Common Cause Wisconsin: What you need to know for today’s election

Make time today to vote in the 2021 Spring Election – Tuesday, April 6, 2021 – and celebrate democracy by participating in our democracy. If you haven’t yet voted by casting an absentee ballot, then understand how to vote in-person today. Remember every election matters. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Wisconsin Election Commission put out this guidance to all voters for this election: Important Reminders Voters Should Know for Election Day.

If you still have a mail-in absentee ballot that was mailed to you and you have not returned it yet, be sure to hand return your completed ballot TODAY by 8PM. Do NOT mail it. All ballots need to be received no later than 8pm on Election Day. Your clerk and myvote.wi.gov will have information about where you can take your ballot. Don’t forget: The ballot envelope needs a witness signature and the address of the witness.

You can track your ballot through the official ballot tracker on MyVote. Don’t see that your ballot was received? Contact your clerk for further information.

If you are planning to vote in person at the polls, please take great care. Follow social distancing guidelines for your safety and the safety of others. Wear a mask. Be patient and safe. And read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Polling Location
Polling places can change. To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the Find My Polling Place page on the My Vote Wisconsin website and type in your address.

Registration
You can register to vote on Election Day at your polling location. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 28 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward. You’ll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically – like on your phone or tablet).

Photo ID:
You are required to show a photo ID before you 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 list of acceptable IDs at Bring It to The Polls to make sure you have what you need.

What if you don’t have an acceptable ID to vote 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 on Election Day OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk’s office by 4:00 PM the Friday after the election (Friday, April 9th). If you don’t have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, contact the Voter Helpline 608-285-2141 for assistance.

You will find local and state races on your ballot. These may include the State Superintendent Of Public Instruction, City Council, Village President, Judges, Mayor, and Alders. (Find out what is on your ballot at MyVote). These offices and the people who serve in these roles have direct impact on you. 

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.

Students attending a university, college, or technical school in Wisconsin can find information to vote from the CC/WI webpage: Three Things College Students Need to Do To Vote in Wisconsin

Have questions or need some assistance?

Help is just a call, text, or email away.

Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be connected to a nonpartisan person 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, to assistance marking a ballot, and to voting curbside. 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. 

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 with questions or to report problems.