How to Register, Vote and Track Your Ballot in Wisconsin

En español | Wisconsin offers several ways to register to vote, including online, by mail and in person. All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot. Those who vote at the polls must bring an approved ID. 

The Nov. 8, 2022, general election decided races for governor, the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and seats in the state legislature, and other statewide offices.

• Upcoming elections: Information about upcoming elections is not yet available, but will be published on the Wisconsin elections website.

• Absentee voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home, but you’ll need a witness signature before you submit your ballot.
  
• Early in-person voting: There is no formal early in-person voting, but you can cast an absentee ballot in person before Election Day at your municipal clerk’s office.

• Voting at the polls: Voters must show a valid photo ID to cast their ballots at the polls. Find your polling place on the Wisconsin elections website.

Court rulings have changed absentee voting procedures, including a decision by the state Supreme Court prohibiting the use of drop boxes. Two other court orders confirmed the right of voters with disabilities to get help returning their absentee ballots and banned municipal clerks from fixing missing or incomplete addresses on return envelopes. Also, Wisconsin's redistricting plan has redrawn certain legislative districts, which could affect which candidates appear on your ballot.

• Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register, update your voter information or check your registration status. You’ll need to upload a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state-issued ID card to register online.

Note that online registration is closed when local elections take place in less than 20 days. You will still be able register to vote by printing, signing and delivering your registration form, along with proof of residence, to your municipal clerk or to your polling place on Election Day.

• By mail: Download and complete a voter registration form from the state election commission’s website. Or pick one up at your municipal clerk’s office or ask your clerk to mail one to you. You’ll need to include a copy of a document that proves your residence, such as a Wisconsin driver’s license or state-issued ID card, a recent utility bill, pay stub or other document listed on the election commission’s website. Mail completed applications to your municipal clerk’s office.

• In person: Drop off a completed voter registration form or register in person at your municipal clerk’s office. Hours and availability depend on individual localities. You can also register to vote at your polling station on Election Day.
  

Use the state’s voter information portal to check your registration status, update your address and see a list of your elected officials.

Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home. You can request a ballot online, by mail or in person.

Disabled voters who require help returning their absentee ballots are entitled to receive assistance by a person of their choice, excluding an employer or representative of the disabled voter’s union. Voters are permitted to declare themselves disabled without a certification from a doctor or anyone else.

• Online: Registered voters can use the state’s absentee ballot request portal. Or complete a ballot application and email it to your municipal clerk’s office.

• By mail: Download and complete a ballot application and mail it to your municipal clerk’s office. Election officials recommend voters allow up to two weeks to receive and return completed ballots by mail.

• In person: Drop off a completed request form or fill one out at your municipal clerk’s office. You can then cast a ballot in person at your clerk’s office.

Once you receive your ballot, it will need a witness signature before you can return it. Your witness should be an adult U.S. citizen and should include his or her signature and address. Return your ballot by mail or in person.

• By mail: Completed ballots should be mailed to your municipal clerk’s office and must be received no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

• In person:  Drop off your completed ballot at your municipal clerk’s office or at your polling place on Election Day.

Note that municipal clerks are prohibited from fixing missing or incomplete addresses on absentee ballot return envelopes. Clerks who find incomplete information may send the envelope back to the voter - and a new one if necessary - for the voter to correct. The corrected envelope and ballot must be returned to your clerk’s office by Election Day.

The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing your ballot at least one week before Election Day. Returning a ballot from overseas may take longer. Absentee ballots may not be returned by email or fax. Use the state’s voter portal to track the status of your absentee ballot.

There is no formal early in-person voting, but you can cast an absentee ballot in person at your municipal clerk’s office. Days and hours vary between jurisdictions. Check with your municipal clerk’s office to determine when and where to cast your ballot.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but you can still vote after 8 p.m. if you are in line before polls close. Use the state’s voter information portal to find your polling place.

Yes. You’ll need a valid photo ID, such as a Wisconsin driver’s license, a passport or another acceptable document listed on the state elections website.

Editor's Note: This guide was updated on Nov. 15, 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 5, 2020.

• Stay updated on the 2022 elections at aarp.org/elections
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/wisconsin