How to Vote in Wisconsin’s 2022 Elections

En español | Wisconsin’s Aug. 9 primary elections will determine which candidates appear on November’s general election ballot for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and seats in the state legislature, and other state offices.

What's new this year?

The state's redistricting plan has redrawn certain legislative districts, which could affect which candidates appear on your ballot. And the state Supreme Court is considering litigation challenging the use of absentee ballot drop boxes and permitting another person to return a voter's absentee ballot. Check back for updates.

Essential info:

• Absentee voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home in the August primary elections and the November general election, 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. Dates and hours vary among localities.
• In-person voting on Election Day: The primary election takes place Tuesday, Aug. 9; the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How do I register to vote?

• 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. Register by July 20 to vote in the primary elections and Oct. 19 to vote in the general.

Note that online registration is closed ahead of local elections taking 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. They must be postmarked by July 20 to vote in the primary and Oct. 19 to vote in the general.

• In person: Drop off a completed voter registration form or register in person at your municipal clerk’s office by Aug. 5 to vote in the primary and Nov. 4 to vote in the general. 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.

Does my party affiliation matter when I vote in the primaries?

No. You can choose the primary in which you want to vote, but you can vote in only one.

How can I get an absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?

Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home in the August primary and November general election. Requests are due by Aug. 4 to vote in the primary and Nov. 3 to vote in the general. You can request a ballot online, by mail or in person.

• 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.

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.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Yes, you can cast an absentee ballot in person at your municipal clerk’s office or at a satellite location. Days and hours vary between jurisdictions, but early voting could begin as soon as July 26 for the primary elections and as soon as Oct. 25 for the general. Check with your municipal clerk’s office to determine when and where to cast your ballot.

When is Election Day?  When are polls open?

The primary takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 9; the general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 8. 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.

Do I need identification to vote?

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

What races are on the ballot?

• Governor
• U.S. Senate: the seat of Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, who is running for reelection
• U.S. House: all eight seats
• State Senate: 17 of 33 seats
• State Assembly: all 99 seats
• Milwaukee mayor: April 5 special election

Editor's Note: This guide was updated on April 28 with information about how to vote in 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 5, 2020.

Also of Interest

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