The State of Wisconsin is nationally-recognized for its long history of ensuring military and overseas voters can participate in Wisconsin general elections. Wisconsin’s military and overseas voters located in faraway places around the globe need enough time to request, receive, vote and return their ballots.
he Wisconsin Legislature, Wisconsin Elections Commission, and local election officials provide many ways for these citizens to participate in the selection of their elected officials quickly and securely.
The following election materials must be sent via electronic means (fax/email), if requested: (1) Voter Registration Application (EL-131), (2) Application for Absentee Ballot (EL-121), (3) Absentee Ballots.
Municipal clerks will also be required to add electronic (fax and/or email) contact information to all materials sent to military and overseas electors. The electronic tracking of the receipt of military and overseas absentee ballots is required by Federal Law.
Tip Sheets for Clerks
Military and Overseas Voting Manual
Military and overseas voting can be complicated, and this guide serves as a resource for clerks, providing clarity around the many deadlines, voting and registration requirements, and other important processes.
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All military and overseas voters may have their official ballot sent to them electronically, by e-mail or fax, avoiding lengthy overseas mailing delays.
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Military electors do not have to register in order to vote in Wisconsin. They may simply request an absentee ballot for a single election or all elections in a calendar year using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form, which is available at all military installations, U.S. embassies and consulates around the world and online.
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Overseas voters may register to vote and request an absentee ballot using the same (FPCA) form.
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All military and overseas voters who have requested to vote absentee may submit a special federal write-in absentee ballot (FWAB) that is available at all military installations, at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world and online.
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Local election officials track the status of all absentee ballots for military and overseas voters using the statewide voter registration system.
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The Wisconsin Elections Commission has a special page on its website dedicated to providing information for military and overseas voters.
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The Commission regularly updates local election officials on their responsibility to military and overseas voters, and regularly monitors local compliance.
Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act
This page provides a brief history of the state of Wisconsin’s successful efforts to comply with the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act by moving primary dates and developing methods to speed delivery of absentee ballots to military and overseas voters.