Registering to Vote

How To Register to Vote

As of January 1, 2006, all municipalities in Wisconsin require voter registration prior to a person being allowed to vote. The federal "Help American Vote Act of 2002 inches requires any person registering to vote to

supply his or her Wisconsin Department of Transportation - issued driver’s license number. If the elector has not been issued a Wisconsin driver’s license, he/she must provide the last 4 digits of their Social Security Number OR their Wisconsin state ID card number. If the elector does not have a current, valid Wisconsin driver’s license, Wisconsin state ID card, or Social Security Number, the applicant may indicate this by filling in the appropriate circle on the registration form.

Registration Options

Anyone wishing to vote in the state of Wisconsin, where they are required to register, has four options to register:

1. By Mail: Download the Application for Voter Registration, complete the form and mail it to City Hall, attention the City Clerk’s office. The application must be postmarked no later than the day before the election. PLEASE NOTE: State and federal law now requires that any first-time voter submitting a registration application by mail provide a copy of an acceptable identifying document that provides proof of residence. (A "first-time voter" is an individual who has not voted in an election in Wisconsin.) Acceptable forms of proof of residence are outlined below. Please note that first-time voters registering by mail may not use a residential lease as proof of residence. The copy of the form of proof of residence must be included when submitting the registration application. If a copy of proof of residence is not included, the elector will be required to supply it before being issued a ballot at the polling place or before being issued an absentee ballot in the municipal clerk’s office.

2. In Person: Register at City Hall up to 5 p.m. or the close of business, whichever is later, the Friday before the election.

3. Online: Eligible Wisconsin Voters who have a current and valid Wisconsin Driver License or Wisconsin State ID Card can now register completely online! Visit https://myvote.wi.gov and select what type of voter you are. You will be asked several questions that will allow My Vote to complete the registration form.

If your information is current with Wisconsin DMV, you can start a new voter registration, update the name on your voter registration, or update your address for voting purposes. If your information with Wisconsin DMV is not current, you will first need to update your information with the Wisconsin DMV before you register to vote online. You can update your address online with Wisconsin DMV at http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/change-addy/default.aspx. If you need to update your name with the Wisconsin DMV, you will need to appear in-person at a Wisconsin DMV office. Learn more about updating your name here http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/rnew-and-chge/name-change.aspx

4. At the Polling Place on Election Day: If you wish to register to vote at your polling place, you must bring proof that you have lived at your present location for at least 28 days preceding the election. For purposes of voter registration, acceptable forms of proof of residence must include:

  • A current and complete name, including both the given and family name; and
  • A current and complete residential address, including a numbered street address, if any, and the name of a municipality. Forms with an expiration date must be valid on Election Day.

Proof of Residence

The following constitute acceptable Proof-of-Residence if the document contains the information specified above:

  • A current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
  • A current and valid Wisconsin identification card.
  • Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit.
  • Any identification card issued by an employer in the normal course of business and bearing a photo of the card holder, but not including a business card.
  • A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election.
  • A residential lease which is effective for a period that includes election day (NOT for first-time voters registering by mail).
  • A university, college or technical institute fee card (must include photo).
  • A university, college or technical institute identification card (must include photo).
  • A gas, electric or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before election day.
  • Bank statement.
  • Paycheck.
  • A check or other document issued by a unit of government.