Due to the recent court decision regarding drop boxes in the Teigen v. WEC case, we have revised the uniform instructions for absentee voters to remove any reference to drop boxes. Attached to this communication are two updated versions of the uniform instructions that are based on the versions originally approved for use by the Wisconsin Elections Commission during their July 30, 2020 meeting. These versions are also posted on the agency website here.
The two separate instruction documents are:
Uniform Instructions for Wisconsin Absentee Voters
This is the version of the instructions that will be sent to voters who choose to receive their absentee ballots by mail and, as such, it is likely that this will be the version you use the most. These instructions are specific to by-mail absentee voters and do not include any information on emailed or faxed ballots.
Central Count Uniform Instructions
These instructions should be used in municipalities where central count is used for processing absentee ballots. This version is similar but contains information on how a voter can deliver their ballot in-person on election day.
Please note the Uniform Instructions for Military and Overseas voters did not contain drop box references and that version has not been changed.
Next Steps
Please update the Uniform Instructions you include with absentee ballots for the upcoming Spring Election on April 5, 2022. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. The Help Desk can be reached at (608) 261-2028 or by email at @email.