Wisconsin's Voter ID Law: Five Major Changes
Starting in 2012, you’ll need to show a qualifying photo ID to cast a vote in Wisconsin—but that isn’t the only restriction Republicans have put in place since the last election. Here are five of the biggest changes you need to know about for 2012:
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You will need a photo ID to vote.
Wisconsin driver’s licenses, Wisconsin ID cards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. passports, and military IDs will all work as long as they are unexpired or expired after November 2nd, 2010. Other forms of ID may also be accepted, such as a certificate of naturalization if issued within two years of the date of the election. Find out how to get a free ID at your local DMV.
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Residency requirements to vote in a particular ward have been lengthened from 10 days to 28 days.
In order to vote in local elections in a particular ward in Wisconsin, you will now need to have lived there for 28 consecutive days (rather than 10, under previous law) before the election. Note: If you previously lived in Wisconsin but moved within 28 days of the election, you may still be eligible to vote in your old ward.
If you are otherwise eligible to vote but have moved to Wisconsin within 28 days of the election, you are entitled to vote for the president and vice president but for no other offices.
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If you register within 20 days of the election, you will need to provide documentary proof of residence.
Friends or neighbors can no longer vouch for your residency in 2012—documentary proof of residence is required. Some accepted forms of proof include utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, Wisconsin driver’s licenses, and official ID cards issued by any Wisconsin government entity.
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Voter registration periods are limited around Election Day.
Before 2012, voters could register with the municipal clerk on the day before an election. This year, registration will end at 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day. But remember— you can still register at the polls!
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Opportunities to vote before Election Day have been limited.
Voting no longer takes place the weekend or day before an election. As of 2012, you will need to apply after the third Monday preceding the election and before 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before the election. Deadlines for requesting and returning mail-in absentee ballots have not changed.
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How to Get a Free ID in Wisconsin
As of 2012, you will need an accepted form of ID to cast your ballot in Wisconsin.
If you don’t have an accepted form of ID already, here’s how to get one from your local DMV service center.
- What should I bring to the DMV?
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You’ll need one document from each of the columns below. Note: In some cases, one document may satisfy multiple columns—for example, if you have a birth certificate, an out-of-state driver’s license, and a utility bill, you’re all set.
Name & DOB Legal Presence Identity Wisconsin Residency Birth Certificate Birth Certificate Driver’s License (other US) Utility Bill Certificate of Citizenship Social Security Number Social Security Number Pay Stub Driver’s License (other U.S.) Certificate of Citizenship Marriage Certificate Bank Statement Passport Passport US Gov & Military Dependent Card College Enrollment - What happens when I get to the DMV?
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- Ask to fill out the Wisconsin ID card application
- Check "yes" in Box 4 - ID for Free
- Your free ID will arrive by mail.
You will get a Wisconsin ID card receipt from the DMV, which will be accepted as a temporary form of ID until it expires 60 days after you receive it. If your actual ID doesn’t arrive on time, you can use your card receipt to vote on Election Day, if it has not yet expired.
- How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
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If you were born in Wisconsin, there are several ways you can apply for a copy of your birth certificate. Contact your county Register of Deeds or the Wisconsin Vital Records Office to apply in person. To apply by mail or fax, fill out the application form at http://OFA.BO/Y6nC94. There is a $20 fee. Note that you will need to present qualifying ID showing your current name and address (or mail or fax a copy of the qualifying ID along with your application). Page 2 of the application form contains information on accepted forms of ID.
If you weren’t born in Wisconsin, you should contact the appropriate agency in the state where you were born.
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How, when, and where can I register to vote?
- You can register:
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- By mail, postmarked no later than 20 days before Election Day, quickly and easily at GottaRegister.com.
- In the municipal clerk’s or county clerk’s office, or with a Special Registration Deputy designated by one of those offices, up until 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day.
- At your polling place on Election Day.
- You will need to show proof of residence if any of the following applies to you:
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- If you are a first-time voter in Wisconsin and you registered by mail, you will need to provide proof of residence when you vote. If you are voting by absentee ballot, you will need to send a copy of proof of residence along with your absentee ballot.
- If you register during the period beginning 20 days before Election Day, you will need to show proof of residence when registering.
- If you register at the polls on Election Day, you will need to show proof of residence.
- If you will have been a resident in Wisconsin for less than 28 days prior to Election Day and you apply to vote for the offices of president and vice president in Wisconsin, you will need to show proof of residence.
Help spread the word about these changes:
Voting by Absentee Ballot in 2012
Here’s a look at how Wisconsin’s recent changes in voting laws will affect absentee voting.
- You will need a qualifying photo ID to vote by absentee ballot in 2012.
- Starting in 2012, in order to get an absentee ballot, you must show a qualifying photo ID at the municipal clerk’s office or include a copy in your mail application.
- You will need to apply for an absentee ballot by the Thursday before the election (if by mail) or the Friday before the election (if in person).
- Early voting by in-person absentee ballot no longer takes place on the weekend or day before an election. Now, you need to apply during the period beginning on the third Monday preceding the election and ending on the Friday before the election. Deadlines for requesting and returning mail-in absentee ballots have not changed—absentee ballot requests must be received by the municipal clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election and completed ballots must be returned by Election Day.
- Is automatic delivery still available?
- You can still apply for automatic absentee ballots, but take note of one important catch. As in 2008, if you apply for automatic delivery, the municipal clerk will send you an absentee ballot for every election in that calendar year. But—and this is the catch—if you fail to return any absentee ballot for any election, the clerk will stop sending your ballots automatically. For example, if you submit a request for automatic absentee ballots in the spring of 2012 but do not return an absentee ballot for the September 2012 primary election, you will not receive an absentee ballot for the November 2012 general election. If you stop receiving ballots, just contact the municipal clerk and let them know you would like to continue receiving ballots for subsequent elections.
- Can I request my absentee ballot by email or fax?
- Yes. In fact, you are entitled to receive your ballot by email or fax as well—simply give the clerk your email address or fax number. When you return your completed absentee ballot, remember that you will also need to enclose a signed copy of your ballot request.