U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card As Photo Id For Voting

What Does A U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card Look Like?

The look of a U.S. Uniformed Service ID card can vary depending on what branch of the uniformed services the card is from and when it was issued. Here are photos of some of the more common U.S. Uniformed Service ID cards.

Can I Use A U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card To Vote In Wisconsin?

Yes! A U.S. Uniformed Service ID card can be used to vote in Wisconsin. You must show the original copy of your ID if you are voting in-person.

What Is A U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card?

This is an ID issued by the U.S. Department of Defense to members of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Public Health Services, U.S. Coast Guard, and spouses or dependents of service members. Retired U.S. Uniformed Service ID cards are acceptable.

Can My U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card Be Expired?

You may still use your expired U.S. Uniformed Service ID card for voting as long as it has expired since the last General Election. A U.S. Uniformed Service ID card is acceptable if there is no expiration date.

Does My U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card Need To Have My Current Address On It?

No. Your U.S. Uniformed Service ID card does NOT need to have a current address on it. When you present your photo ID to receive a ballot in the next election, the poll workers will not be looking at the address. However, if you still need to register to vote at your address, you will need to present a document called proof of residence that proves where you live, this could be your Wisconsin Driver License or it could be another document such as a utility bill.

What Will The Election Worker Be Looking For On My U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card?

The election worker will be looking for three things on your U.S. Uniformed Service ID card:

1. 1) 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.
2. 2) 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!
3. 3) An Expiration Date. They will be checking to see that your U.S. Uniformed Service ID card is either unexpired or has expired since the last General Election.

Can I Use My Veteran's ID To Vote?

Yes, an ID issued by Veteran Affairs (VA) can be used for voting in Wisconsin. In addition, if you have a retired U.S. Uniformed Service ID card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense that is unexpired or has no expiration date, you may use it for voting purposes.

Who Do I Contact With Questions About My U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card?

See dma.wi.gov for more information.

I Am Currently Serving In The Military, Do I Need To Provide ID When Voting?

If you are an active member of the U.S. Armed forces and you are currently away from your home in Wisconsin, you DO NOT need to provide a photo ID when requesting an absentee ballot. If, however, you choose to vote at the polls you will need to provide an acceptable form of photo ID to receive a ballot.

I Am Currently Stationed Away From Home, How Do I Get A Ballot?

Active members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Public Health, Merchant Marines, Peace Corps, and the spouses or dependents can request, in writing, that an absentee ballot be sent to them either by mail, email, fax, or online. Military voters can request and receive their absentee ballots online at MyVote.wi.gov.

Military voters and their dependents are also exempt from the voter registration requirement. Even if they are not registered to vote, they may still request an absentee ballot be sent to them. Click "Vote Absentee" on MyVote.wi.gov to request an absentee ballot.

What Else Do I Need To Know About U.S. Uniformed Service ID Cards?

When using a U.S. Uniformed Service ID card to vote, a separate WI State ID card is not required.

Some U.S. Uniformed Service ID cards do not have an expiration date on them. If there is no expiration date on the card, it is considered unexpired and can be used for voting. However, please be sure that the photograph on the card still reasonably resembles you.