The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in Wisconsin to make a plan to vote that works for you!
Wisconsin Board of Elections Phone Number: (608) 266-8005
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Your state does not allow you to vote with an out-of-state drivers license. Check out our Get Ready to Vote section on this page to find out what voter IDs Wisconsin allows on Election Day!
YES. In this case you must register at the last address you had before you left the USA, or at the address to which you will return to when returning to the USA (you must present some indication of a present intent to return and live there – e.g. vehicle registration, driver’s license, property ownership, family, etc). If you have never had a permanent address in the United States but are a citizen you are allowed to register at an address you plan on moving to or an address where you currently have family living. Visit the Overseas Vote Foundation to find more information on voting abroad.
Wisconsin automatically restores your voting rights once you have completed your sentence, parole and probation. You must re-register to vote after you have completed your sentence, which you can do here so that you are ready to vote on Election Day!
For a comprehensive look at state-by-state felon restrictions, visit our friends at the NCSL.
Wisconsin allows you to vote with the following:
– WI Driver License
– US Uniformed Services ID
– US Passport Book or Card
– WI Driver, State ID,or IDPP Receipt
– WI State ID
– Veteran Affairs ID Card
– Certificate of Naturalization
– University/College/Tech College ID
– Tribal ID
For specifics regarding ID expiration dates and more, visit our Get Ready to Vote section on this page!
It can take several weeks. Most states send out voter registration cards within 5 to 7 weeks after receiving the registration. If you do not receive a registration card in the mail, contact your state election office to confirm you are registered. Find your state’s contact information in our How to Vote in Your State section on this page! In any event, you should verify your registration a week prior to the voter registration deadline in your state in case you need to fill out a new registration form or correct your form.
Absolutely! You can check your voter registration online with HeadCount’s registration check tool, on Wisconsin’s Board of Elections website here, or you can contact the Board of Elections at (608) 266-8005.
In Wisconsin, you are not required to be enrolled with a party to vote in that party’s primary election. If you do not choose a party, enter “No party” on your voter registration form. To find out more information regarding Wisconsin’s political parties, visit WI’s Board of Elections website.
Yes, Wisconsin allows individuals to vote with a student ID from an accredited Wisconsin college, university, or technical college. However, your student ID must include your name, signature, photo, and issue and expiration dates. The issued date cannot be more than 2 years from the expiration date. Additionally, the card can still be used if it expired – just provide a document that shows you are enrolled in the school through the election.
You should never use a driver’s license number that is not from Wisconsin to register to vote. If your driver’s license is out-of-state, then give the last 4 digits of your social security number on your voter registration application.
Additionally, in Wisconsin, you must always provide a Proof of Residence document when registering to vote.
You can register to vote in Wisconsin if you have resided at your Wisconsin address for at least 28 days by Election Day.
A provisional ballot is used when a voter’s eligibility cannot be confirmed at the polls. It is issued and voted on by the voter, but is not counted when it is cast.
*A provisional ballot will not be counted unless the voter provides the required information to confirm their eligibility to vote in Wisconsin to by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to the poll workers or the municipal clerk by 4:00 p.m. of the Friday after the election.
YES, Wisconsin allows you to register to vote if you will be 18 on or before the next election day.
You may call the voting rights hotline at (866) 687-8683, if informing another poll worker isn’t successful. They have lawyers ready to help you. Additionally, you can call the civil rights division of the U.S Department of Justice.
You can also find Wisconsin’s Board of Elections here and contact them by phone at (608) 266-8005.
For your state, you will need a valid photo ID and a proof of residency document. Valid photo IDs include:
– WI Driver License
– US Uniformed Services ID
– US Passport Book or Card
– WI Driver, State ID, or IDPP Receipt
– WI State ID
– Veteran Affairs ID Card
– Certificate of Naturalization
– University/College/Tech College ID
– Tribal ID
Valid proof of residency documents include:
– A current and valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State ID 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
– Residential lease that is effective on date of registration (Not valid if registering by mail)
– A gas, electric, or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing no earlier than 90 days before the date of registration
– A university, college, or technical college identification card (must include photo) ONLY if the voter provides a fee receipt dated within the last 9 months or the institution provides a certified housing list to the municipal clerk
– An intake document from a residential care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility
A bank, or credit union statement, regardless of the type of account or any credit card statement
If you have resided at your campus address for 28 consecutive days, you may register and vote at your campus address. Visit Wisconsin’s Student Residency Guide for more information.
When registering, you should provide your official campus mailing address as well as the actual physical address of your residence. You are allowed to register to vote at your school address (including on campus addresses). However, you must have some sort of proof of address and residency that can be presented at your polling place. For more information, we suggesting visiting the Campus Vote Project’s State Student Voting Guide. Remember: you can only register to vote and vote in one place!
Wisconsin holds an open primary, which is open to all registered voters regardless of the party you chose while registering. For more information, visit Wisconsin’s Board of Elections website.
Wisconsin allows you to register online here. You will need to confirm you have not registered previously by searching your name and date of birth in their system. Then, you will need to upload your photo ID and proof of residency document.
Yes, you should re-register each time you move. You may register at your current address regardless of what address is on your driver’s license.
However, Wisconsin law requires that you have lived at your new address 28 days before registering to vote there. Additionally, check in with the WI Board of Elections to see if you need to bring additional documentation on Election Day here.
If you miss the registration deadline after moving, you can still register to vote at your polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin law requires that you have resided at your new address for at least 28 days before registering at your new address.
Elections take place throughout the year. In addition to the presidential and midterm elections, there are state, county and municipal elections that you can make your voice heard in. Make sure you know when your upcoming elections are so that you don’t miss a single one!
YES, unhoused voters may vote in Wisconsin elections. You still must have resided in Wisconsin for at least 28 days to be eligbile to vote. Additionally, you must have an identifiable location that you consider your place of residence. You can designate a fixed location such as a shelter, park bench, or other location. An unhoused individual may also obtain a proof of residency document from a shelter or social service organization, such as a letter that identifies the individual and describes their designated residency location.For more information on voting while unhoused, visit the resources put together by our friends at the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Your state provides an online ballot tracking system. You can track your ballot here!
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Wisconsin.
Voting by mail is a two step process in Wisconsin.
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received online or by mail is the Thursday before Election Day at 5 p.m.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
Grab a friend! You must fill out and sign your ballot's certificate (attached to return envelope) in the presence of an adult witness. They must sign it, too. Make sure to follow instructions! If you do not sign, or your witness does not sign, your ballot will be tossed and your vote will not count.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
The certificate envelope. This location is also where the witness will sign.
First time voters must submit ID when voting by mail.
ID is required with application to vote by mail.
Wisconsin voters must show valid photo ID when voting in person. Info here on what qualifies.
If it is your first time voting by mail, include a copy of your valid photo ID with your absentee ballot application. When the you submit the ballot by-mail you do not need to submit ID, but you must have one adult witness sign the absentee certificate envelope and provide their address.
Indefinitely confined voters, confidential voters, and military/permanent overseas voters do not need to give photo ID with absentee ballot request form.
If you return your ballot by mail, your postage is prepaid.
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or drop box.
TBD. This issue is currently being discussed in pending legislation.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
You will be asked at your polling place if you have returned your ballot and if you have not, you will be issued a ballot at your polling place. You may also vote in person on Election Day if you requested, but never received, an absentee ballot.
Wisconsin does offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot.
Your state gives you the opportunity to “cure” a challenge to the signature to your ballot. Your municipal clerk may contact you and give you options to remedy your ballot. Your clerk will provide step-by-step instructions for curing your ballot before Election Day. You must “cure” the challenge before the polls close on Election Day.
You may get a phone call with notification that your ballot needs to be cured. Be sure to pick up so you don’t miss your chance to make sure that your vote is counted.
Wisconsin voters must show ID at the polls to vote. All forms of ID must have name and photo. Valid forms of identification include;
More info on acceptable voter IDs can be found here.
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
No party affiliation is required at registration to participate in primary. See Wisconsin Republican Party or Democratic Party sites for more details.
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
Dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.
To vote in person absentee, request, fill out, and return your ballot while at your municipal clerk's office. Exact dates and hours are determined by the clerk.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In Wisconsin, you can preregister to vote if you are 18 by the next election. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can not vote in the Wisconsin primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
