With Congressional and Midterm elections soon underway, now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote before the first fall election on Aug. 14.
Milwaukee Public Libraries have added voter registration kiosks to each location as a new effort to increase voter turnout this year, especially because many people may need to re-register after a voter data cleanup in Wisconsin this year.
Find out if you're still a registered voter and learn more about the library kiosks or other ways to register below.
Registration has become an issue as of 2018 for Wisconsin residents.
Every four years, the state voter registration rolls erase those without an active voting history, current addresses, or whom have died. Despite the best intentions of the policy, this year’s purge removed around 80,000 names, some mistakenly due to incorrect data, resulting in a need to make registration awareness more prominent.
So, in accordance with the Mayor’s Office and the Milwaukee Election Commission, the registration kiosks were introduced to all branches of the Milwaukee Public Library system on May 21. Every library has staff available to assist with the registration process.
According to CBS 58, Mayor Tom Barrett says some residents lack the required resources to register explaining why only 57 percent of eligible voters are currently registered.
"The people that are most likely affected by the changes in the state laws are also the people least likely to have access to steady internet. That's where the library comes in," said Mayor Barrett.
Of the 437,000 eligible voters, a mere 250,500 are registered, as stated by the mayor. The voter kiosks intend to raise this number by a minimum of 25,000 voters, preparing them to cast their ballot on election days.
Kiosk users will also be able to check voter information and update the address listed on their driver’s license via access to the Department of Motor Vehicle website. This is important to note for those who still wish to register and have moved to a new address not reflected on their license or state ID.
Spreading the word is the first step to invoking change and giving yourself and others a voice in political matters. Thus, the city is also working to encourage and promote accurate registration and voting by partnering with various local community organizations through a program called Adopt-A-Voting Site.
Officially, Wisconsin’s statewide 2018 Partisan Primary will occur on Tuesday, Aug.14, and the Fall General Election will follow on Tuesday, Nov. 6. The Aug. Primary will allow the people to narrow the field of candidates per position in their chosen party ballot for the Nov. General Election. The offices on both ballotsinclude Governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, off-numbered Wisconsin State Senate seats and all Wisconsin Assembly seats.
See more information regarding the Fall General Election here.
Discover the candidates on your Wisconsin ballot, or with our voter guide.
Other ways to register to vote
- Online
While the library kiosks are aimed to ease online registration via in-person convenience and human aidence, you may also register online at MyVote.
Your address at the DMV must be updated first on their website.
2. By Mail
Download and print the Voter Registration Application. Once complete, mail the application with copies of your proof of residence to:
City of Milwaukee Election Commission
200 East Wells, Room 501
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Postmark 20 days before election day.
3. City Hall
The office of the Election Commission, Room 501, City Hall, 200 East Wells.
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
4. Register at your voting site on Election Day
Find your voting site via your home address.
Registration by online, mail, and at Milwaukee Public Libraries ends 20 days prior to each election (or the third Wednesday before each election).
Proof of Residence
All voters must provide what is known as proof of residence as part of the voter registration application to indicate that you are in fact a Milwaukee resident.
Proof of residence must all be current, complete, and valid with your current/complete name and Wisconsin residential address. Acceptable documents include your Wisconsin driver’s license, ID card, real estate tax bill, bank statement, paycheck, etc. Find a full list here.
Wisconsin’s Voter ID Law
Photo ID is not necessary for registration, but it is necessary to cast a ballot on Election Day. Bring your photo ID to the polls; without a photo ID, you cannot vote.
Examples of valid voter ID include a Wisconsin driver license, ID card or other DMV-issued document, voters can also use military and veteran’s IDs, some student IDs, tribal IDs, or a certificate of naturalization. The full list is available at www.bringit.wi.gov.
If you are still in need of a voter photo ID, the DMV will provide you with one for free. Just bring an identifying document (i.e. birth certificate) and proof of current address to obtain ID.
Voter eligibility
You may possibly understand the registration process, but if you are still unsure whether you eligible to vote, read this.
Here at 88Nine, we are advocates for urging eligible voters to register and/or call (414) 286-CITY (2489) to check your registration status (and then vote).