Elections are a crucial way to participate civically in Madison. There’s one coming up on Tuesday, April 4, and Madison Minutes is here to make sure you’re an informed voter.
Registering to vote
Registering to vote in Wisconsin can be done in several ways. To register to vote, you’ll need a current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or proof of residence documentation.
Proof of residence documents must show both your name and your current address. This can include bank statements, utility bills and residential leases, to name a few. For more information on proof of residence documentation, check out this fact sheet from My Vote Wisconsin.
In person, before the election: During open registration, City of Madison residents can register to vote in the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours, or at the front desk of any City of Madison agency.
For the April 4 election, voters can register in-person during business hours until March 31.
At the polls: Wisconsin allows for same-day voter registration. You can either bring your completed registration forms to your polling place or fill out the forms there. Either way, you’ll still need proof of residence documents to register and proper photo ID to vote.
Where do I vote?
Enter your address here to find your polling place. IIf you’ve moved less than 28 days before an election, you have to vote in your former ward or municipality.
What’s up with voter ID?
A photo ID is required for voting in Wisconsin. This rule has been in effect since April 2015. You’ll have to show an original copy of an acceptable photo ID to vote at your polling place. Here is a list of acceptable photo IDs.
Returning absentee ballots
All Wisconsin voters can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them for any reason. Absentee ballots should be sent in using the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope included with your ballot packet.
In Madison, ballots can also be returned in person to the clerk's office or brought to your polling place on Election Day.
Check out a sample ballot
Now you know what you need to vote, take a look at who you’ll be voting for. See your sample ballot here.
When in doubt, consult the Madison City Clerk’s Office and myvote.wi.gov.
