Common Cause Wisconsin: What you need to know to vote and have it counted and to have your voice heard

It’s no exaggeration to say that this has been one of the most eventful political Summers in memory and it’s not even over yet. Today, we the people can actively begin to weigh in and shape the future of our state, our nation and our lives by exercising the most powerful act of citizenship that each and every one of us possesses: our vote.

Today is primary election day in Wisconsin. For all eligible voters in our state, this is an important preliminary election in which we strengthen our voting “muscle” in preparation for the “main event,” the November 5th general election. This fall, across the nation, the very future of democracy and representative government – the 235-year-old American “experiment” about self-determination – is quite literally on the line.

On Primary Election Day, we “set the table” for what happens in just 84 days from now. And the best way to prepare for November 5th is to vote and have our voices heard today.

Here are the things to know to successfully cast your ballot. Think of these things as a checklist to go through to ensure you have completed all the necessary steps to get this done right.

Absentee Ballot

If you have a mail-in absentee ballot that was mailed to you and you have not returned it yet, be sure to return your completed ballot. Contact your clerk to find out where you can hand-deliver your ballot today. All ballots need to be received no later than 8pm today – Election Day. Remember to follow all instructions to complete the ballot, and the voter and witness information on the envelope. More information about your absentee ballot can be found here.

What to expect at the polls

If you are planning to vote in person at the polls today, read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. All polls in Wisconsin are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

You can register to vote on Election Day

You can register to vote on Election Day at your voting location. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. But if you moved within 28 days of Election Day, you must register and vote using your previous address. Check to see if you are registered to vote at your current address. If you are not registered, be sure to bring a proof of residence document (hard copy or electronic version on your cell phone or tablet) when you go to the polls.

Bring your acceptable form of photo ID for voting

You are required to show a specific form of photo ID in order to vote. If you have a Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card, then you’re all set. Other forms of ID work too, and it’s good to check the official Wisconsin Elections Commission list at Bring It to the Ballot to make sure you have what you need.

What if you don’t have an acceptable ID for voting today?

You can ask for AND vote with a provisional ballot. But, for your ballot to be counted, you MUST either come back to your polling place with an acceptable form of ID before it closes at 8:00 PM today OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk’s office by 4:00 PM the Friday after the primary election (Friday, August 16th).

Know what’s on your ballot

Wisconsin is an “open” primary state. That means that Wisconsin does not require voters to register with a party, and voters can choose their party preference on the ballot when they vote. BUT, keep in mind when casting your partisan primary ballot, you must only choose one party and you must only vote for candidates of that party on this ballot. Read the ballot instructions carefully. Visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s What’s on My Ballot page and type in your address to see a sample ballot.

Note also that there are two constitutional ballot questions on this August primary ballot which you can and should vote on regardless of what partisan candidates you vote for. Common Cause Wisconsin recommends you vote “NO” on both constitutional ballot questions.

Get more information on the candidates

Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidate best represents your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411.

You can find the list of 2024 Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly candidates who support the nonpartisan redistricting pledge for Wisconsin that Common Cause Wisconsin is tracking here.

Know where your polling place is before you go

Polling places can change. To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the Find My Polling Place page on the MyVote Wisconsin website and type in your address. This year in particular voting locations may have changed since new districts were drawn after the redistricting process.

Have questions or need some assistance?

Beyond the resources of your municipal clerk, help is just a call, text, or email away.

• If you experience problems at the polls or have questions, there is help. Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers.
• Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be contacted by a nonpartisan volunteer who can help answer all your questions. You can also request services such as getting assistance at the DMV to get an ID to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.
• Voters with disabilities have the right to an accessible polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking a ballot, and using curbside voting. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Or email: info@disabilityvote.org. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.
• Contact Vote Riders if you need immediate assistance with a photo ID to vote. You can get free, in-state ID assistance ASAP from the online form.

That covers it! Please get out there and exercise your precious franchise to choose the candidates you wish to see elected and to decide public policy issues that you believe are in the best interest for you, your family and your community. It’s your voice and your power as a citizen and it counts and matters as much as anybody else’s voice and power. So, use it!

On Wisconsin. Forward!

Sincerely,

Jay Heck, Executive Director