CHANGES TO WISCONSIN’S VOTER LAWS

Wisconsin’s new voter ID law officially starts with the 2012 Spring Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, February 21st. Here are changes for you to know about.

Voter Registration
Voter registration is prohibited the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before an election.
Same day registration is still allowed on Election Day at the polls.

Residence requirement: In order to vote in a Wisconsin district, a voter must have lived in Wisconsin for 28 consecutive days before the election. Proof of residence is required if voters register within 20 days of the election, if voters register at the polls, and for first time Wisconsin voters registering by mail. Neighbors may no longer vouch for a voter as proof of residence. Acceptable forms of proof must show your name and street address, and be the original document, such as
• A Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card
• A recent utility bill issued in last 90 days
• A bank statement issued in last 90 days
• A paycheck issued in last 90 days

Procedures at the polling place

Say It
As always, you’ll need to state your address and full name for the election official. They’ll check for your information in the poll book.

Show It
Next, you’ll need to show your photo ID. Poll workers will compare your face to the photo and make sure it is you. Acceptable IDs are listed below. Your ID should look like you; however, the address on your ID does NOT have to be current and the name on your ID does NOT have to be an exact match – Sue/Susan, Bob/Robert are OK. Last names on the ID must conform to the voter’s registration

Sign It
Finally, you’ll sign the poll book (unless a physical disability prevents it). Your signature or mark goes next to your name and address. After you sign, you’ll be ready to vote. If you cannot sign due to disability, let the poll worker know and the inspectors will either write exempt by your name or, if the inspectors do not agree, they will challenge the ballot, but you will still be able to cast a ballot.

Procedures for Early or Absentee Voting
In person early voting timeline: Early voting time has been reduced from one month before the election to two weeks prior to the election. Early voting now begins the 15th day before the election and ends the Friday before the election. The early voting window is the two full weeks prior to the election. In person early voting may NOT occur the weekend or Monday prior to the election.

Absentee ballot requests by mail: Absentee requests for ballots sent by mail must include a photocopy of an acceptable form of voter ID. Once you have sent the clerk’s office a copy of your ID, you will not need to send copies with future absentee ballot requests unless you change your name or address.

Absentee ballot requests by email or fax: If you request an absentee ballot by email or fax, you must either include a photocopy of an acceptable ID with your request or include it in your envelope when you return your absentee ballot.

Photo ID
An acceptable photo ID must be shown before voters can receive a ballot. Acceptable IDs do NOT have to have a current address. Names do NOT have to be an exact match. Acceptable forms of IDs include:
• A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
• A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card
• A Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
• U.S. passport
NOTE: The above IDs are acceptable for voting purposes, and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election (currently, the November 2, 2010 election).

• An unexpired Wisconsin DOT-issued driving receipt
• An unexpired Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card receipt
• An ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
• An unexpired ID card issued by a Wisconsin-accredited university or college that contains:
o Date of issuance
o Signature of student
o Expiration date not later than two years after the date of issuance
• A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of the election at which it is presented

For information on how to obtain a free photo ID before the election, please visit the DOT’s website:
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm