Four in five Wisconsinites voted in 2020, and although midterms historically have lower turnout, a record number of people have already cast their ballots.
Nov. 8 is your last chance to vote–our official Election Day–and we are answering all your last-minute questions:
When can I vote?
Polling places are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. As long as you are in line at 8 p.m., your vote will count.
I don’t have a lot of time. How long does it take?
Typically less than 30 minutes, but because it’s the midterms, most likely a lot less. There’s usually a morning, lunchtime, and evening rush. But that “rush” usually means a 15-minute-or-less line. Other times of day, there will most likely be no wait.
Where do I vote?
Look up your polling place by entering your address here.
Is my polling place always the same?
Not always. Polling places can change for a variety of reasons, and where you vote this year may not be the same place you cast your ballot last time around. That’s why it’s a good idea to double check!
I forgot to register. Can I still vote?
Yes. Don’t forget to bring a voter ID and proof of residence (outlined below).
What if I am sick with COVID or physically unable to enter my polling place?
You can vote from the curb. Every polling place has a “Vote Here” flag outside. Ask someone to notify the poll workers inside that you are a curbside voter. If you don’t have someone to send in to do that for you, you’ll find a phone number posted on the “Curbside Voter” sign near the polling entrance. Two poll workers will come out to your car and bring you a ballot, pen, and secrecy sleeve. Your vote will be counted.
What should I bring?
A photo ID, like your Wisconsin driver’s license, ID card, military ID, US passport, or student ID if it follows these guidelines. You should also bring proof of residence, like a bill with your address on it or one of the items on this list, if you need to register on Election Day.
Is there anything I can’t wear?
“Electioneering” (or engaging in activity that openly supports a person, party, or platform) is the most common form of Election Day disturbance. You’re not supposed to wear any clothes, hats, or pins that support a candidate or cause to the polls. That said, poll workers won’t send you home, but they will try to get you in and out of the polling place as quickly as possible.
Can I get help filling out my ballot?
Yes; you have options! You can either bring someone with you to help mark your ballot, as long as they’re not your employer or labor union representative. They do not need to be an eligible or registered voter themselves. The poll workers will ask for their name and address, and they’ll need to sign your ballot. OR You can ask a poll worker to help you.
Are voting machines secure? How do I know my vote will count?
All Wisconsin votes are cast on paper, so the machine count can always be verified. State law requires that voting machines be tested regularly (a boring process, but one that is open to the public if you’re interested!). An official audit of the 2020 general election in Wisconsin found zero evidence any vote was changed or incorrectly counted.
Will we know the results on election night?
Possibly, but probably not. While election officials give out rolling totals while bipartisan teams of election workers tally, double-check, and update the numbers, many of Wisconsin’s biggest races are expected to be very close. State law prevents mail-in ballots from being counted until Election Day. Nearly 400,000 were requested before the August primary, and many more are expected for the November election.
Why do vote totals change after Election Day?
It takes time to count ballots. It is normal and necessary for vote totals to change over the course of several days, until they are officially certified. This is not a sign of fraud or miscalculations.
Why am I still seeing conflicting information about Wisconsin’s elections?
Some false information is being shared by people who don’t realize it’s false, but some is being spread intentionally to deceive people. Why? Sometimes it’s for media attention. Sometimes candidates are choosing not to publicly accept they’ve lost. Sometimes, foreign governments are trying to undermine trust in our democracy. Long story short: Wisconsin’s elections are free, fair, and something you can trust.
If we didn’t cover one of your questions in the list above, we’re sorry!
We likely answered it in another story on our site:
Click here for our Voter Hub, which is filled with information about WHO and WHAT is on your ballot.
Christina Lorey A former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline, Illinois, Christina has been a coach and mentor for Girls on the Run and has organized events for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
