system.

      What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

      If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.

      How do I return my ballot?

      What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

      What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

      Can I register to vote on Election Day?

      Wisconsin does offer in-person registration on Election Day at your polling place.

      How do I see what's on my ballot?

      View your sample ballot on the Wisconsin Elections Commission's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

      How do I get help registering to vote?

      TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!

      How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

      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 local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
      1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
      2. Send the application to your local election office.
      3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
      4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
      5. 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 local election office 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 offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Wisconsin. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

      How can I check my voter registration status?

      You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Wisconsin's voter registration lookup tool.

      Which election office should I contact?

      • In Wisconsin, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
      • The Elections Commission oversees elections and election administration in Wisconsin. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

      How do I contact my local election office?

      Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.