Voter Registration and Proof of Residence

Updated on Jan 18th, 2024

Registering online is easy, safe, and secure

You can register to vote online or by mail up to 20 days before the election. If you have a valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State of Wisconsin ID card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) you can register to vote online at MyVote. If you prefer to register in-person you can register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the Friday before the election or at your polling place on Election Day. 

You must always provide a Proof of Residence document when registering to vote.

Already Registered?

You also can use MyVote to update your name or the address we have on file for you. If you need to request an absentee ballot, visit Vote Absentee.

Register Today!
MyVote

Voter Registration

    How to Register

    There are four ways to register to vote in Wisconsin.

    Online. Up to 20 days before the election. Voters who have a valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State of Wisconsin ID card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov.

    To register online, enter your name, date of birth, Driver License, or ID number, and an address that matches what is on file with the Wisconsin DMV. If all of the fields match, you will be able to register to vote completely online. Voters who are not able to match their information with the information in the DMV database will be given the option to register by mail (see below).

    By mail. Up to 20 days before the election. Registration forms should be mailed to your municipal clerk. You can start your voter registration form online at myvote.wi.gov. Your form must be printed, signed, and mailed or delivered, to your municipal clerk. If you are registering by mail, you can use any of the forms of Proof of residence except a residential lease.

    In the municipal clerk’s office. You may register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the Friday before the election at 5:00 p.m. or close of business, whichever is later. 

    At the polling place on Election Day. You may register at the polls on Election Day.

    You must always provide a Proof of Residence document when registering to vote.

    What you need to bring

    Driver License or ID card

    If you have been issued a State of Wisconsin Driver License or ID card that is current and valid, you must provide the number and expiration date. If your WI driver license is cancelled or expired; or your WI DOT-issued ID is expired, provide the number and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued a WI driver license or WI DOT-issued ID, you must provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you have none of these documents, you will be able to indicate that fact.

    Proof of Residence

    You must provide a Proof of Residence Document when registering to vote in Wisconsin. A Proof of Residence Document is a document that proves where you live in Wisconsin. Please see the Proof of Residence handout for a list of acceptable documents.

    Other things you might need to know about registration

    Photo ID is never required when registering to vote. However, a Proof of Residence document is always needed when registering to vote in Wisconsin.

    Voters must reside at their address for at least 28 days by Election Day in order to register to vote. Voters who have moved within Wisconsin less than 28 days before the election must vote from their previous address, either by absentee ballot or at the polling place. Voters who have moved to Wisconsin from another state less than 28 days before an election are only eligible to vote in Presidential elections.

    A “corroborating witness” can no longer provide Proof of Residence. See the “Proof of Residence” section on this page for a list of Proof of Residence documents.

    You cannot register the Saturday, Sunday, or Monday before an election, but you can register at the polling place on Election Day.

    Proof of Residence

    All voters MUST provide a Proof of Residence Document when registering. If you register to vote by mail, in-person in your clerk’s office, or at your polling place on Election Day, you need to provide a Proof of Residence document. If you register on myvote.wi.gov, your valid State of Wisconsin driver license or State of Wisconsin ID card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) qualifies as a valid Proof of Residence document.

    If you are an active military voter, or a permanent overseas voter (with no intent to return to the U.S.) you do not need to provide a Proof of Residence document.

    Proof of Residence and photo ID are two separate processes.

    • A Proof of Residence document is a document that proves where you live in Wisconsin and is only used when registering to vote
    • Photo ID is separate, you only show photo ID to prove who you are when you request an absentee ballot or a ballot at your polling place

    You may present your Proof of Residence document as a hard copy, paper document or an electronic device.

    Acceptable Proof of Residence

    All Proof of Residence documents must include the voter’s name and current residential address.

    • A current and valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State ID card

    • Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit

    • Any identification card issued by an employer in the normal course of business and bearing a photo of the card holder, but not including a business card

    • A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election

    • Residential lease that is effective on date of registration (Not valid if registering by mail)

    • A gas, electric, or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing no earlier than 90 days before the date of registration

    • A university, college, or technical college identification card (must include photo) ONLY if the voter provides a fee receipt dated within the last 9 months or the institution provides a certified housing list to the municipal clerk

    • An intake document from a residential care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility

    • A bank, or credit union statement, regardless of the type of account or any credit card statement.

    Only a current and valid (unexpired but can be suspended or revoked) Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin state ID card with the voter’s current name and address qualifies as Proof of Residence.

    This is not a comprehensive list, but categories of the most common types used by voters.

      What are examples of government agencies who can issue a proof of residence document?

      Government agencies can include local, state, or federal units of government. A few examples:

      Local: public school district, town clerk or treasurer’s office, county clerk.

      State: Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV/DOT), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Department of Human Services (DHS)

      Federal: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Medicare (not second party vendors), Social Security

      What are examples of proof of residence documents issued by a government agency?

      Examples of Proof of Residence documents

      This is not a comprehensive list

      • Fishing and hunting licenses
      • Vehicle registrations
      • Food stamps, Wisconsin Works, Wisconsin Shares, and BadgerCare notices and correspondence
      • Medicare notices and Medicare Explanation of Benefits (not from 2nd party providers or other health insurance providers)
      • Social Security and SSI notices and benefits statements
      • Public high school, technical college, and public university correspondence and documents, including: admissions correspondence, financial aid notices, report cards, and schedules
      • Federal student loan correspondence and notices
      • Billing statements and collection notices from a governmental entity
      • Correspondence from a federally recognized Native American Tribe living in Wisconsin
      What if I am unsure if my document will count as proof of residence?

      If you are unsure if your document will qualify as acceptable Proof of Residence, please contact:

      Get Registered Today!

      Annexations

      Updated on Jun 22nd, 2022

      Annexations

      Annexation is the process by which a city or a village acquires unincorporated territory from a neighboring town, and is governed by Wis. Stats. Ch. 66.  The residents of unincorporated territory may petition the governing body of a contiguous city or village for “Direct Annexation” or “Annexation by Referendum” of the territory into the city or village.  A city council or village board may also initiate annexation in several different ways, including passing an ordinance to annex a town island or territory owned by the city or village, or by passing a resolution to apply to a circuit court for approval to conduct an annexation referendum.  Neighboring municipalities may also resolve a boundary dispute by a stipulation which results in property being annexed to a city or village.  The result of any of these procedures is that new territory becomes a part of the annexing municipality.

      A completed annexation changes the boundaries of the municipality gaining territory and the municipality losing territory.  Annexation may introduce new districts to the municipality gaining territory or eliminate districts in the municipality losing territory.  While the focus of annexation by governing bodies is often accommodating future development on property that may be currently vacant, the clerks of both municipalities must be aware of the effect the annexation will have on elections and representation in their respective municipalities.

      For more information regarding the various methods of annexation, please refer to the “Annexation Methods” page on the Intergovernmental Relations Division’s portion of the Wisconsin Department of Administration website.

      Go to DOA Annexations webpage

      Annexation and Polling Places

      If the municipality annexing the territory is required to create a new ward because of differing districts, the municipality’s governing body may adopt a resolution, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 5.15(6)(b), combining the new ward with existing wards for purposes of voting at a common polling place.  A new polling place would not be required.  If the annexed territory were absorbed into an existing ward, every voter in the newly-configured ward must vote at the same polling place because every voter in any ward has to vote at the same polling place.

      Notifying Governmental Units and Other Entities of Annexation

      Annexation is not a process performed in a vacuum.  It is important for municipal clerks to reach out to other affected entities and keep them informed throughout the annexation process.  Conversely, the municipal clerks can expect to be contacted by other agencies such as the Wisconsin Departments of Revenue (DOR), Public Instruction (DPI), Transportation (DOT) and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

      Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 5.05(15) and to facilitate communication to the WEC with respect to annexations, WEC staff has developed the Annexation Checklist & Ward/Voter Information Sheet (EL-100).  The EL-100 includes a guide to election administration and WISVOTE processes required upon completion of a successful annexation.  This checklist and guide will help to ensure correct processes are followed, and voters are accurately represented within WISVOTE.

      When Annexation Necessitates the Creation of a New Ward

      As mentioned earlier, wards are the smallest units from which congressional, assembly, county supervisory and aldermanic districts are created.  A single ward may contain only one of each of these types of districts.  All territory, even if unpopulated, must be contained in a ward.  Wis. Stat. § 5.15(1)(b) and (6)(a).

      This basic principle also applies to annexation.  The municipality annexing the territory may “absorb” the annexed territory into an existing, contiguous ward only if the annexed territory is in the same congressional, assembly and county supervisory districts as the ward to which it is added.  If the congressional, assembly or county supervisory districts in the annexed territory are different from the districts in the ward to which the territory is contiguous, a new ward must be created for the annexed territory. Wis. Stat. § 5.15(7).  Territory cannot be added to an existing non-contiguous ward, regardless of district composition, except in the case of “Island Territory.” Island territory is defined as “…territory surrounded by water, or noncontiguous territory which is separated by the territory of another municipality or by water, or both, from the major part of the municipality to which it belongs.” Wis. Stat. § 5.15(2)(f) 3.

       

       

       

      Determining Where Annexed Electors Vote

      The annexed territory becomes part of the municipality annexing the territory.  If the territory is able to be absorbed into an existing ward, voters in the newly-annexed territory will vote in the same municipal district (town, city aldermanic, or village trustee in a few cases) as the other voters in the ward.  If a new ward is created, the new residents vote in the municipal district to which they are assigned.  Regardless of whether a new ward is required or not, newly-annexed residents will continue to vote in the same congressional, state senate and assembly district as they did before the annexation.  Wis. Stat. § 5.15(7).  Whether the newly-annexed residents continue to vote in the same county supervisory district depends on whether the county adopts a revised division ordinance moving the annexed territory into the same supervisory district as the ward to which it is annexed.  Wis. Stat. § 59.10(3)(c).

      Transferring Voters

      The clerk of the municipality losing territory must photocopy each of the original Voter Registration Applications (EL-131s) and current absentee ballot applications of the voters residing in the annexed territory.  Each photocopy is marked “transferred.”  If the municipality has adopted the records retention periods set forth in Wis. Stat. § 7.23, the photocopied Voter Registration Applications are marked for final disposition four years from the effective date of the annexation, and the photocopied absentee ballot applications are marked for destruction 90 days (non-federal election) or 22 months (federal election) from the date of the most recent election to which the absentee ballot applications applied.  If the municipality has adopted longer records retention periods than those specified in Wis. Stat. § 7.23, the Voter Registration Applications and absentee ballot applications are marked for final disposition consistent with such other specified records retention period policy.

      The original forms are forwarded to the clerk of the municipality gaining the territory.  When the clerk of the municipality who has lost voters forwards a valid absentee ballot request to the clerk who has gained the voters, the “gaining” clerk should honor the request for subsequent elections as requested by the voter.

      The clerk of the “gaining” municipality must notify the newly-annexed voters of the location of their new polling place, ward number and voting districts.

      The following agencies must be notified of annexations:

      Agency

      Documentation

      WEC
      • Approved Annexation Ordinance
      • Completed Annexation Checklist and Ward\Voter Information Sheet (EL-100)

      WI Dept. of Administration (D.O.A.)

       

      Required to review annexations when:

      • The annexed territory is in a county with a population of 50,000 or more.
      • The annexation petition is either a unanimous consent or one-half approval type of annexation.

      Annexation, Attachment, Detachment Ordinances must contain:

      • Clerk’s certification that the documents are true and correct copies of originals and bear the clerk’s signature.
      • Copy of the ordinance, which must include population of the property being transferred, scale map of the property showing it proximity to the current boundary of the annexing municipality, legal description of the property being transferred, and ordinance effective date.

      Contact D.O.A. Division of Intergovernmental Relations, Municipal Boundary Review for more information.

      http://doa.wi.gov/municipalboundaryreview

      Affected School Districts

      Copy of approved annexation ordinance

      County Register of Deeds

      Copy of approved annexation ordinance

      Area Utilities

      Copy of approved annexation ordinance

      Municipal clerks should always involve the municipal attorney during the annexation process, or consult the Wisconsin Towns Association or League of Wisconsin Municipalities about procedural or legal questions.

      Frequently Asked Questions

        1. Why can’t I make unpopulated annexed property part of the contiguous ward even if the districts differ? Nobody votes there anyway.

        Wis. Stat. § 5.15(6)(a) provides “…no ward line adjustment may cross the boundary of a congressional, assembly or supervisory district…”  There is no provision in state law that exempts unpopulated territory from this requirement.  Ensuring proper ward designation at the time of annexation prevents confusion if vacant land subsequently becomes populated.

        2. If the property being annexed is in the same districts as another ward in the municipality annexing the property, can I “absorb” the annexed property into that ward, even if the ward is not contiguous to the annexed property?

        With the exception of island territory, the answer is “no.”  Property cannot be made part of an existing ward if it is not contiguous to that ward.  Annexed territory can only be absorbed into an existing ward if:

         

        • the territory being annexed is contiguous to the ward, and
        • the districts of the annexed territory are the same as the contiguous ward.

         

             Wis. Stat. § 5.15(1)(b) and (7).

        3. All of the districts in the annexed territory are the same as the contiguous ward, except the school district. Do I have to create a new ward if only the school districts are different?

        No.  A new ward is not required to be created if the districts of the annexed territory are identical to the contiguous ward, except for differing school districts.  Wis. Stat. § 5.15(6)(a).

        4. The districts in the annexed territory are the same as the contiguous ward. The population in the annexed area is currently minimal, but population growth in the area is anticipated. May a new ward be created in anticipation of that expansion?

        Yes.  Even though the annexed territory may be absorbed into the contiguous ward, the governing body may choose to make the territory a new ward and aldermanic district when population growth is expected.  Wis. Stat. § 5.15(1)(a)1. and (2)(f)4.

        5. The only difference between the annexed territory and the contiguous ward is the County Supervisory district. Can’t I just reassign the two voters in the annexed territory to the other County Supervisory District, rather than creating a new ward?

        No.  A new ward must be created.  The voters in the annexed territory remain in the Supervisory District in which they voted before the annexation unless the county board of supervisors redraws county supervisory district boundary lines to include those voters.  Wis. Stat. § 59.10(c).

        Wards, Districts, and Reporting Units

        Updated on Jun 13th, 2022

        Understanding wards and reporting units is essential to conducting elections. The district makeup of wards influences ballot styles, poll lists, voting equipment programming and reporting of election results. When a city or village annexes territory from a town, it is important to understand how the annexed territory will or will not fit into your existing ward plan.

        Wards and Districts

        The establishment of wards for purposes of elections and representation is provided in Wis. Stat. § 5.15. Wards are the building blocks from which congressional, state senate, assembly, county supervisory and aldermanic districts are created. All territory, even if unpopulated, must be contained in a ward. Wis. Stat. § 5.15(1)(b).

        Within a single ward, there can be only one of each of the following districts: congressional, state senate, assembly and county supervisory district. Wis. Stat. § 5.15(6)(a). In cities, each ward may contain only one aldermanic district. (School district boundaries do not follow ward lines, so there may be more than one school district in a given ward.) Wis. Stat. § 5.15(2)(bm).

        A “district” may be one ward or a group of wards. Congressional, state senate and assembly districts are comprised of many wards and cross municipal and county lines. County supervisory districts contain wards in a number of municipalities within the county. Aldermanic districts may be made up of several wards or just one ward within a city. Large or small, all districts are built from wards.

        Reporting Units

        Election results are reported by “reporting units.” A reporting unit may be one ward or a group of wards combined by resolution of the governing body. In places where the population is less than 35,000, the governing body may provide in the resolution to combine the election results for each set of combined wards. The governing body of a municipality of 35,000 or more may by resolution combine election returns of a ward with an adjacent ward if the ward has a population of 20 or less and the total population of the combined wards would not exceed that municipality’s population range for wards. Wis. Stat. § 5.15(6)(b).

        In order to combine two or more wards into one reporting unit, each ward must be made up of like districts. The reporting units for nonpartisan primaries and elections may differ from the reporting units for a partisan primary or general election. Clerks must be mindful of the district composition of the wards within their municipality. 

        Here is an example:

        City of Smith has 10 wards, divided into four aldermanic districts.  The City is also located in two Assembly Districts: Assembly District 3 and Assembly District 5 (shaded wards).

        Spring Primary and Election

         

        Fall Primary and Election

        Aldermanic Dist.

        Ward

         

        Ward

        Congressional Dist.

        Assembly

        Dist.

        1

        1

         

        1

        8

        5

        1

        2

         

        2

        8

        3

        1

        3

         

        3

        8

        3

        2

        4

         

        4

        8

        3

        2

        5

         

        5

        8

        5

        2

        6

         

        6

        8

        3

        3

        7

         

        7

        8

        3

        3

        8

         

        8

        8

        5

        4

        9

         

        9

        8

        5

        4

        10

         

        10

        8

        3

        For the spring nonpartisan primary or election, the wards with like districts would be combined in reporting units that represent the four aldermanic districts, as illustrated above. 

        Ald. Dist. 1 = Wards 1-3

        Ald. Dist. 2 = Wards 4-6

        Ald. Dist. 3 = Wards 7 & 8

        Ald. Dist. 4 = Wards 9 & 10

        However, the same reporting unit plan could not be used in a fall partisan primary or election because the wards that make up each aldermanic district are in two different assembly districts, as illustrated in the Fall Primary and Election chart.

        Attempting to report by aldermanic district would result in each reporting unit containing wards in different assembly districts (Assembly District 5 wards are bolded).

        Aldermanic District 1 = Wards 1, 2, 3

        Aldermanic District 2 = Wards 4, 5, 6

        Aldermanic District 3 = Wards 7 & 8

        Aldermanic District 4 = Wards 9 & 10

         

        In order for the fall reporting units to contain wards of like districts, the configuration would be:

        Wards 1, 5, 8, 9 (Assembly District 5)

        Wards 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10 (Assembly District 3)

        Confidential Voters

        Updated on Jun 28th, 2022

        Voters may be designated as confidential once they are registered through the standard Voter Registration form (EL-131).  Once the voter is registered through the standard process, they must then submit a completed Request for Confidentiality form (EL-146) along with an acceptable document supporting their need for confidentiality.

        Clerks will update or register the voters as confidential in the voter registration system to generate the confidential voter number. Clerks can contact the WEC who will provide clerks with the confidential voter card form (EL-148) where the number will be added by the clerk, who will then issue it to the voter. Reliers should work with their provider to update the voter to confidential voter status in the voter registration system. 

        If you have questions about confidential voters, please contact the WEC HelpDesk. 

         

        Attached below is a current list of eligible domestic abuse or sexual assault victim service providers

          Who is eligible to apply to become a confidential voter?

          Voters who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking may have the option for a confidential listing in the poll book.  Eligible individuals include:

          1. An individual who has been granted a protective order that is in effect related to either domestic abuse or harassment.
          2. An individual who is a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking where a person has been charged with or convicted of such an  offense and where the individual reasonably continues to be threatened by that person.
          3. An individual who resides in a shelter.
          4. An individual who has received services from a domestic abuse or sexual assault victim services provider within the last 24 months.
          5. An individual who is a participant in the Safe at Home program.
          What supporting documents are acceptable to apply for confidential voter status?
          1. A copy of a protective order that is still in effect.
          2. A completed Affidavit of Sheriff, Chief of Police, or District Attorney (EL-147), dated within 30 days of the date of the request.
          3. A statement signed by the operator or an authorized agent of the operator of a shelter that is dated within 30 days of the date of the request, which indicates that the operator operates the shelter and that the individual making the request resides in the shelter.
          4. A statement signed by an authorized representative of a domestic abuse victim service provider or a sexual assault victim service provider that is dated within 30 days of the date of the request.
          5. Confirmation from the Wisconsin Department of Justice that the requester is a participant in the Safe at Home address confidentiality program. 
          What are the impacts of the voter attaining confidential status?

          The voter's information will not appear in most WisVote search results or in Badger Voter's data requests. The voter will also not appear on MyVote search results, which restricts their ability to complete absentee requests online, however they may be emailed directly to the clerk. Confidential voter's do not need to supply a photo ID to vote absentee.

          How is a confidential voter handled at the polling place?

          Confidential voters will print in a separate section of the poll book without the voter's address.  Confidential voters are not required to show photo ID or state their address aloud to vote at the polling place, and will instead provide their confidential voter ID number that must match the confidential voter ID number printed on the poll book in place of their address. 

          Does confidential status expire?

          Yes, confidential voter status expires under the following conditions:

          • When the protective order expires. Wis. Stat. § 6.47(4)(a).
          • When the confidential elector no longer resides in a shelter. Wis. Stat. § 6.47(4)(a).
          • When updated information is received from a sheriff, chief of police, or district attorney that indicates the person is no longer qualified for a confidential listing. Wis. Stat. § 6.47(5)(a)1.
          • 24 months have passed since the creation/renewal of the confidential listing. Wis. Stat. § 6.47(4)(a).
          • The voter changes their name or address. Wis. Stat. § 6.47(5)(a) 2, 3.
          What should I do when the confidential status expires?

          When a confidential listing expires, the clerk shall change the registration of the confidential elector to inactive unless the confidential elector files a new request for a confidential listing or applies and qualifies for a nonconfidential voter registration. Wis. Stat. § 6.47(6).

          Inactive confidential voter registrations must be kept confidential until destroyed under Wis. Stat. § 7.23(1)(c).

          If the municipal clerk has notice that a confidential listing is scheduled to expire (end of the 24-month period), the clerk shall provide 30 days’ notice to the confidential elector of the scheduled expiration of the listing. Wis. Stat. § 6.47(7)(a).

          Election Security: wi.gov and .gov domains

          Updated on Feb 9th, 2024

          The WEC and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommend that municipal and county government emails, especially those used for election related information, should be easily identifiable as government entities. WEC and the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Enterprise Technology are assisting municipalities in obtaining wi.gov and .gov email domains to increase election security and trust in their official election communications.

          Obtaining a Trusted Domain for Your Municipality

          Wisconsin governmental jurisdictions may use either a wi.gov or .gov email address. The .gov domain is administered at the federal level, while the wi.gov domain is administered at the state level. In both cases, the actual email accounts are managed by private email providers for a fee.

          These two different levels of administration each require different sign-up processes, but both provide the trusted .gov domain. Directions for obtaining the wi.gov and .gov domain are in the Election Security .gov Domain Process document linked below. Additional information about common email providers are included in this document.

          Note: The process to request a wi.gov domain has changed. Municipalities will work directly with the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Enterprise Technology to authorize their domain name and establish DNS records. More information on the new process can be found in the Election Security .gov Domain Process document.

          Election Notices

          Updated on Mar 21st, 2024

          The clerk of the jurisdiction conducting an election is responsible for publishing or posting election notices for their respective jurisdictions.

          All notices that are required to be posted in the polling place must also be posted in 18pt font.

          Sample Notices

            Election Notices from WEC
              Type A Notices 2024

              The Type A Notice of the Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote to be held on Aril 2, 2024, contains the required information regarding the election and must be published by the county clerks on the 4th Tuesday in November preceding the election.

              The Type A Notice of the General Election to be held on November 5, 2024, contains the required information regarding the election and must be published by the county clerks on the 2nd Tuesday in April preceding the election.

              Type B Notice
              Type C Notice

              The Type C Notice of Referendum must be published the day before the Spring Election.  Whenever a weekly newspaper is used for publication, the notice shall appear in the newspaper's closest issue preceding the election.  You may choose to publish the Type C Notice on Saturday or Sunday preceding the election, if you determine that more effective notice will be given.

              A copy of the Type C Notice must be provided to municipal clerks for posting at each polling place on Election Day.

               

              Type A Notice (Notice of Election)

              The Type A Notice is an “announcement” that an election will occur in the near future.  The Type A Notice lists the offices up for election and the current incumbents.

              Dates of Publication

              For a spring election when municipal or school district candidates are to be elected - published on the 4th Tuesday of November preceding the spring election.

              For a special election for municipal office – published at least 40 days preceding the primary and election.  (Modify the sample notice to indicate “Special Election” and reflect applicable dates.)

              For municipal or school district referendum – Published on the 4th Tuesday preceding the primary or election at which the referendum will appear.

              Type B Notice (Instructions to Voters & Sample Ballot)

              The Type B Notice provides instructions to electors on the procedures for voting a ballot and also includes a sample ballot.

              Date of Publication

              The Type B Notice is published the day before the primary and election, or if a weekly paper is used, in the closest preceding issue.  The Type B Notice is also posted at the polling place on election day along with two sample ballots.

               

               

               

               

               

              Type C Notice (Notice of Referendum)

              The Type C Notice is different from the Type A Notice of Referendum.  It includes the resolution that directed the referendum, as well as an explanatory statement which describes the effect of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote.

              DATE OF PUBLICATION

              The Type C Notice is published the day before the primary or election at which the referendum will appear, or if a weekly paper is used, in the closest preceding issue.  The Type C Notice is also posted at the polling place on election day.

              Type D Notice (Hours and Location(s) of Polling Place(s))

              The Type D Notice is published for any regularly-scheduled* or special primary or election at which municipal, federal, state, county, municipal or school district or referenda appear on the ballot.

              DATE OF PUBLICATION

              The Type D Notice is published the day before the primary and election, or if a weekly paper is used, in the closest preceding issue.  The Type D Notice is also posted at the polling place on election day.

              Type E Notice (Absentee Voting)

              The Type E Notice informs the public of the times and locations where absentee voting is conducted for any regularly-scheduled* or special primary or election at which federal, state, county, municipal or school district offices or referenda appear on the ballot.

              DATE OF PUBLICATION

              The Type E Notice is published on the 4th Tuesday preceding a primary or election.

              POSTING IN LIEU OF PUBLICATION

              • Towns and villages may post the above notices in lieu of publication if no newspaper is published in municipality (Wis. Stat. 10.05). Posting must be done in at least three locations in municipality or in one physical location and the municipal website (Wis. Stat. 985.02(2)(a)).
              • The notice of the Voting Equipment Public Test is a Class I legal notice and is required to be published (Wis. Stats. 5.84(1) and 985.07(1)).
              • For notices required to be published within one week of the primary or election (Types B, C and D), posting must be done at least one week before the election.
              • For all other notices (Types A and E) - posting must be done no later than the required publication date.
              • Posting can be used to supplement publication.
              • The same manner of notification must be used for all notices pertaining to an election.
              • When changing the manner of noticing (changing from posting to publishing or vice versa) notice of the change must be given in the manner used before the change.

               

              *Regularly scheduled elections are:

              "Spring Primary" - nonpartisan primary held on the 3rd Tuesday in February - s.5.02(22), Stats. 
              "Spring Election" - nonpartisan election held on the 1st Tuesday in April - s.5.02(21), Stats. 
              "Partisan Primary" - primary held on the 2nd Tuesday in August - s.5.02(12s), Stats. 
              "General Election" - election held in even-numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November - s.5.02(5), Stats.

               

              Combining Notices and Costs

              County, municipal, and school district clerks may combine election notices where the notices contain identical information and when the levels of government share the same official newspaper.  The costs for these combined notices can be prorated between jurisdictions.

              Photo ID

              Updated on Aug 18th, 2023

              Election Day Voting

              Voter Registration and Proof of Residence

              Absentee Voting and Photo ID

              Communication tools for Local Election Officials

              Acceptable Photo IDs

              Print, Video, and Other Outreach Materials

              Frequently Asked Questions – Photo ID

                When will I be required to show a photo ID to vote?

                You will need to show an original copy of an acceptable photo ID to vote at your polling place or to cast an in-person absentee ballot at your municipal clerk's office.

                You will also be required to provide a photocopy of your ID to cast an absentee ballot by mail, with certain exceptions for military and permanent overseas voters and permanent absentee voters.

                The photo ID requirement is in effect for all elections after April 2015.

                What IDs are acceptable?

                Acceptable IDS

                These are acceptable for voting purposes, and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election (currently, the November 8, 2022 election):

                • A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, and with or without a star in the right-hand corner.

                • A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card, with or without a star in the right-hand corner

                • Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service

                • A U.S. passport

                • An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin (May be used even if expired before the most recent general election.)

                • A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, signature of student, and an expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance. (May be used even if expired before the most recent general election.)

                  • If the university or college ID is expired, the student ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves current enrollment.

                These photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:

                • A veteran’s photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs

                • A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented

                • A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)

                • An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)

                Do I need a special voter photo ID card?

                No. 

                There is no such thing as a "Wisconsin Voter ID Card."  The new Voter Photo ID Law uses existing photo IDs for people to prove their identity before voting. 

                Find out if your photo ID will work or learn how to get a free state ID card, which you can use to vote.

                How do I get a free photo ID to vote?

                You can get a free state ID card from the Division of Motor Vehicles if you do not already have a Wisconsin driver license.

                Photo ID Resources

                Photo ID Videos and TV Ads

                All Photo ID Videos

                Bring it to the Ballot

                You must show an acceptable photo ID to receive a ballot for all elections.

                Learn about Wisconsin's Voter Photo ID Law at BringIt.Wi.gov.

                Read More
                Bring it to the ballot
                Voter Information Center

                Certification or Recertification of Municipal Clerks

                Updated on Mar 21st, 2024

                2005 Wisconsin Act 451 requires that all municipal clerks attend a Wisconsin Elections Commission- sponsored training program at least once every 2 years, Wis. Stat. § 7.15(1m).  All Wisconsin municipal clerks must attend the Municipal Clerk Training Core Curriculum Course (MCT Core), by law, before they are considered certified to conduct an election.

                Clerks must report their election training and the number of hours to the WEC in ElectEd. Training not reported in ElectEd will not be counted towards recertification hours.

                As a Wisconsin municipal clerk, you should fall into one of the three following categories:

                  New Municipal Clerks

                  New clerks are required to take the 3-hour Municipal Clerk Core training class before their first election or by the end of the current 2024-2025 term if there are no scheduled elections to be considered certified. MCT Core is available in The Learning Center and upon completion, the certification form needs to be shared with WEC.

                  Clerks also need to accumulate three additional hours of election-related training - for a total of six hours - by December 31, 2025  to recertify for the 2026-2027  term. A list of approved MCT hours is listed below.

                   

                  TLC Access Forms
                  Municipal clerks who recertified for the 2024-2025 term

                  Clerks who met the recertification requirements by accumulating and reporting at least six hours of election-related training (for new clerks three of the six hours must be MCT Core) by December 31, 2025, recertified for the current 2024-2025 term.

                  During the 2024-2025 term, clerks need to accumulate and report at least six hours of election-related training to recertify for the 2026-2027 term. A list of approved MCT hours is listed below. Use the Municipal Clerk Reporting Form to report your training to the Commission or enter it into WisVote.

                  Municipal clerks who did not recertify for the 2024-2025 term

                  Clerks who failed to meet the recertification requirements have lost their certification and must start over. This means that in order to meet training requirements for election purposes in the 2024-2025 term, the municipal clerk must attend the 3-hour MCT Core training class and accumulate three additional hours of election-related training - for a total of six hours.

                  It is recommended that the training is completed by the first election of the new term.  The six hours of training will certify the clerk for the 2024-2025 term and will also recertify the municipal clerk for the 2026-2027 term.

                  The MCT Core class is available in the Elections Learning Center.  A list of approved MCT hours is listed below. Use the MCT Certification Form to report your training to the Commission. Use the reporting form for any other training that needs to be reported or enter it into WisVote.

                  Approved MCT Hours

                  Training opportunities that count toward recertification hours must be approved by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Examples of activities that count toward recertification hours include (not an exhaustive list):

                  • Webinar Sessions; either live, posted or using training discs (hours vary)
                  • Chief inspector or Municipal Clerk training classes (2 - 3 hours, once per term)
                  • WisVote and elections security training classes (hours vary)
                  • Election administration sessions; such as Security and Election Administration Tabletop Exercises; the roundtable discussions or presentations given by WEC staff at Wisconsin Towns Association or Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association meetings, among others (2-3 hours each)
                  • Election administration sessions, such as the Badger Book presentations or TTX sessions conducted by WEC staff or clerks.  (hours vary)
                  • Training you have received conducted by another county or municipal clerk that has been approved for recertification credit by WEC staff (hours vary)
                  • Voting equipment testing or training (1 hour total per 2-year cycle)
                  • Municipal Clerk Institute Election training; Presidential Academy Election training or other election-related training (hours vary)

                  If you have additional questions, please contact the training team at @email or 608-261-2033.

                  Voter List Maintenance

                  Updated on Jun 15th, 2023

                  Voter List Maintenance, commonly referred to as four year maintenance is outlined in Wisconsin Statutes §§6.50 (1) and (2) requires the Commission, in June following a general election, to mail notices to all voters who have been registered to vote for the past four years but have not voted. The notice indicates that voters’ registrations will be deactivated unless they request continuation of their registration within 30 days.

                  If the notice is returned as undeliverable or if the voter does not respond within 30 days, the Commission deactivates the voter’s registration in the statewide voter registration system. Voters who are deactivated do not appear on the poll list on Election Day and must reregister to vote. Pursuant to Wis. Stats. §6.50 (2r), the Commission must post voter record maintenance statistics on the agency website.

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