Early Voting Is Underway for the April 5 Elections in Wisconsin. Here’s What You Need to Know.

While there are no big-name races in the spring elections, the kinds of local government positions up for grabs on April 5 wind up having some of the most tangible impact on communities.

Wisconsin, we’re two weeks away from Election Day. On April 5, voters across the state will head to the polls to decide who will lead their city and county governments, preside over the local circuit courts and serve on the court of appeals, and represent their school districts as school board members. While there are no marquee elections that day, these kinds of local races often wind up having some of the most tangible impact on communities.

Here’s everything you need to know to vote in the spring elections.

Am I registered to vote?

If you’re not sure you’re registered to vote or want to make sure your registration reflects your current address, you can confirm that information and more at MyVote.wi.gov. Enter your name and date of birth to check your current voter registration. 

Can I still register and vote in the April 5 elections?

Yes. You need to print, sign and deliver your voter registration application—which you can complete online or manually—along with a proof of residence document (like a paycheck, utility bill, or lease) and bring it to your municipal clerk’s office between now and next Friday, April 1st. You can find information about your local clerk’s office here. You can also bring your registration form and proof of residence to your polling place and register to vote on Election Day. 

What’s on my ballot?

You can find information on the candidates on your ballot through MyVote or Vote411. The League of Women Voters Wisconsin has also put together helpful guides for the election, explaining the roles of the elected offices up for grabs. 

Is there Early Voting?

Yes! And it actually begins today (March 22) and continues until April 3rd. To find out where and when you can vote early in your community, fill in your information here and click “Search.” This should present you with in-person, early voting site locations and operating hours. If you still have questions, you can contact your municipal clerk’s office. 

Where do I vote on Election Day?

You can find your polling place here. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re in line by 8, you will be able to vote.

Do I need to Bring a Photo ID with me to Vote?

Yes. When you go to the polls, you’ll need to bring a driver’s license, state ID card, or other form of ID listed here. 

If you’re a college student in Wisconsin and aren’t sure you have proper ID, the folks at Common Cause Wisconsin put together a handy guide that you can check out for help.

What if I want to vote by mail?

If you requested a mailed absentee ballot and plan to vote by mail, make sure you’ve lined up a witness— who can be any adult US citizen not running for office in the upcoming election—to observe you filling out your own ballot. Once your ballot is complete, place it in the certified envelope, and seal and sign it. Make sure your witness signs it and writes their home address on it, too.

You should return your vote-by-mail ballot as soon as possible by mail or drop it off at your clerk’s office. 

The ACLU of Wisconsin recommends putting your ballot in the mail no later than March 29. After that, they advise taking it directly to your clerk’s office or bringing it to your polling place on Election Day and returning it that way. You can find more details and videos about how to vote-by-mail here.

Can I still use my local clerk’s drop box after-hours?

No. (With a very limited exception for drop boxes that are staffed.) While drop boxes were allowed in previous elections, a Waukesha County judge ruled in January that drop boxes cannot be used in Wisconsin and that voters can’t have others return absentee ballots for them.

You can track your ballot through MyVote’s official ballot tracker. 

Can I get help voting if I live with a disability?

Yes. Voters with disabilities have the right to an accessible polling place, including the use of accessible voting machines, getting help marking a ballot, and being able to vote curbside. If this applies to you, you can call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for help at 1-844-347-8683 or email info@disabilityvote.org .

What do I do if I run into issues while voting?

There are a wealth of resources available to voters who experience problems while voting. You can call or text the Wisconsin Voter Helpline at 608-285-2145 and they’ll connect you to someone who’s nonpartisan and can answer your questions. You can also call the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for additional support or to ask questions. 

You can also email the ACLU of Wisconsin for help at vote@aclu-wi.org.