Voting can be a difficult process, especially if you’re voting in the middle of a pandemic and it’s your first time using a mail-in ballot. We spoke with Peggy Creer of the League of Women Voters to get the scoop on how to register to vote for the upcoming election.
“Start now because the Nov. 3 election is going to be something else,” said Creer.
In order to cast a vote, the first action item is registering to vote or updating your registration. Even if you've moved within the same apartment building you'll have to re-register. You can register to vote on the MyVote Wisconsin website.
“If you already have a valid Wisconsin driver's license or state ID issued by the state of Wisconsin, you're all set and it goes surprisingly fast on the website,” said Creer. “If you don't have that it's more complicated.”
If you don’t have a proper identification card when registering on the Wisconsin website, instead of uploading proof of residency, you print out a paper application form to mail to start the process.
Voters without an identification card can still vote but have to undergo a different process. Peggy said things get tricky if you don't have a birth certificate but it can still be done.
“If you don't have any documentation you need to contact the department of motor vehicles,” said Creer. “You’ll be starting the ID petition process and that takes a while but they're very good at working with people know to figure out what you need to do to issue you a free state ID for voting purposes.”
Where can I register to vote?
By Mail
One can download and print a voter application form, one can send the completed form alongside proof of residency to The City of Milwaukee Election Commission office, 200 E. Wells. Room 501. The deadline is Oct. 14.
Online
If you have a valid Wisconsin identification card you can register online without mailing any additional information. The deadline for online registration is Oct. 14.
In-Person
One can register to vote at City Hall, the office of the Election commission 200 E. Wells, Room 501. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. The deadline to register with a municipal clerk is Oct. 30.
One can also register at a local public library. Here is a list of libraries and their operating hours.
Voting Site on Election Day
One can register and vote at a voting site on any Election day, however, when registering on the same day one must have lived at their current address for 28 days before the election.
