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Should I Vote by Mail or In Person?

Wisconsin has absentee/vote-by-mail, though first-time absentee voters will need to include a copy of their ID when they request their ballot. Beyond that, voting by mail will likely be the best option, though early voting will also be available in the last two weeks of October.

To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.

If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.

Wisconsin Elections Website

Important Deadlines

Deadlines do not take into account the time it takes to send application requests to the state, then mail absentee ballots to the voter, and then returning completed absentee ballots to the state. Please be proactive in submitting applications and ballots three weeks prior to all posted deadlines to avoid being impacted by postal delays.

Voter Registration

Register In Person: November 3, 2020

Register By Mail: Postmarked October 14, 2020

Register Online: October 14, 2020

See if you can register here

To Request Absentee/Mail-in Ballots

Wisconsin is sending absentee ballot applications to all registered voters. Applications must be returned by the deadline (though you should return it much earlier). A copy of an acceptable form of ID must be included with that application.

Request In Person: Application received by October 29, 2020

Request By Mail: Application received by October 29, 2020

Request Online: Application received by October 29, 2020

Request an Absentee Ballot here

When Absentee/Mail-in Ballots are Due

Ballots must be received by your local municipal clerk's office by 8pm on Election Day, whether by mail or in person.

We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.

Absentee/Vote by Mail Information

Note: Always read all of the instructions on or with your absentee/VBM ballot. This is a guide, but go by what the instructions say and follow them thoroughly. Your ballot may not be counted if you don't.

How Can I Request An Absentee/VBM Ballot?

Wisconsin is sending absentee ballot applications to all registered voters. Applications must be returned by the deadline (though you should return it much earlier). A copy of an acceptable form of ID must be included with that application.

Find the absentee ballot request form here.

Do I Need an Excuse to Vote Absentee?

No.

Do I Need to Provide a Copy of my ID When I Send in my Absentee Ballot?

Yes.

How Can I Track My Absentee/VBM Ballot?

Go to this link.

Do I Need a Notary or Witnesses to Sign my Ballot?

Yes; your ballot must be completed in the presence of a witness, and the witness must sign in the appropriate place on the ballot.

A witness must be a U.S. Citizen who is at least 18 years old.

For military or overseas voters, your witness must be at least 18 years old but is not required to be a U.S. Citizen.

Where Can I Return My Ballot In Person If I Choose?

To your county's municipal clerk's office by 8pm on Election Day.

Find your municipal clerk's office here

Can Someone Else Return My Ballot on My Behalf?

Unclear. The safest course would be to return it yourself.

Early Voting (In Person) Information

First & Last Days of Early Voting

As early as October 20th and as late as November 3rd.

Varies by municipality. Voters should contact their county elections office for additional information.

Early Voting Locations

Municipal clerks' offices. A municipality shall specify the hours.

Find yours here.

Will I Need a Photo ID or Non-Photo ID to Vote?

Strict Photo ID.

Both in-person and absentee Wisconsin voters MUST show one of the following types of photo ID at the polls or submit a copy with the absentee ballot request.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card (must be current or expired after the last general election) [Suspended or revoked licenses are valid]

Military or uniformed service ID card

U.S. Passport

Certificate of naturalization issued within two years of the general election’s date

Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin

College, university or technical college student ID card with a signature, an issuance date, and an expiration date no later than two years after the issuance date. It must be presented with proof of current enrollment like a tuition fee receipt or letter verifying enrollment, as a paper copy or displayed on a smartphone or tablet.

Ticket/citation from the last 60 days if you had to surrender your driver’s license

Photo ID does NOT need to have any address or a current address, just your name and photo. If you do not have an accepted form of voter ID, a free voter ID card can be obtained from the DMV office. To get info on that process, visit bringit.wi.gov.

Election Day Voting Information

Can I Register to Vote on Election Day In Person?

Individuals may register to vote in person at your polling place on November 3, 2020. All individuals must provide both a proof of residency document and proof of identification to register on election Day.

Find My Polling Place

Find your polling place at this link

Polling Hours (all times local)

7am - 8pm

If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!

Will I Need a Photo or Non-Photo ID to Vote?