Register to Vote

Federal law requires a voter to provide a Wisconsin Department of Transportation photo identification card's number (the card itself need not be presented), such as a Drivers License number or Wisconsin ID Card number. If a voter does not have a currently valid Wisconsin Drivers License or Wisconsin ID Card, the voter must provide the last four digits of their Social Security number. If a voter has no Department of Transportation identification number or Social Security number, the voter can indicate this on the registration form.

Additionally, if the voter has a current, valid Wisconsin driver's license but does not know the number and did not bring it to the polling place, poll workers must allow the voter to vote by provisional ballot. (Note: the voter cannot use the last 4 digits of their Social Security Number if he or she has been issued a Wisconsin ID card). The provisional ballot will not be counted until the voter either:

• brings his or her Wisconsin ID number to his or her polling place before the polls close at 8:00 pm on Election Day; or
• transmits (via fax, email, telephone call or personal visit) his or her Wisconsin ID number to the municipal clerk before 4:00 pm on the day after the Election.

State law requires a voter to register before casting a ballot. There are three ways to regsiter to vote. While your municipal clerk will provide proper paperwork for registration, you may wish to fill out form EB-131 ahead of time to expedite the process.

• BY MAIL: Complete form EB-131 and mail it into the municipal clerk's office. The application must be postmarked no later than the 3rd Wednesday before the election.
• IN PERSON: Register in the municipal clerk's office up to 5:00 PM or the close of business, whichever is later, on the day before the election. Please note: After the "by mail" deadline, an elector voting in person in the clerk's office is required to present acceptable proof of residence as outlined below.
• AT THE POLLING PLACE ON ELECTION DAY: If you wish to register to vote at your polling place, you must bring proof that you have lived at your present address for at least 10 days preceding the election. For purposes of voter registration, acceptable forms of proof of residence must include:
  • A current and complete name, including both the given and family name; and
  • A current and complete residential address, including a numbered street address, if any, and the name of a municipality. Forms with an expiration date must be valid on Election Day.

Proof of residence requirements for voting in the State of Wisconsin are:

• A current and valid Wisconsin drivers license;
• A current and valid Wisconsin identification card;
• Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit;
• Any identification 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 which is effective for a period that includes election day (not for first-time voters registering by mail);
• A university, college or technical institute fee card (must include photo);
• A university, college or technical institute identification card (must include photo).;
• A gas, electric or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before election day;
• Bank statement;
• Paycheck;
• A check or other document issued by a unit of government.

To find your local municipal clerk, see the State Election Board's Listing of Local Municipal Clerks.

Vote Early

Request by Mail: Download the application for an absentee ballot, form EB-121. Complete the form and mail it to your municipal clerk's office (for the correct address please refer to the Listing of Local Municipal Clerks). The application must be received by the clerk no later than 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you.

In Person at your Municipal Clerk's Office: This can be done up until 5:00 PM on the day before the election.

Deadline for Returning Ballot: The completed ballot must be received by the municipal clerk no later than the day of the election so that it can be delivered to the polling location by 8 PM.

The information on this page was compiled using State Elections Board publications on October 22nd, 2006. As of that date, the information here is accurate. If updated information becomes available, it will be posted on the State Elections Board website. We will make every effort to update this page with any updated information as it becomes available.