Voting isn't just a right; it's a powerful way to shape the future of our community, state, and country. Whether you're stepping into the voting booth for the first time this fall or you're a seasoned pro with a collection of “I VOTED” stickers to prove it, staying informed and being prepared for the upcoming election is crucial.

I don’t know about you but if I’m nervous about something and I encounter even the smallest barrier – I’m gonna heal spin and head home. All I need is a reason, it doesn’t have to be a good one. I’m like the opposite of Tracy Chapman… you give me one reason to LEAVE here, and I’ll turn right back around.

But things like voting are really important to me so I have had to figure out how to outsmart my universal desire to get the hell out of there (pretty much everywhere). What I’ve found is that when TODAY ME preps and prepares, FUTURE VOTING DAY ME is much more likely to do the thing.

So TODAY ME compiled a few resources to make the whole process easier and hopefully get VOTING DAY YOU (VDY)out to the polls on November 5th, 2024.

How to Register to Vote

If possible, make sure you're registered to vote well before Election Day rolls around. You can easily check if you're registered or sign up online via the Wisconsin MyVote site. It's super-fast and straightforward, so you can get it done from your couch while watching your true crime shows without any hassle. You can do it by mail, at your municipal clerk office, and the day of at the polling place but seriously – do it ahead of time if you can. VDY will thank you.

Know Your Polling Place

Your polling place might have changed due to redistricting or other factors. Confirm your designated polling location by CLICKING HERE. This ensures you know exactly where to go on Election Day.

If you want to cut down on voting day nerves, try checking out your polling place in advance during whatever hours the location is typically open to the public for other business. Also, map out your route and choose the best time to go, ideally steering clear of busy times like the lunch hour or when people are leaving their 9-5s. And don’t be afraid to use the buddy system if you have a friend or neighbor to go with. Even if you don’t both have the same polling location, you can still go with each other as a support person (maybe grab coffee in between?) but make sure you’re not discussing the ballot while voting or causing a disruption.

Absentee and Early Voting

Wisconsin allows absentee voting so if you prefer or need to vote absentee, request your ballot as early as possible (check out deadlines here). Wisconsin allows absentee voting for any reason, and you can request an absentee ballot online through the MyVote website. Alternatively, you can take part in early voting at designated locations in your area. Check your municipal clerk's office for times and locations.

Photo ID Requirements

To vote in Wisconsin, a valid photo ID is necessary. For acceptable ID forms, visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission website. If you lack these, you can get a free state ID for voting at your local DMV.

The Wisconsin DMV outlines steps to obtain an ID if you don’t have one HERE. There’s no special “voter ID,” and a REAL ID isn’t needed. To apply for a Wisconsin ID, start at wisconsindmv.gov/idcards and gather the necessary documents like a birth certificate and proof of residency. If you do not have all of the documentation you need and cannot access it, use the ID Petition Process to get a receipt valid for voting. If you have any ID-related questions call the DMV at (844) 588-1069. Phone calls suck but one call could save a lot of headaches down the line.

Stay Informed

Stay in the loop with the latest election updates and candidate info. By digging into the candidates and learning about their platforms, you'll be able to make choices that match your values and priorities. If you love thorough research, BALLOTPEDIA is perfect for you. But if you prefer quick summaries, Guides.Vote does a great job breaking down where candidates stand on important issues.

But don't focus only on presidential elections; state and local governments have significant roles. They manage public schools, roads, services like police and fire departments, zoning laws, and public health initiatives such as vaccination programs. Staying informed and voting in all elections is crucial because their decisions directly affect daily life.

Apart from electing officials, you may encounter ballot measures and referenda too. A ballot measure proposes legislation for voter approval or rejection, initiated by citizens or the legislature. A referendum lets citizens approve or repeal legislative actions, directly affecting issues like tax laws, education, and public health. Voting on these measures is vital as they impact your community directly.

To learn what’s on your ballot CLICK HERE

Get Involved

Think about pitching in at your local polling station or teaming up with groups that encourage voting. Volunteering at a polling station not only helps ensure a smooth and efficient voting process but also provides an opportunity to engage with your community, meet new people, and witness democracy in action. It's a rewarding experience that reinforces the importance of civic duty and can provide valuable insights into the electoral process. You can learn more about the process by CLICKING HERE.

Listen, voting is a powerful way to influence your community and country. Stay informed, vote in every election, use resources to understand the ballot, and have your ID and registration ready.

Make Your Voice Heard: Voting Resources for Wisconsin