Current Changes in Wisconsin Election Law
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Do I need a Photo ID to vote in a recall election during the summer of 2011?
A - No! You will be asked to provide an official photo ID but you are not required to produce it until February 2012. The Government Accountability Board (election commission) is working to prepare voters for the hard implementation of the law this coming winter. Therefore, poll workers are instructed to ask you for ID. You can either provide that ID or you can tell them no. If you do not produce an ID, they will still let you vote and provide information about what you will need in the future.
Q - If I do not provide a Photo ID to vote in a recall election, will my vote be counted?
A - Yes! As long as you are registered voter or register at the polls on election day, you will be able to exercise your right to vote and cast a regular ballot.
Q - I heard there were other changes implemented in the law that are effective immediately. Can you explain some of these to me?
A - There were many changes that were enacted immediately upon passage of the legislation that people may not be aware of and could impact your ability to vote. Here is a list of some new regulations -
* Residency requirements - You must reside at your current address for at least 28 days prior to the election to vote in that particular ward. Previously it was a 10 day requirement. If you have not lived at your new address for 28 days, you may vote at your old address.
* Signing the poll book - You will be required to sign the poll book at your polling location, unless you are unable to do so due to a physical impediment.
* Permanent absentee ballot list - If you are currently on the permanent absentee ballot list and do not return your ballot for any election, you will no longer automatically be sent a ballot for the next scheduled election. You must reapply with the elections commission office to be returned to the permanent absentee ballot list after the missed election.
Q - I think I was unfairly denied the right to vote - what do I do?
A - First, file a complaint at your polling location with the head poll worker immediately. Then call the Election Protection hotline at 1.866.OUR.VOTE (1.866.687.8683)
Q - I want to volunteer to help get out the vote or inform people about these changes to election regulations. Where can I do that?
A - Right here! Please email info@wisconsinvoices.org and we will connect you with an organization in your area working on nonpartisan efforts to inform people of their rights and encouraging them to vote.