Important Information for Election Day
By: Wendy Fleury
Updated: November 6, 2012
GREEN BAY, Wisc. (WFRV) Before you head out to the polls, you need to check this list.
The Government Accountability Board released the "Top 10 Things Voters Should Know for Election Day".
#1. Know where to vote and where you're currently registered. Many people who haven't voted since the last presidential election may find that their polling place has changed. There's a new website out there for Wisconsin voters to check their registration status and to get the most accurate information about their polling place. Click here to access that website.
#2. Voters can register at their polling place on Election Day. To register on Election Day, Wisconsin voters must show proof of residence. It can be a drivers license or state ID card with the voter's current address. It can also be a current utility bill, lease, university ID card or other official document showing the voter's name and current address. You must be a resident of your ward for 28 consecutive days to register. Voters who have a valid Wisconsin drivers license will be required to use their license number to complete the registration form. Otherwise, you can use a state ID card number or last four digits of their Social Security number.
#3. A photo ID is not required for voters to receive a ballot. Registered voters must simply sign their name on the poll list and provide their name and address in order to receive a ballot.
#4. Know what to do if you witness problems at the polls. "If you see voter fraud, voter intimidation, electioneering or misconduct by election officials, your first point of contact should be the Chief Election Inspector at the polling place," said Elections Division Administrator Nat Robinson. "Most concerns can be resolved then and there, but if that doesn't work, contact your municipal clerk's office or local law enforcement." If your complaint or issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should report it to the Government Accountability Board. You can do that online by clicking here. You can also call 1-866-VOTE-WIS.
#5. Election observers must follow the rules. Election observers are welcome at every polling place, but they cannot interact with voters and must obey the instructions of the chief election inspector.
#6. Time off to vote. Every voter is allowed to take three hours of unpaid time off to vote on Election Day, according to state law. The request has to be made in advance.
#7. Leave political items at home. Don't wear political clothing or paraphernalia to the polling place. You may be asked to remove or cover up political items, or to leave the polling place if you're judged to be electioneering or creating a disturbance.
#8. Get in line before the poll closes. If you are in line when the polls close at 8pm, you will still be permitted to vote.
#9. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day. If you had an absentee ballot mailed to you, it must be postmarked by Election Day and must be received in your municipal clerk's office by 4pm the Friday after the election in order to be counted.
#10. No straight-party voting. Voters can no longer make one mark on the ballot to cast votes for every candidate belonging to a particular party. Voters must vote for candidates for each office on the ballot separately.






