5 things first-time voters should know before Election Day

As Election Day gets closer, it’s understandable that many first-time voters might be confused, overwhelmed, or anxious as they prepare to cast their ballots. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – here are five quick tips for those who are new to the polls this year.

1) Find out who’s on your ballot

It’s always a good idea to get familiar with who’s on your ballot before casting your vote. It’s easy – you can visit the MyVote Wisconsin website, input your address, and receive a sample ballot with all of your candidates and referendum questions. If you’re unfamiliar with any of the candidates in your local races, visit VOTE411 and get a comprehensive breakdown of all candidates and their stances on important issues.

2) Locate your polling site

MyVote Wisconsin has you covered once again – enter your address on their online portal and you’ll be able to find the address of your polling location, directions to it, and their hours of operation on Election Day.

3) Check if you’re registered

Yet again, you can use the search tool on MyVote Wisconsin to check if (and where) you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, don’t worry – there are many ways to get registered before Election Day. You can follow their instructions to register online or via mail up to 20 days before the election, register in person with proof of residence at your municipal clerk’s office up until the Friday before Election Day, or you can register at the polls day-of.

4) Don’t forget your ID

To vote in person in Wisconsin, you need to provide a valid photo ID at the polls. The following forms of ID are accepted:

• Driver’s licenses or ID cards issued by the Wisconsin DOT
• Receipts for drivers licenses or ID cards issued by the Wisconsin DOT in the past 45 days
• Military-issued IDs
• U.S. passports
• Certificates of naturalization issued in the past two years
• IDs issued by a federally-recognized tribe in Wisconsin
• IDs issued by Veteran Affairs, must be unexpired or have no expiration date
• Photo receipts from a Wisconsin DMV petition process, issued in the past 60 days
• Photo IDs issued by an accredited Wisconsin university or college
  • Must include the date of issuance, the signature of the student, and an expiration date no later than two years after the date of issuance
  • If it is expired, it must be accompanied by another document that proves enrollment (tuition receipt, class schedule, enrollment letter, etc.)

The ID does not have to include your current address, but the photograph and name on it must reasonably resemble the information on your voter registration.

5) Know your voting rights

As a U.S. citizen, you have guaranteed rights when it comes to voting. Although polls in Wisconsin generally close at 8 p.m., those who are still in line at this time will still be permitted to vote. You are allowed to ask for a new ballot if you make a mistake on your first one, and paper ballots will be issued if voting machines are down. All polling locations must also reasonably accommodate voters with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you believe that any of your voting rights have been violated, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.