What Does A Student ID Card Look Like?
The look of a student ID card can vary depending on the school, here is an example of an ID card with all the necessary components:
Can I Use A Student ID Card To Vote In Wisconsin?
Yes! A student ID can be used to vote in Wisconsin. However, there is specific information that must be included with your ID in order for it to be acceptable for voting. Wis. Stat. § 5.02(6m)(f).
Your student ID card must include:
- Your name
- Your signature
- Your photo
- The date the card was issued
- The issued date cannot be more than two years from the expiration date
- The date the card expires
- The card may still be used to vote even if it is expired*
* If a student ID is unexpired, the proof of enrollment document is not required. If the student ID is expired, the voter must also provide a document that shows enrollment in the school at the time of the election. This can be a document such as an enrollment verification letter, class schedule, tuition fee receipt, or certified campus housing list. You must show your original student ID if you are voting in-person but may show your proof of enrollment document electronically.
What Is A Student ID Card?
A student ID card is a “card issued by a university or college in this state that is accredited, as defined in s. 39.30 (1) (d), or by a technical college in this state that is a member of and governed by the technical college system under ch. 38.” Wis. Stat. § 5.02(6m)(f). This includes all 2 and 4 year colleges, universities and technical colleges in the State of Wisconsin System.
Can My Student ID Card Be Expired?
Yes. You may still use your student ID card even if it has expired, but you must also provide a document that shows you are enrolled in the school at the time of the election. Please be sure that your name is current on the student ID card and that the photo reasonably resembles you.
If the student ID is expired, the voter must also provide a valid proof of enrollment document. If the voter has an expired student ID and does not have a valid proof of enrollment document, they should not be permitted to vote a regular ballot unless they can provide another acceptable form of photo ID. If a voter is unable to meet the photo ID requirement, and they are otherwise qualified, they shall be permitted to vote a provisional ballot. For the provisional ballot to be counted, the voter must provide an acceptable form of photo ID prior to 4:00 p.m. on the Friday after the election. Wis. Stat. § 6.97(3)(b).
| Student ID Expired? | Proof of Enrollment? | Does this work as photo ID? |
|---|---|---|
| No | Not necessary | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | No | No |
Does My Student ID Card Need To Have My Current Address On It?
No. Your Student ID does not need to have a current address on it.
What Will The Election Worker Be Looking For On My Student ID Card?
The election worker will be looking for these things on your student ID card:
- Your Photo. Election workers know looks can change, but please make sure that if your appearance has significantly changed that your photo still reasonably resembles you.
- Your Name. Poll workers will be looking to see that your name matches what is on the poll book. It doesn't need to be an exact match. For example, if your ID says "Robert" but your voter registration says "Bob," that's ok!
- Your signature, and that there are no more than 2 years between the date the card was issued and the date the card expires.
What Do I Do If My Student ID Doesn't Meet The Requirements For Voting?
If your student ID does not have all of the features necessary to make it acceptable for voting, contact the Department of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Students at your institution. Many schools have a special voting compliant student ID that they will issue to students by request only.
If your school does not have an acceptable ID for voting purposes, there are other photo IDs you can use such as a Wisconsin Driver License, State of Wisconsin ID card, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, U.S. Uniformed Service ID, or a Tribal ID.
Who Can I Contact For More Information About Student ID Cards?
Please contact the student ID card office at the school you attend. The Department of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Students at your institution may also be able to help.
I Need To Register To Vote, Can I Use My Student ID Card To Register?
When you register to vote, you will need to show a proof of residence document. See Wis. Stat. § 6.34. This is a document that proves where you live in Wisconsin and is only used when registering to vote. This is a different requirement than showing photo ID when receiving your ballot.
Your Photo ID document proves who you are and it is only used when receiving your ballot.
If you need to register to vote, you may use your student ID card but you would also need to show the poll worker either a tuition fee receipt (valid for 9 months from issuance) or the poll worker may have a certified housing lists that shows student addresses.
Most students choose to use something other than their student ID when registering to vote. If you attend a public university, such as one of the University of Wisconsin institutions, you may use any document issued by that school, such as an enrollment verification letter as your proof of residence. Just remember it needs to include your name and address.
You can also use any of the other forms of proof of residence when registering to vote such as:
- A Wisconsin Driver License
- A Wisconsin State ID card
- A bank or credit card statement
- A utility bill (gas, electric, phone)
- A paycheck or paystub
This is not a complete list. For more information on registration and proof of residence, please visit: this page.
You may show your proof of residence document electronically using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.