Eleven states had elections scheduled for April, but in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, only one of them has moved ahead with theirs as planned: Wisconsin.
That unusual decision to carry on with in-person voting, despite the clear recommendations from health officials to avoid crowded places, has stirred confusion and sparked an avalanche of lawsuits, leaving open the possibility that things could still change. But for now there's one key deadline Wisconsin voters need to know: Today is the final day to register for an absentee ballot.
Voters have until 5 p.m. to register for an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov or, if they live in Milwaukee, by calling 414-286-VOTE.
Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, so voters will still be able to register at the polls on Tuesday (if, indeed, those polls are open), but due to the coronavirus Gov. Tony Evers has strongly encouraged all voters to vote absentee.
Even some candidates on the ballot have instructed voters to avoid the polls because of the COVID-19. “I hope that people do not go to the polls on Tuesday," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. "As much as I want them to vote, I do not want them to put their lives in jeopardy, I don’t want them to put the health and safety of our poll workers in jeopardy."
Worried about mailing your ballot back in time? Milwaukee has opened up five absentee ballot drop-off sites, which will be open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. every day up to, and including, the April 7 election.
Voters may drop off their ballots at these locations:
- Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.
- Bay View Library, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
- Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.
- Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76th St.
- Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Bldg., 841 N. Broadway