Start of In-Person Absentee Voting (IPAV)

New chief inspectors are certified to conduct elections in the current 2024-2025 term once they have completed all seven sections of the Baseline Chief Inspector Training presentation and the Chief Inspector Self-Evaluation. This course is available in ElectEd or can be offered in person by a clerk.

Chief inspectors need to obtain another four hours of approved election training - for a total of six hours - by December 31, 2025 to recertify for the 2026-2027 term. All chief inspectors need at least six hours of approved election training every two years to maintain their certification.

Election Inspectors

Wisconsin statutes require that all election inspectors receive training at least once every two years.* §7.315(1)(b), Wis. Stats. The municipal clerk must provide this training and should document that the inspectors have been trained.

Currently, there is no specific prescribed curriculum or length of training. It is recommended that, at a minimum, election inspectors be instructed on the duties detailed in the Election Day Manual. It is the responsibility of the municipal clerk to ensure that election inspectors have received sufficient training prior to commencement of duties.

There is a Poll Worker Training Series available in ElectEd. Ask your municipal clerk for access.

Election Officials' Training Tables

Webinar Schedule

In-Person Training Schedule

General Poll Worker Training Topics

The videos that correspond to each training topic below can be found on ElectEd and on the WEC Vimeo channel.

Your Role as a Poll Worker

Thank you for your service and congratulations on your appointment! Being a poll worker is a difficult job, but we know you are up to the challenge. There are many procedures to understand and the rules for elections in Wisconsin are always changing, which makes your role even more difficult. We appreciate your dedication to serving voters and facilitating the democratic process here in Wisconsin. Here is some basic information about your position:

Sworn election official who takes oath of office for a two-year term (except High School student election inspectors).
As a poll worker you are required to receive training before serving in support of your first election.
As a poll worker you are entitled to be compensated for your work and your employer is required to allow you leave on Election Day to work as a poll worker.
You may be appointed from a party list but your job is to ensure voting goes smoothly on Election Day and all eligible voters can cast a ballot.

Your job is to facilitate democratic process, and not to act in the interest of a specific party when doing the following:

The polling place must be set up to process voters by 7:00 am on Election Day.
You should be ready to process voters when they arrive at the polling place.
You can use cell phones, read books, crosswords, etc. when there is down time in the polling place, but you should use good judgement when doing so.

No electioneering at the polling place, which is defined as any activity intended to influence voter’s ballot choices.

Attire – no politically-themed attire or materials/clothing/buttons supporting a candidate, political party or ballot initiative.
Conversation – no conversations about ballot candidates, political platforms of candidates, incumbency information or opinions on ballot initiatives such as referenda.
Other political conversations: Avoid other political topics of conversation that could violate electioneering rules and make voters uncomfortable.
Literature: polling places should not have any literature (signs, flyers, posters, newspapers, etc.) that could potentially influence voter’s ballot choices. Those materials should be removed or covered up during voting hours.

Assistance to voters is appropriate and welcome in many situations.

Assistance can be provided during all aspects of the voting process including helping a voter move around the polling place.
All voters are eligible to use the accessible voting equipment and poll workers should make that option known to voters.
All poll workers should be familiar with all voting equipment used at the polling place, including the accessible voting equipment.
All voters are eligible to receive assistance, either from a poll worker or from anyone of their choosing (provided it is not their boss or labor union representative).
Voter Registration – You can help with explaining and filling out the form to assist the voter.
State Name and Address – If a vopter cannot state their name and address at the poll book, a poll worker or assistant may state the name and address on the voter’s behalf.
Poll Book Signature – A voter may be exempted if voter cannot sign the poll book due to disability. A voter can sign using an ‘X’ if that is their regular signature or mark.
Voting – A voter can be assisted with filling out the ballot or using the accessible voting equipment. The assistor must fill out the section on the ballot for assistor information to have that information recorded on the poll list.
Poll workers may assist voters with placing a ballot in box or machine.
Curbside voting is required to be offered at each Wisconsin polling place regardless of the presence and availability of accessible voting equipment

Treat all voters with respect and courtesy!

Don’t presume anything about a voter’s eligibility or abilities based on their appearance.
Many voters have disabilities that are not apparent at a quick glance.
Others may appear to have certain/limited abilities but are able to participate independently or with limited assistance if required accessible voting equipment is available and proper assistance is provided.
Flexibility is key when communicating with voters of varying abilities. Ask a voter about their needs and how they prefer to communicate!
Use people first language. Use phrases like ‘voter who uses a wheelchair’ and ‘voter with a hearing impediment’.
The ability to understand the voting process and instructions in English is not required of voters. Many U.S. citizens speak a language other than English as their primary language. These voters are allowed to have an assistant interpret for them as they navigate the polling place and vote.
Avoid commentary to voters or other election officials about voter’s names, appearance, perceived qualifications, or perceived abilities.
All voters should be treated the same and are subject to the same set of rules, even friends, family and neighbors.

The polling place should be welcoming to voters and observers, and the focus should be on the orderly processing of voters throughout Election Day.

Observers are allowed in the polling place but must behave in accordance with the rules and should not cause a disturbance.
Observers should remain in the observation area and should not interact with voters, unless the voter requests their assistance.
Observers who cause a disturbance may be removed at the request of poll workers, particularly the Chief Inspector, if they are unwilling to leave when asked.

Polling place set up and management increases the ability for voters to participate without unnecessary assistance.

The voting area should be set up to allow for good voter flow.
Accessibility is essential, including good lighting in the voting area and on pathways both inside and outside the building.
Use a checklist to ensure all standards being met and to review the polling place before the polls open to ensure space set up for good voter flow.
Make sure all voting equipment is set up and functioning when polls open. Poll workers should be familiar with the equipment and able to answer voter questions about how they work.
Periodically review the polling place to make sure nothing has changed during the day or any political literature is not available.
Ensure that supplies such as pencil, paper, signature guides and page magnifiers are available for each election.

Documentation is important.

Use the Inspector’s Statement to document any incidents that occur on election day, especially incidents such as ballot jams on the voting machine that may impact the vote totals at the end of the night.
These notes will help you reconcile at the end of the night and help the various Boards of Canvassers to recreate the events of Election Day when certifying election results.
Actions such as using the override function on the voting equipment, remaking a ballot and asking an observer to leave the polling place are great examples of things that should be recorded on the log.
When in doubt, write it down!

Voting Equipment

Having a proper understanding of the voting equipment used in the polling place is an integral duty of an election inspector. In addition to being familiar with the normal operation of the equipment, it is also important to know how to maintain and secure the equipment during an election, how to explain its use to an elector, how to assist an elector if requested, and who to contact if something goes wrong.

By having a more in-depth understanding of the voting equipment, election inspectors can help ensure both the accuracy and security of elections while maintaining voter confidence in the electoral process.

Voting Equipment Types

Municipalities throughout Wisconsin use a variety of voting equipment. Regardless of the municipality or the vendor with whom they work, however, voting equipment is broken down into three main categories: optical scan equipment, ballot marking devices and direct recording electronic (DRE) equipment. In some cases, municipalities may use a combination of these equipment types in their polling places.

Optical Scan Tabulators

This equipment tabulates votes by scanning ballots as they are fed in by the voter.
- Depending on the municipality, optical scan ballots will either require the voter to complete an arrow or fill in an oval to indicate their vote.
It is important to understand how optical scan tabulators’ function, as voters may have questions about the proper use of the equipment.
- Election inspectors should not only understand how to set up, turn on, and shut down the equipment, but should also know how to address ballot jams and how to interpret any error screens or warnings that the equipment may display when a ballot is inserted.
- Certain types of equipment may have auxiliary ballot bins in addition to the primary storage receptacle into which ballots are deposited after they are tabulated. Inspectors should be aware of any additional bins and their functions.
- Inspectors should also know where all the tamper-evident seals on a piece of equipment are located, as the serial numbers from these seals must be recorded in the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).

Ballot Marking Devices (BMD)

Ballot marking devices are ADA-compliant voting machines that can mark a ballot on behalf of the voter.
There are several different types of BMDs approved for use in Wisconsin, and your polling place may have an ExpressVote, ImageCast Evolution (ICE), ClearAccess or AutoMark.
Poll workers should familiarize themselves with the basic functions of the machine so they can explain how it works to voters. They should be familiar with the following procedures:
- Proper machine set up that accounts for accessibility and privacy
- Turn the machine on and off
- Activate the correct ballot style
- Change ink cartridge (if applicable)
- Navigate the screens and make ballot choices, including adding write-ins
- Print ballot, or ballot card
Poll workers may need to activate the correct ballot style on the machine if a voter wishes to use the machine to assist them.
To use these machines, the voter inserts an unvoted ballot, or ballot card, and uses the touchscreen to make their choices.
At the end of the voting process, the voter is provided with a summary screen that details their choices and allows them to revisit contests to change their votes.
The voted ballots, or ballot cards, are then scanned by the optical scan tabulator or placed in a ballot box.
Poll workers can gain experience with the machine by using it to vote themselves on Election Day or by practicing during the public test.
All voters may use the accessible equipment and it should be set up by the opening of polls in a visible place in the voting area.

Direct Recording Electronic (DRE)

As with optical scan equipment, certain DREs also tabulate votes electronically. However, DREs differ in that they are touchscreen devices that allow the voter to mark his or her ballot directly on the equipment.
DREs employ what is known as a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), which, depending on the equipment, will either mark the voter’s choices on a feedable roll of paper or on a paper ballot for verification. The VVPAT is considered the official ballot.
- Election inspectors should know how to address and document issues with the VVPAT, which may jam or misfeed while a ballot is being cast. It is also important to have a general understanding of how to load or refeed the paper roll into the equipment, as it will likely need to be replaced during an election.
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), every polling place must have at least one piece of accessible equipment set up, readily available, and ready for use by any elector during an election. As with optical scan equipment, it is imperative that election inspectors understand how this equipment works so that they may either explain its functions to or assist an elector with casting a ballot.
Accessible equipment should be set up to eliminate any physical barriers and to ensure both the privacy and independence of anyone who may need to use it.
Inspectors should know where all the tamper-evident seals on a piece of equipment are located, as the serial numbers from these seals must be recorded in the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).

Voting Equipment Procedures

Prior to Election Day

Inspectors should be trained on proper use and maintenance of any equipment being used in the polling place in advance of Election Day.
- At a very basic level, this training should include how to turn the equipment on, how to turn it off, how to cast a ballot, and how to explain any of these processes to an elector.
- Inspectors should also be aware of how to address common issues, e.g., ballot jams, paper roll replacement, or ballot errors such as overvotes, crossover votes, etc., that may come up while electors are casting votes.
In addition to training, clerks should also provide appropriate contact information to inspectors as to whom to contact if an equipment issue or malfunction cannot be readily resolved.
- Suggestions for key points of contact on this matter are typically the clerk’s office or a representative of the vendor that manufactured the equipment.
It is also suggested that inspectors attend a pre-election voting equipment test.
- These tests, required by statute, ensure that the equipment tabulates votes accurately and correctly.
- By attending these public tests, inspectors can supplement any existing training on the equipment by assisting with the test deck of ballots, feeding the ballots into the equipment, and by more closely observing the reconciliation process on a smaller scale.

Election Day

Placement of voting equipment is an important aspect of setting up the polling place. All equipment should be set up to ensure:
- That it is easily accessible (particularly with regard to accessible voting components).
- That it is private.
- That all components necessary for using the equipment are also present.
Prior to opening polls, and prior to any ballots being cast, election inspectors must witness a test of any tabulators in the polling place to ensure a zero count.
- Inspectors must print a report showing a zero-count for all candidates and referenda on the ballot. Witnesses should also verify that the counter on the equipment is correctly set at zero.
- This report must be signed by the officials witnessing the test and should not be separated from the rest of the paper roll.

Security procedures:

At the start of Election Day, the serial numbers on all tamper evident seals in a polling place must be recorded on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104). The serial numbers on the EL-104 will be reviewed and compared at the end of the day to verify that the seals are intact and have not been tampered with in any way.
- Tamper evident seals are placed in various places on a piece of equipment. Inspectors should be aware of and document serial numbers from all seals on the equipment, including the serial number of any memory device used by the system.
- While not a requirement, it is also recommended that inspectors review and verify the seal numbers throughout the day to confirm that they match the information recorded on the Inspectors’ Statement.
- If there are any security concerns with the equipment, inspectors should notify the Chief Inspector or the clerk immediately.
- Depending on the municipality and the polling place, the clerk may have additional security procedures that inspectors should be aware of and adhere to throughout Election Day.
Throughout the course of the day, inspectors should monitor the equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly and that voters are not having/causing any issues with the equipment.
- Any issues with the equipment, including jams, accidental misfeeds, etc., should be documented on the Inspectors’ Statement accordingly.
- Depending on the type of equipment used, it is likely that the VVPAT paper roll or ink cartridges will need to be replaced multiple times throughout the day. Inspectors should be able to complete these processes efficiently and correctly.
- It is necessary to have enough paper ballots on-hand for every elector. This is especially important in the event of an equipment malfunction that renders the equipment unusable.
An inspector may be asked to explain the equipment or to assist an elector in casting a ballot, so it is key that there is not only an understanding of the equipment itself, but a clear understanding of the ballot and all offices, candidates, and referenda that appear on it.
After the polls have closed, inspectors should once again verify that the serial numbers on the equipment’s tamper evident seals and any memory devices conform with the numbers previously recorded on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
- This verification must occur prior to any seals being broken or any memory devices being removed from the equipment.
Inspectors must then print a results report (tape) on each piece of equipment.
- One copy of this report and any memory device from the equipment must be placed in a sealed container, which must then be signed by the chief inspector and two additional inspectors.
- Alternatively, memory devices may remain sealed in their respective pieces of equipment.
Depending on the equipment used, inspectors may have to manually compile results from DRE equipment with results from optical scan equipment. It is important to have a set procedure in place if this process is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the optical scan or direct recording electronic equipment malfunctions? Whom should you contact?

The clerk should be contacted top assist with fixing the problem. They may be able to assist over the phone or they may have to contact the vendor to help address the problem.

What is a voter verifiable paper audit trail, or VVPAT?

A voter-verified paper audit trail is a paper ballot or paper record of one’s votes that can be hand-counted, i necessary. For optical scan voting the VVPAT is the actual ballot, or ballot card, and for DRE voting it is the ballot receipt that is generated when each voter uses the machine.

At what point on Election Day should the tamper evident seals be verified against the numbers on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104)?

Those numbers are required to be verified before the polls open and also at the close of polls, but it is a great practice verify them on shift change and at other points during the day.

Who is allowed to cast a ballot on a piece of accessible voting equipment?

Any voter who either wants or needs to use that equipment. It must be made available to everyone, not just voters who would benefit from the use of the equipment.
Click here to view, download, and print a fact sheet about the accessible voting equipment in your municipality.

A zero-count result report should be printed by each piece of equipment prior to opening the polls. Should this report be kept with the primary results report or securely stored separately until polls close?

The zero report should be kept attached to the results report and stored securely with other election materials after the polls close.

If a tamper evident seal has been broken during Election Day, what is the appropriate course of action?

You should document this incident on the Inspectors Statement and contact your clerk immediately.

If a poll worker is unable to explain how to correctly use a DRE or accessible voting device, is it appropriate to have the voter complete an optical scan ballot by hand instead?

No, the voter is still entitled to use the machine and the clerk should be called so that proper instruction can be provided.

What are some common equipment issues that should be recorded on the Inspectors’ Statement?

Some common issues include, ballot jams, equipment malfunctions, changing paper rolls, emptying ballot bins, verifying tamper-evident seal numbers, and using the override function.

What are some problems that an inspector should be able to resolve without escalating the issue to the chief inspector or the clerk’s office?

Some of these problems include basic operation of the equipment, such as turning it on/off, clearing jams, changing paper rolls, explaining basic functions of the machine to voters, emptying ballot bins, and transmitting election results are good examples of problems and tasks that poll workers should be familiar with.

Opening the Polls

The preparation of the polling place is crucial to maintaining a functional Election Day. Organizing the polling place to allow for the orderly flow of voters and familiarizing yourself with the different forms and materials will allow for a successful opening of the polls and efficient Election Day.

Preparing the Polling Place

Show up early to your polling place
- Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and it is important that you have enough time to prepare the polling place and have all necessary documents completed before the first voter casts their ballot. Check with your municipal clerk on what time you are expected to be at the polling place on Election Day.
Establish an official clock
- The clock on the voting equipment isn’t always accurate, so the inspectors should identify an official clock and note this on the inspector’s statement. Cell phones accurately keep time and frequently serve as official clocks.
Be familiar with the traffic flow on Election Day
- It’s recommended that the voter registration, check-in and voting areas are separate to ensure a smooth flow of voter traffic
- The way a polling place is set up impacts the voting experience and your ability to do your job. Make sure to keep in mind the general flow of voters through the room and voting process, and to make sure that everyone can vote privately and cast their ballot independently, including voters using any accessible voting equipment.
Signage
- Traffic to and through the voting area can be improved by posting “Enter,” “Exit,” and “Voter Registration” signs in appropriate places. In addition, signs marking the accessible entrance and path should be prominently posted and easy to read from the parking lot.
- All signage should be printed in size 18 font or larger.
- Directions that instruct voters to state their name and address, provide proof of identification and sign the poll book are optional, but can make the check-in process more efficient.
- Place a sign outside the polling place with information on how a voter can get assistance with curbside voting.
Observer Area
- Anyone, other than a candidate on the ballot, can observe the polling place.
- A designated observation area should be identified in the voting area that permits observers to readily observe all public aspects of the voting process. When physically possible, the observation area should be no less than 3 feet, or more than 8 feet from the table where electors are announcing their name and address, signing the poll list and being issued a voter number and the table where Election Day registration is occurring. Observers should be placed so that they can hear the interactions of voters with election officials, but not so that they interfere with the voting process.
- Observers may not handle or inspect proof of residence or photo ID documents.

Necessary Forms
Your municipal clerk will have created a packet containing the various forms that you will need to use during Election Day. Review the forms to ensure that all necessary documents are completed and easily located if they are needed.

Forms and Supplies
- Ballots and Sample Ballots
  - What is it?
    - Two sample ballots for every ballot style must be posted at the polling place. These sample ballots have all of the contests that will be voted on during that day’s election.
  - Where should they be placed?
    - A location where voters can easily locate and review.
- Ballot Bags (EL-101)
  - What is it?
    - There should be a ballot bag for each ballot style per reporting unit. If you have a consolidated ballot, you only need one per reporting unit.
    - If you are a hand-count municipality, you may need to have a county, state, and federal bag, a municipal bag, a school district bag, and potentially a referenda bag.
  - Where should they be placed?
    - The ballot bags should be placed away from voters, in a spot that the Election Inspectors can locate.
- Envelope for Rejected Certificate Absentee Ballot Envelope (EL-102)
  - What is it?
    - Election officials place all Rejected Absentee Ballot Certificate Envelopes (EL-122) in the brown carrier envelope.
    - Must be returned to the clerk who provided it for that election.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Rejected Certificate Absentee Ballot envelope should be placed away from voters, in a spot that Election Inspectors can locate when processing/rejecting absentee ballots.
- Envelope for Used Certificate Absentee Ballot Envelopes (EL-103)
  - What is it?
    - Election inspectors place the Used Absentee Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-122) in the white carrier envelope after determining it has been properly executed and after removing the absentee ballots. The used envelope is returned to the clerk who provided it for that election.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The envelope for Used Certificate Absentee Ballot envelope should be placed away from voters, in a spot that Elections Inspectors can locate when processing absentee ballots.
- Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104)
  - What is it?
    - All challenged, spoiled, damaged, defective, remade, objected to and rejected ballots must be documented using this form.
    - This statement should provide an accurate account of the election inspectors’ decisions concerning all ballot irregularities and describe any other occurrences or irregularities at the polling place (that may or may not affect the validity of the election). If in doubt, document it on the Inspectors’ Statement.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Inspectors’ Statement should be placed in an easy to access location, away from voters. This will be a document used relatively frequently throughout the day.
- General Purpose Tally Sheets (EL-105)
  - What is it?
    - Election inspectors or tabulators use tally sheets for counting hand-count paper ballots and recording the number of votes cast for each candidate. This includes write-in votes, or in the case of a referendum, the yes and no votes.
    - Where optical scan ballots are used, a write-in tally sheet is used to count and record write-in votes.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The General Purpose Tally Sheet should be placed in a location that is easy for election inspectors to find at the end of the night, when doing any of the necessary hand counts.
- Municipal Canvass Report (EL-106)
  - What is it?
    - The municipal board of canvassers completes this report, certifies the municipal election results, and officially determines the winners.
    - In municipalities with one ward or where all wards vote at a single polling place and results are combined, the election inspectors constitute the municipal board of canvassers for that election
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Municipal Canvass Report should be placed in a safe and secure location away from voters, in a spot that the Chief Inspector can locate.
- Poll List and Supplemental Poll List (EL-107): (also known as the poll book, voter list or the registration list)
  - What is it?
    - The poll book contains the names and addresses of registered voters in a ward or combination of wards. Each ward or combination of wards will have two poll lists, which must be maintained identically on Election Day. Election inspectors use poll lists to ensure only registered voters cast a ballot, and to capture certain information about each registered voter who receives a ballot.
    - Note: Voters need to sign only one copy of the poll list. All voters should sign the same poll list.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Poll List and Supplemental Poll List should be located and staffed at the designated sign in table. The Poll Lists need to be located on a table where both Election Inspectors and voters have easy access.
- Registered Write-In Candidate List
  - What is it?
    - The municipal clerk should supply elections inspectors with a list of registered write-in candidates on Election Day.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Registered Write-In Candidate List should be placed in a location that can be easy accessed by Election Inspectors but should NOT be posted with election notices. The list is given to voters upon request.
- Ineligible Voter List
  - What is it?
    - The list of felons in a county or municipality that are currently under the Department of Correction’s supervision. These individuals are on probation, parole, or extended supervision and are ineligible to vote.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Ineligible Voter List should be located near the check in table or EDR location as those two areas will be using it the most throughout election day.
- Inspectors’ Certificate of Provisional Ballots (EL-108)
  - What is it?
    - Election inspectors use this envelope to secure any provisional ballots voted on Election Day.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - This should be placed in a secure location away from voters, in a spot that the Chief Inspector can locate.
- Election Observer Form (EL-109)
  - What is it?
    - Individuals who wish to observe the conduct of the election and/or election administration event should legibly list their full name, street address and municipality, and the name of the organization or candidate the observer represents, if any.
    - The observer shall also sign this form acknowledging the observer understands the rules and will abide by them.
    - Additionally, an observer must present photo identification to an election inspector. Any type of photo identification is acceptable so long as it features a photo of the observer and the observer’s name.
    - An election official shall verify by marking on the EL-109 that the observer’s name listed on the EL-109 matches the photo identification.
- If the information on the photo identification does not match the information on the observer log, the individual shall not be permitted to serve as an observer.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Election Observer Form should be placed near the designated area where Election Observers are to observe.
- Order to Leave Polling Place (EL-110)
  - What is it?
    - In the event that a chief inspector orders an observer to leave a polling place, the chief inspector shall provide this written order to the observer which includes the reason for the order and the signatures of the chief inspector as well as another election inspector representing the opposite political party, if available.
    - The chief inspector shall have sole authority to order the removal of an observer, but the other election inspector may note whether they agree or disagree with the decision on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Order to Leave Polling Place form should be placed away from voters, in a spot that the Chief Inspector can locate.
- Election Observers Rules-At-A-Glance
  - What is it?
    - This brochure is available from the WEC website. It is a summary of the rules for election observers and a copy should be provided to all individuals who wish to observe the conduct of the election and/or election administration event.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - The Election Observers Rules-At-A-Glance should be placed near the designated area where Election Observers are to observe.
- Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelopes (EL-123)
  - What is it?
    - Each provisional ballot is placed in a separate provisional ballot certificate envelope. Every provisional voter must complete the certification and seal his or her ballot inside the envelope.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - This should be placed in a location away from voters, in a spot that the Chief Inspector can locate, near the other Provisional Ballot materials.
- Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r)
  - What is it?
    - Election inspectors use this form to record the details of each provisional ballot issued on Election Day.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - This should be placed in a location away from voters, in a spot that the Chief Inspector can locate, near the other Provisional Ballot materials.
- Absentee Ballot Log (EL-124)
  - What is it?
    - This form should be used to track absentee ballots at the polling place to indicate whether the vote was counted.
  - Where should it be placed?
    - This should be placed in a location away from voters, in a spot that the Election Inspectors who process Absentee Ballots can locate.
- Presidential Only Ballot Forms:
  - What is it?
    - Presidential elections require two additional forms. These forms are used for individuals who moved to Wisconsin less than 28 days before a presidential election. These individuals are eligible to vote in the presidential contest only.
    - Authorization to Cancel Registration - New Wisconsin Resident (EL-139)
    - Application for Presidential Ballot (EL-141)
  - Where should it be placed?
    - These should be placed in a secure location away from voters, in a spot that the Chief Inspector can locate.

Voter Information and Notices

General Rules

The following documents need to be posted at the polling place in location that is easy for voters to find. The font size of these documents should be at least 18 point:

Notices
- Relevant portions of the voting instructions from the Type B notice, the text of the Type C notice for each referendum, if applicable, and the Type D notice of polling place hours must be posted.
Sample Ballots: Two copies of each type of ballot
Statement of Election Fraud (EL-111): Documents the laws and applicable penalties for election fraud.
Notice of Crossover Voting (EL-112): Explains the effect of crossover voting at a partisan primary and is posted at a partisan primary only. The EL-112m should be used in municipalities that use optical scan voting equipment.
Notice of the Effect of Overvoting (EL-113): Explains the effect of overvoting in a particular contest and how to obtain a replacement ballot if a voter makes a mistake.
Voter Qualification Poster (EL-115): explains the requirements for an individual to be a qualified elector.
Voting Rights (EL-117): provides general information on voting rights protected by federal law.
Contact Information (EL-118): provides electors with contact information if they have concerns with the voting process. The blank sections should be filled in before Election Day by the municipal clerk.
Ward Maps (required) & Street Directory (recommended): indicating all the wards in the municipality served by that polling place and which streets are in each ward along with the location of each polling place.

Review ballot and contingency plans

Ballot
- Together with other inspectors, review and familiarize yourself with the ballot.
  - Inspectors should know what offices and referenda are on the ballot.
- Communicate any registered write-in candidates and the office they are pursuing.
- Note if you have different ballot styles at your polling place and ensure that there are separate processes to ensure that voters get the correct ballot with the correct contests.
- Count back 50 ballots from the bottom of the pile and place a Post-It or other note that there are 50 remaining ballots.
  - If you get to this point, have the chief inspector contact your municipal clerk to have more ballots delivered.
Contingency Plan
- Review the contingency plan for your polling place and determine who will be responsible for what should there be an emergency evacuation of the polling place during Election Day
- Review potential contact information and ensure that all contact information is accurate and up to date.

Ensure voting booths are set up correctly

Every polling place needs at least one booth per every 200 electors who voted in the last general election.
- It does not matter if it is going to be a “small turnout election” – The booths still need to be set up and ready for voters.
- All booths must be set up in the same area (including any accessible equipment or tables) but need to be separate from the check-in and registration tables.
Accessibility
- At least one booth needs to be at least 30 inches wide with a writing surface between 28 and 34 inches high to meet accessibility standards.
- Keep in mind that this booth needs to be accessible to people using a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, and needs to be private.
- Accessible voting equipment must be turned on and facing away from the general public – all voters using the accessible equipment must have the ability to vote in private and not have their selections shown to people passing by. The equipment should also be set up with enough clear floor space to allow for wheelchair access.
- All election inspectors should be trained on how to use the accessible voting equipment and should be able to explain to a voter how to mark a ballot on the equipment.
- The equipment should be tested as part of the pre-election test.

Tabulators and Ballot Boxes

Tabulators
- If you are using optical scan equipment, verify that the tamper evident seal is intact, and record the number in the inspector’s statement.
  - The chief inspector compares the serial numbers recorded on the inspectors’ statement to the serial numbers on the security tags on the machine at the beginning and end of the day. The chief inspector should initial in the spaces provided to confirm that the checks were completed and the seals were intact.
- All inspectors should be trained on how to use the voting equipment and should know how to:
  - Turn the equipment on and off
  - Be able to explain to an elector how to cast a ballot on the equipment
  - Be able to properly load and unload the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT), also known as the paper roll
  - Know who to contact if there is an issue with the voting equipment
- Print the Election Day Zero-Count tape
  - Before any ballots are cast on Election Day, inspectors need to witness a test of the tabulation component by performing a zero-count test to ensure that the machine will start counting at zero.
  - The zero-count tape is required to be signed by the witnesses and should not be separated from the remainder of the roll. Leave the printout attached to the roll.
Ballot Boxes
- If your polling place uses hand count paper ballots, you will need to have a ballot box for each ballot used in the election.
  - Even if direct recording electronic (DRE) equipment is primarily used at the polling place, you still need a ballot box to process absentees, assisted ballots, challenges ballots, etc.
- There needs to be enough paper ballots at the polling place for every voter, regardless if they usually use the DRE equipment or not.
- Each ballot box needs to be clearly labeled to indicate which ballots can be deposited there.
  - If you have more than one reporting unit at a polling place, you will need to have one ballot box per ballot per reporting unit.
- Each ballot box needs to be securely locked.
  - Lock should be reviewed periodically by the chief inspector to verify that the ballot box hasn’t been tampered with.

Frequently Asked Questions
What can I tell voters about referenda?

Voters asking about referenda should be referred to the posted copy of the Type C notice containing the text of the referendum and an explanatory statement of the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote. Straying from these official documents could persuade the voter to vote a certain way and could be grounds for dismissal of the election inspector.

Should I post the names of write-in candidates?

No. Inspectors will be given a list of registered write-in candidates that they can show a voter if specifically asked for the list, but this list should not be listed publicly.

What should I be writing in the Inspector’s Statement (EL-104)?

Anything and everything. The Inspector’s Statement is the official explanation of Election Day and can be used to figure out discrepancies. When in doubt if you should record information in the Inspector’s Statement or not, always record it.

Greeters

Greeters may be the first person a voter sees and interacts with at the polling place on Election Day. Greeters need to be able to work courteously with the public.

Greeters should, at a minimum, acknowledge voters and assist them in opening the doors if needed. Additionally, greeters can serve as a resource for answering questions about the polling place and where an elector needs to go to register to vote or receive a ballot.

A greeter can help the traffic flow in the polling area by directing voters quickly to the correct location or table for registration or poll book check-in. The greeter position can be especially beneficial during high turnout elections.

Greeters may

Direct voters to the correct ward, registration table or poll book table.
Answer general questions about the voting process or direct questions to the Chief Inspector.
Review a voter’s proof of residence and/or photo ID and advise the voter if the document(s) is acceptable. The voter must still provide the document(s) to the election inspectors to register to vote or be issued a ballot.
Check to see if a voter is in the right polling place by searching the voter’s address in MyVote, on a district map or on another copy of the poll list.
Direct voters to the correct polling place.
Substitute for election inspectors taking a break if also trained and appointed as an election inspector.
Assist with the curbside voting process.
Help maintain clear pathways for voters to enter and move through the polling area in an orderly manner.

Greeters may not

Participate in the canvass after the polls close.
Participate in any official election inspector duties, e.g. canvass, voter registration, issuing ballots, unless appointed as such an official to substitute for election inspectors during breaks, lunch, or as other needs arise.
Be counted toward the odd number of election inspectors required to be in the polling place on Election Day.
Issue voter numbers.
Check a voter for acceptable proof of residence and/or photo ID in place of the election inspectors’ inspection of the documentation.
Answer questions about the status of registered write-in candidates.
Answer questions about the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote on a referendum.

Voter Registration

Election Inspectors register voters at the polls on Election Day. The clerk may also appoint Election Registration Officials (EROs) to register voters at the polls. EROs do not count toward the odd number of election workers needed in the polling area on Election Day. EROs can also be appointed as election inspectors and substitute for inspectors during breaks, lunch, etc. At a voter’s request, an election inspector can assist a voter with filling out a voter registration application and filling out a ballot.

Voter Registration Application (EL-131)

The application is broken down into 10 separate sections, plus an administrative section at the bottom of the form.

Section 1

The voter should review these answers to ensure that they are eligible to vote. If they do not meet any of the qualifications, they should stop filling out the application.

Section 2 and 3

The voter must provide last name, first name, middle name (if they have one) as it appears on the document provided in Section 8 and date of birth. Providing a phone number and email is optional and the information is subject to public record requests.

Section 4

The voter lists current residential street address, including apartment, city, state and zip code.

Tip: P.O. Boxes may not be listed as the residential street address.

Mark Military or Permanent Overseas if applicable.

Tip: Military and permanent overseas voters do not have to provide proof of residence.
Sections 5 and 6

Voters with a different mailing address as provided in Section 4 should list it in Section 5.
Voters should provide their previous name.
Voters are required to provide the previous address if they were registered to vote at another location.

Tip: Sometimes voters can’t remember their previous address, but may recall part of their previous address and/or municipality.

Section 7

If the voter has been issued an unexpired Wisconsin-issued driver license or identification card, the voter must provide the number.

Tip: The voter is not required to present the driver license or identification card to election officials unless they are also using that document as proof of residence or photo ID.

If the voter cannot or will not provide the number, they may vote provisionally.

Tip: The driver license or identification card number must then be provided at the polling place by 8:00 p.m. or to the municipal clerk by 4:00 p.m. the Friday following the election.

Tip: Voters can call the DMV at (608) 7447 to get their DL#.

If the voter has an unexpired Wisconsin-issued driver license or identification card, when the voter completes the EL-131, the voter must include the driver license expiration date in Box 2.

Tip: If the voter does not have the license or know the expiration date, the election inspector should ask the voter if the license is unexpired. If the voter indicates that the license is unexpired, the election inspector should write “voter affirmed” in the expiration date field on the application.

Tip: If voter indicates the license is expired, the voter should be requested to list the driver license number for matching purposes but must list the last four digits of his or her Social Security number.

If the voter does not have a Wisconsin Driver License or state-issued ID card, the voter must list the last four digits of their social security number.
If the voter has not been issued a Wisconsin Driver License or state-issued ID card, or a social security number, the voter should fill in the oval indicating they have neither.

Section 8

Voter must provide proof of residence. Electronic POR is acceptable.

Acceptable Proof of Residence
(Must include voter’s name and Wisconsin residential address.)

An unexpired Wisconsin driver license or receipt for license.
A Wisconsin ID card that has not been cancelled or receipt for ID card.
Any other official ID card or license issued by a WI governmental body or unit.
Any ID 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.
A residential lease: A residential lease should contain: Landlord and tenant names, address of the leased property, term of the lease, landlord and tenant signatures, and amount of rent.
A university, college or technical institute identification card (must include photo, address not required) with one of the following:
- A fee payment receipt issued to the cardholder by the university, college, or technical college dated no earlier than 9 months before the date of the election.
- A certified and current list of students who reside in housing sponsored by the university, college, or technical college showing the current address of the students.
A utility bill (gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone/mobile, cable/satellite TV, internet, etc.) for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before Election Day.
Bank statement

Tip: Credit card and mortgage statements are acceptable. Credit card offers are not.

Paycheck or paystub documentation of direct deposit.
A check or other document issued by a unit of government. Examples of government documents (not an exhaustive list):
- Vehicle registration
- BadgerCare/Medicare statements (if issued by government agency)
- Social Security statements (if issued by government agency)
- Public school correspondence
- Federal student loan notices (if issued by government agency)

Tip: Units of government include federal, state, county, municipal, school district, tribal, foreign, etc.

A signed letter on public or private social service agency letterhead identifying a homeless voter and describing the individual’s residence for voting purposes.
A contract or intake document from an occupant of a residential care facility that specifies that the occupant currently resides in the facility (a room number is not required).

Section 9

Voter must sign and date the application, affirm that their application is accurate, and they are eligible to vote.

Section 10

An election official or other individual who assists the voter filling out or signing the form should list their name and address.

Tip: Any person can assist a voter, except for the voter’s employer or union representative.

Tip: Explaining how to complete the form is not “assistance.”

Section 11

The election inspector should review the proof of residence and write the type.
The election inspector should review the application form for completeness and eligibility before signing.
The election official should check the Ineligible Voter List. If the voter does not appear on the list, the election official should sign and date the form.

Tip: Review for legibility and completeness before signing the form.

If the voter does appear on the list, follow the procedure outlined in the Election Day Manual.

Back Side of Form

A voter may indicate if they need accommodations at the polling place.
If a voter is unable to provide a street number or address, they may indicate where they reside on the map provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a voter have to show an election inspector their Wisconsin Driver License or state-issued ID card to list the number in Section 7?

Not unless the voter is also using the Wisconsin driver license or state ID card for proof of residence and/or photo ID.

Can a voter who does not have an acceptable proof of residence document vote a provisional ballot?

No, that is not one of the two situations when a voter should be offered a provisional ballot.

Can a voter list the last four digits of their social security number instead of listing the driver license number?

No, if a voter has an unexpired WI driver license or state-issued ID card, they must list the number.

Can a voter be assisted filling out the voter registration application and/or signing their name on the form?

Yes, by anyone other than a representative of their labor union or an employer.

Does the voter’s proof of residence document have to indicate that they have resided at their residence for at least 28 days before the election?

No, the voter certifies that they resided in the district for at least 28 days by signing the affirmation on the voter registration application.

What if a voter has an unexpired Wisconsin driver license and doesn’t want to provide the number?

The voter must be offered a provisional ballot.

Can an election inspector ask a voter who is eligible to vote provisionally to bring the documents to the polls before it closes so we don’t have to fill out all the paperwork?

They can suggest it, but the voter doesn’t have to come back on Election Day and has until 4 pm the Friday after the election to provide the municipal clerk with the missing documentation.

Do all forms of proof of residence have an account number?

No, for example, a letter from the municipal clerk probably won’t list an account number. It is not required if the POR document does not have an associated account number.

Can a WI driver license with a hole punched through the date be used as proof of residence?

No, it cannot be used as POR for registration, but it can be used as photo ID for voting if the hole punch did not obstruct the expiration date.

Can an observer view the voter’s proof of residence document?

No, an observer is not eligible to view the voter’s POR.

Poll Book Management

Unless the municipality uses Badger Books, two election inspectors maintain two duplicate poll books, also known as poll lists, voter lists or registration lists, for each reporting unit. A reporting unit is a ward or combination of wards that reflect the way election results are tabulated and transmitted to school districts, the county and the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

The poll books contain the names and addresses of registered voters in a reporting unit. The poll books are generated in WisVote, Wisconsin’s statewide database for tracking voter registrations. Each reporting unit will have two poll books, which must be maintained identically by the election inspectors on Election Day. Poll books may consist of up to four parts: (1) regular poll list, (2) pre-printed supplemental poll list, (3) handwritten supplemental poll list and (4) the confidential voters poll list.

Some municipalities split their poll book alphabetically to keep voter lines more manageable in high turnout elections. Election inspectors need to carefully issue and document the voter number issued to each voter on each poll book to ensure they are correctly distributed to voters.

Tip: Splitting the poll books alphabetically between A-K and L-Z helps keep lines even.

Signs and verbal directions that instruct voters to state their name and address, provide photo ID and sign the poll book can make the check-in process more efficient.

1. Election inspector asks the voter to state their name and address.

Wis. Stat. 6.79 (2) (a) requires a voter to state name and address. Voting is a public activity and observers and other voters have a right to know who is casting a ballot.

Tip: Confidential voters are not required to state their name and address. They will provide a card with a unique voter number that matches their voter number in the confidential voter section of the poll book.

A voter may be assisted with stating their name and address, if unable to do so, by an election inspector or other individual.
If the voter refuses to state their name and address, and is able to do so, the voter is not issued a ballot.
Election Day registrations should be entered into both copies of the supplemental poll list.

2. Both inspectors locate the voter’s name and address in their respective poll books.

If the voter has an “absentee issued” watermark next to their name, the voter should be asked if their ballot was returned. If the voter indicates the ballot was not returned, the voter is issued a ballot. If the inspectors subsequently find an absentee ballot in the voter’s name, the absentee ballot is not counted, and the clerk is notified of a possible double voting situation.
If the voter has an “absentee returned” watermark next to their name, the voter should be informed that they cannot vote a new ballot at the polls if they returned their ballot. If the voter denies returning their ballot, the election inspectors should review the absentee ballot certificate envelopes to determine if the voter returned their absentee ballot. If the voter subsequently casts a ballot at the polling place, the election inspectors may choose to challenge the ballot.
If the voter’s name does not appear in the poll book, the voter should be asked if they registered recently in the clerk’s office and has a copy of the Certificate of Registration (EL-133) issued by the clerk. If they do not, the clerk or the WEC should be contacted to determine if the voter is registered. If there is no record of an EL-133 for the voter, they will need to register to vote and is added to the supplemental poll list.
A confidential voter will have a number instead of an address recorded by their confidential voter listing in the poll book.

3. Election inspector asks voter for a photo ID.

Election inspectors together compare the name on the photo ID to the name on the poll book.
The inspector verifies that the name on the ID conforms to the name on the poll list. The name on the photo ID may be a variation of the name on the poll list. For example, “Robert” vs. “Bob,” variations of initials or upper or lower case letters, hyphenated names, etc.
The inspector verifies that any photograph on the ID reasonably resembles the voter.

Tip: Appearances change over time. Poll workers should not comment on a voter’s appearance in the photo or in person – even if the comment is intended as a compliment.

The inspector verifies that the photo ID is unexpired or, if expired, meets the expiration specifications listed below.
If the election inspectors do not believe that either the name conforms to the name of the registered voter or the photograph does not reasonably resemble the person in front of them, they may refuse to accept the photo ID.

Note: The address on the photo ID does not have to be current. Also, the election inspectors do not have to determine that the voter’s signature matches the signature on the poll list

If voter does not have acceptable photo ID, they must be offered a provisional ballot.

Acceptable Photo ID (must include the voter’s name, photograph and expiration date)

The following photo IDs are acceptable for voting purposes, and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recently general election (currently the November 8, 2022 election):

A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if revoked or suspended
A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card
Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service (including retired military)
A U.S. passport book or card

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

A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
A driver license receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
IDPP (valid for 60 days)
A veteran’s photo ID issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

The following types of documents may be expired:

A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university, college or Tech College that contains the following:
- Date of issuance
- Signature of Student
- Expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance
- If expired, the university or college ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment

The following photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, regardless of the
expiration date:

A Tribal ID

4. Election Inspector asks the voter to sign one copy of the poll book next to their name.

Tip: The voter can sign using their “mark,” an “X” or a signature stamp.
Tip: Election Inspectors can offer the signature guide to assist voters with signing in the correct spot in the poll book.

If a voter refuses to sign the poll book and does not claim to be unable to do so, the voter does not receive a ballot.
If the voter signs the poll book using anything other than their or mark, the voter does not receive a ballot.
If a voter is unable to sign the poll list, inspectors mark “Exempt” in the signature block.
If another person signed the voter’s registration form because the voter was unable to sign due to disability, the inspector writes the word “Exempt” on the signature line.
If both inspectors do not waive the signature requirement, the voter shall be allowed to cast a challenged ballot and the inspectors should document the situation on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
If another voter has mistakenly signed the poll list next to the voter’s name, the inspectors should document the discrepancy on the Inspectors’ Statement.

5. The voter is issued a voter number, which is written down on the poll book next to the voter’s name.
Tip: Different municipalities may use different methods of issuing voter numbers, such as a voter slip, voter ticket, or color coded based on ballot type.
Tip: Periodically reconcile poll lists throughout the day

Check voter numbers between poll books to ensure they match
Compare notations beside voter name to determine if they match
Circle the last voter number on both poll lists in red

6. The voter is issued a ballot and directed to the voting area.

Tip: Your polling place may be set up with a separate ballot table.

Tip: Election inspectors should let voters know that the accessible voting equipment is available for all voters.

Frequently Asked Questions
What if a voter does not want to state their name and address?

If a voter is unwilling to state their name and address and does not indicate they are unable to do so, they are not issued a ballot.

Can anyone assist a voter in marking their ballot or signing their name?

Anyone other than the voter’s employer or representative of the voter’s labor union may assist a voter marking their ballot or signing their name, including a poll worker.

Does the address on the photo ID have to be current?

No, the address on the voter’s photo ID does not have to be current to be acceptable.

Can a voter who returned an absentee ballot vote a new ballot at the polls?

No, a voter who has returned an absentee ballot cannot vote a new ballot at the polls on Election Day.

Do both election inspectors managing the poll books need to view the voter’s photo ID?

Yes, both election inspectors must view the voter’s photo ID and agree that the photo reasonable resembles the voter, the voter’s name conforms with the name on the poll list and the photo ID meets expiration date standards.

Does the voter’s signature in the poll book have to be legible?

No, the name does not have to be legible and does not have to be compared to the voter’s signature on any other document.

What if the voter failed to sign the poll book?

The poll worker should note it on the Inspectors’ Statement, but it does not negate or otherwise affect the voter’s ballot.

Central Count

In lieu of the poll workers processing absentee ballots at each polling place on election day, a municipality may opt to canvass all the absentee ballots at a central location. At the Central Count location, the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers process and count the ballots. Making the switch to the Central Count Absentee process is a substantial procedural change and requires planning and detailed processes and a commitment to making it work.

Clerk’s Duties

Shall give at least 48 hours-notice of the meeting of the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers under s.7.52, Wis. Stats.
Notice shall be posted at the town hall and on the municipal website and will include where absentee ballot canvassing is to take place. Additionally, the notice will be provided to any media that has requested municipal meeting notices in accordance with Wisconsin Statute 19.84(1)(b) and municipal policy.
Will appoint the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers in accordance with Wisconsin Statute 7.53(2m)(b).
The Clerk will assign additional election workers to work under the supervision of the Absentee Board of Canvass in accordance with Wisconsin Statute 7.52(1)(b).
Will ensure that all members of the Board of Absentee Canvassers take an oath of office prior to performing their duties.
Sends to each polling place a log of all absentee ballots for each Ward within that polling place.
Brings absentee ballots to Absentee Ballot Central County location.
Posts on municipal website and posts in office the number of absentee ballots issued, and the number returned prior to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Issues supplies (Appendix I) to the Absentee Board of Canvass necessary to complete the canvass of absentee ballots.

Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers’ Duties

Convene the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Election Day to canvass absentee ballots in accordance with Wisconsin Statute 7.52(1)(a).
Canvass all absentee ballots received before 8 p.m. in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes as explained in the Election Day Manual.
Complete a log of all activity that occurred during the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers Meeting.

Operating Procedures

Set-Up

Verify the tamper-evident seal number on the door to each tabulator memory device matches with the number provided by the municipal clerk on the EL-104 Inspector’s Statement
Turn-on/start tabulator(s) and wait for zero tapes to print
Verify that all Wards display 0 totals and sign the bottom of the tapes.
Announce that the Central Count Absentee Ballot Processing is open for the specified election and record the time of the opening on the Incident Log that will be attached to the EL-104 Inspector’s Statement

Processing of Absentee Ballots

Record the seal number on the first container of absentee ballots on the Incident Log and open the container.
Ballots are sorted by ward and alphabetized within each ward. Pair ballots from each ward with the absentee ballot log associated with that ward for processing. Processing can be done one ward at a time or with multiple wards at the same time with teams of two election inspectors assigned to each ward.
Pull out an absentee ballot and verify that the name is on the absentee ballot log.
Double check the certificate envelope for the voter signature, witness signature and complete address and verify that envelope does not appear to have been tampered with.
Read aloud the voter’s name and address.
Using the tally number sheet assign the voter a number and write that number in the following two required places:
1. On the absentee ballot log
2. On the ballot
3. Clerks who use central count have also recommended the voter number be added to the absentee certificate envelope. This extra documentation may be helpful for canvass or for potential referrals to the District Attorney if an irregularity is discovered.
Open the absentee carrier envelope, remove the ballot and verify there is only one ballot, briefly inspect it for any tears or stray marks and verify it contains the municipal clerk’s initials and is for the proper ward.
The ballot is then ready for tabulation. For larger municipalities, and during high turnout elections, absentee ballot canvassers may find it beneficial for their ballots to be processed in batches of a pre-determined number of ballots, such as batches of 10 ballots at a time. Processing ballots in this way can help alleviate congestion at the tabulator and any confusion that may arise from a large number of ballots waiting to be processed.
Place the carrier envelope in the Used Certificate Envelopes for Absentee Electors envelope.
If there are any errors with the tabulator reading the ballot a message will appear on the screen and follow the instructions to remedy the issue.
If there is an error and voter intent cannot be determined, you may use the override function to count all readable votes on the ballot.
At the conclusion of processing ballots for that ward, carefully sort through the ballots to search for any eligible write-in votes. Depending on the type of equipment used, your tabulator may sort ballots containing write-in votes separately when they are inserted into the machine. All ballots must be reviewed to identify write-in votes where the oval/arrow was not filled in.
Complete the write-in tally sheet for that ward with the eligible write-ins and if there are none, write “none” on the tally sheet provided. Sign the write-in tally sheet.
Bundle all of the ballots with rubber bands and place them into the respective ballot bag. It may be appropriate to wait to seal ballot bags until the end of the night as ballots may continue to arrive at central count during the day for processing.
Place the absentee log and related forms off to the side and continue with the next Ward’s absentee ballots until you are through processing all available ballots.

Processing of Absentee Ballots – Special Situations

Ballot Missing Municipal Clerk’s Initials

Make a note of this in the Incident Log and then process the ballot as normal.

Remade Ballots
Ballots may need to be remade for any of the following reasons:

The ballot is torn or not readable by the voting equipment.
The ballot was emailed to an overseas voter, has been returned, and needs to be remade onto an official paper ballot.
The voting equipment is unable to read the ballot, but voter intent can be determined.
The voter received the incorrect ballot for their ward.

Steps for Remaking a Ballot:

Two absentee ballot canvassers must participate in remaking a ballot. If available, use ballot remaking teams that consist of one election inspector from each of the two political parties allowed to nominate election inspectors.
Retrieve a new ballot for that ward from the municipal clerk’s office.
Assign the remade ballot a number (sequential for each ward beginning with 1) and note this on the new ballot and the original voted ballot in the space provided.
Document the ‘Remade Ballot #__’ on the Incident Log. For larger municipalities and high turnout elections, it may be beneficial for absentee ballot canvassers to separate incident logs for all remade ballots and another for all rejected ballots. These can be combined after processing is done to create one complete Incident Log.
Carefully copy votes from original ballot to the new ballot and have your partner verify accuracy and consistency.
Place the original “damage/unreadable” ballot in the remade ballot envelope.
Send the remade ballot through the voting equipment.

Rejected Ballots
Absentee ballots with an incomplete certification (missing voter or witness signature or missing witness address) should be rejected after 8:00 p.m., which is the deadline for voters to rectify their incomplete certification.

Note the number of rejected absentee ballots on incident log.
All rejected absentee ballots may be placed in one carrier envelope after 8:00 p.m.

Voter Returns a Ballot to the Central Count Location
If a voter brings their voted, sealed, absentee ballot to a polling place other than the location designated for central count, instruct them to go central count location. Do not accept any ballots after 8:00 p.m.
Closing Procedures

Closing the polls on the voting equipment machines may not occur until after 8:00 p.m.
Ensure all ballots have been processed and accounted for.
Announce the closing of the Absentee Ballot Canvass out loud.
Verify the seal number on the voting equipment memory device access panel matches with the seal number verified at the convening of the absentee ballot canvass and initial on the master Inspector’s Statement. If there is a discrepancy in seal numbers, contact the municipal clerk immediately.
Remove the seal, document this on the master Incident Log, and open the door to the memory device.
Push the CLOSE POLLS button or your equipment’s equivalent.
A minimum of two results tapes will print.
Verify totals on the results tape with each Ward’s absentee ballot log and record the total number of absentee ballots processed on the Inspector’s statement. If any discrepancies are noticed, they should attempt to be resolved at this time.
1. Once results have been verified and totals have been recorded sign the following:
  1. Results Tapes
  2. Used Certificate Envelope for Absentee Electors envelope(s) OR bag(s) (w/certification sheet attached)
  3. Rejected Ballot Envelope(s)
  4. Remade Ballot Envelope(s)
  5. Ballot Container(s) Certificate
Modem Results to the county (where applicable and only after being instructed to do so by the municipal clerk).
Shut down the voting equipment, remove the memory device(s) and place them in the respective bags for secure storage and transport.
Complete the card inside the orange bag and record the seal number to be used to seal the bag.
Seal the orange bag including all memory devices from all machines.
Deliver all materials to the municipal clerk’s office.

APPENDIX I - SUPPLIES

The following supplies will be provided for each election to the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers:

Two (2) duplicate copies for each Ward of the absentee log printed from the WisVote System
Sufficient large ballot envelopes/bags/containers prepared with Chain of Custody and Certificate signed by the Board
Sufficient Inspectors’ Statements (EL-104) (a single Inspectors’ Statement must be maintained for each ward)
Sufficient Incident Logs (to be attached to EL-104 forms)
Sufficient large envelopes for Used Certificate Envelopes (EL-103)
Sufficient large envelopes for Rejected Absentee Ballot Envelopes (EL-102)
Sufficient large envelopes labeled for Remade/Reconstructed ballots
Sufficient write-in tally forms (a single tally sheet must be maintained for each ward)
Voter number sheets
Election Day Manual for reference
Red pens for marking absentee ballot logs
Ballots for remaking voted ballots if necessary
Black pens for marking ballots
Challenge documentation for reference

Completing and Delivering Forms

Municipalities utilizing an optical scan voting system shall use two machine printouts as tally sheets. However, write-in votes must be recorded on duplicate original Write-in forms (EL-105), which are signed by the Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers. The ballots and materials shall be delivered to the municipal clerk who, in turn, delivers them to the County Clerk with all other materials and ballots, and after completing, recording and securing the required forms. As at the polls, all ballots must be secured in a ballot bag with the signatures of the Municipal Board of Absentee Ballot Canvassers.

Special Procedures

Confidential Electors
Overview

Electors who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking have the option to be listed confidentially on poll lists. If your municipality has confidential electors, they will be indicated in the “Confidential” section of the pre-printed poll list. This section appears at the back of the poll list. This section of the poll list is NOT open to public inspection.

A confidential elector may present their Identification Card for Protected Individual or announce their name and confidential elector identification number rather than announce their name and address. Confidential electors must still sign the poll list if they vote at the polls on Election Day.

Procedure

The voter presents their voter identification card (EL-148) that will contain a unique identification serial number assigned to them by the municipal clerk or announce their name and confidential elector identification number. Tip: A confidential voter does not have to provide photo ID to receive a ballot.
The voter signs the poll list.
The voter is assigned a regular voter number.
The voter is issued a ballot and directed to the voting area.
The address of the protected individual is not listed on the confidential portion of the poll list.

Tip: The confidential portion of the poll list is NOT open to public inspection. Election officials may, upon request, disclose the existence of the list, the number of electors whose names appear on the list, and the number of those electors who have voted at any point in the proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a confidential voter at the polling place on Election Day have to sign the poll list?

Yes, a confidential voter must sign the poll list unless unable to do so and marked exempt by the poll workers.

Does a confidential voter have to provide photo ID to receive a ballot?

No, a confidential voter does not have to provide photo ID.

Observers

Overview

Anyone, other than a candidate on the ballot for the election, has the right to be present to observe the conduct of the election. There is no requirement for observers to obtain a permit or notify the clerk in advance of Election Day. All observers will be accorded the same respect regardless of their party affiliation or non-affiliation.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has established a set of rules for observers at the polling place or other locations where votes are being cast, counted, canvassed or recounted.

Procedure

Designate an observer area(s) which allows observers to hear instructions and to observe all public aspects of the process without disrupting the activities.

Check-In Area: There must be an observer area between three and eight feet of the table at which electors state their name and address to receive a voter number.
Voter Registration Area: There must be an observer area between three and eight feet of the voter registration table.

Tip: Mark off the observer area with tape or signage before the polls open or any observers arrive.

If observers are unable to hear the election inspectors and/or voters, they may ask for instructions or information to be repeated.

Observers should direct questions/concerns to the chief inspector or designee.

The number of observes representing the same organization or candidate may be limited if space is limited.

Observers should check in and follow direction from the election official in charge of the polling place or other location.

Location	Election Official
Polling Place	Chief Inspector or their designee
Central Count	Municipal Clerk or their designee

Observers must fill out the Election Observer Log (EL-109) with their name, street address and municipality, and the name of the organization or candidate the observer represents, if any.

An observer must present photo identification to an election inspector. Any type of photo identification is acceptable if it contains a photo of the observer and the observer’s name. An election official will verify by marking on the EL-109 that the observer’s name listed on the EL-109 matches the photo identification.
Tip: If the observer does not want to provide photo identification or the information on the photo identification does not match the information on the observer log, the individual will not be permitted to serve as an observer.

Tip: The EL-109 may not be viewed by members of the public or other observers on Election Day. A copy may be provided after Election Day by the municipal clerk. A copy of the form should be attached to the Inspector’s Statement (EL-104).

An observer must wear a name tag or badge which reads “Election Observer.”
Tip: The name of the observer need not appear on the Election Observer tag or badge.

A summary of the observer rules must be provided to each observer. The Wisconsin Election Observers Rules-at-a-Glance brochure may be used to meet this requirement and is available on the agency website.

Use of Cell Phones/Photography. Observers may silently use cell phones in the polling area. Observers may not use cell phones to take or make voice calls (ringer should be silenced). Observers may not take photographs or videos in the polling place, outside of the exception listed below. The chief inspector may prohibit an observer from using a cell phone if it is deemed disruptive.

Electioneering and Disruptive Behavior. Observers are prohibited from electioneering or interfering with the orderly conduct of the election and/or election administration event.
Any observer who engages in loud, boisterous, or otherwise disruptive behavior with other observes or voters that the election official believes threatens the orderly conduct of the activity or interferes with voting may receive a warning from the election official.

If a warning has been issued, and the offending observer continues the disorderly behavior, the chief inspector should order the offending observer to depart the location. If the offending observer declines or otherwise fails to comply with the chief inspector’s order to depart, the chief inspector should summon local law enforcement to remove the offending observer.
In the event that the chief inspector orders an observer to leave a location, the chief inspector is required to provide a written order to the observer (EL-110) which includes the reason for the order and the signatures of the chief inspector as well as another election inspector election official representing the opposite political party, if available. The chief inspector has sole authority to order the removal of an observer, but another election inspector may note their concurrence or disagreement with the decision on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
When an EL-110 is completed, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners is required to notify the WEC of the incident within seven days. This notification should include a copy of the EL-110, if available, and the portion of the Inspectors’ Statement which documents the incident.

Viewing Documents. Observers may examine the poll list so long as they do not interfere with election official responsibilities.

The election official determines whether it is an appropriate time to allow an observer to examine or photograph the poll list.

Tip: If voters are standing in line to have their names recorded and to receive a ballot, it is not an appropriate time to allow observers to view the poll lists.

The poll list must always remain under the control of the election officials.
The poll list may not be handed to the observers.
Observers are prohibited from viewing the confidential portion of the poll list.
Observers may take photographs of the poll list if approved by the chief inspector. Observers are not permitted to make a photocopy of or take photographs or video of proof of residence documents and voted ballots.
Observers are not permitted to handle an original version of any official election document, including voter registration forms and/or proof of residence documents while voters are registering.

Additional Prohibited Activities. Observers may not conduct any of the following disorderly activities while monitoring the conduct of the election and/or election administration event.

Wear clothing or buttons related to candidates, parties, or referenda that are intended to influence voting at the election.
Interact with voters, except when asked by an elector to provide assistance in marking their ballot.
Watch voters mark their ballots.
Have conversations about candidates, parties or ballot questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an observer answer a question from a voter?

Yes, if a voter asks the observer a direct question. Depending on the question, the observer and voter may need to take the discussion away from the polling area.

What if there is no space for an observer area at the polling place?

The clerk should make every attempt to designate an observer area, even if the clerk has to limit the number of observers in the area at any one time. If they are unable to designate an observer area, the clerk should report this information to the WEC.

Curbside Voting
Overview

A voter who, as a result of disability, is unable to enter the polling place may elect to receive a ballot at the entrance of the polling place. Wis. Stat. § 6.82(1). The voter may receive assistance in marking the ballot, if required, from an election inspector, or from any other person of the voter’s choice (except the voter’s employer or an agent of the elector’s labor union). An unregistered voter may also register to vote curbside.

Procedure

The election inspectors announce in the polling place that an elector has requested a curbside ballot, and the inspectors are going to the vehicle to view the voter’s proof of identification. Tip: If having two election inspectors leave the polling area would result in fewer than three election inspectors in the polling area, voting must stop until the election inspectors return.
Two election inspectors go to the vehicle and speak to the voter. The election inspectors return to the polling area and announce that they are issuing a ballot to the voter.
1. The inspectors should ask the voter if they are unable to enter the polling place. If the voter indicates he or she is able to enter the polling place, curbside voting may not be used. Tip: A voter’s dog in the car, for example, is not an acceptable reason to cast a curbside vote.
2. The inspectors should ask the voter to present acceptable proof of identification. Tip: The inspectors determine if the voter may vote a regular ballot or a provisional ballot.
The voter is not required to sign the poll list. A notation “Ballot received at poll entrance
1. "Exempt” is made in the signature line of the voter on the poll list.
Two inspectors initial the ballot. A voter number or provisional voter number is issued to the voter and recorded in the voter lists.
Two inspectors deliver the ballot to the curbside voter in a security sleeve.
The curbside voter marks the ballot or has an assistor mark the ballot for the voter. (If assistor, see “Assisting Electors” in the Election Day Manual).
The inspectors return to the voting area and announce: “I have a ballot offered by (voter’s name), a voter who, as the result of a disability, is unable to enter the polling place without assistance. Does anyone object to the reception of this ballot?” Tip: If an objection is made, follow the challenge procedures detailed below under “Challenging Electors” in the Election Day Manual.
If no objection is made or after any challenge is resolved, the ballot is deposited in the appropriate ballot box or tabulating equipment.
This incident should be recorded on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a voter with a dog in their car qualify to vote curbside?

No, only a voter who, as a result of a disability, is unable to enter the polling place may request to vote curbside.

Can a voter also register to vote curbside?

Yes, a voter may also register to vote curbside.

What if the number of election workers in the polling area falls below three during the administration of a curbside vote?

If the number of election inspectors falls below the minimum of three in the polling area, all voting must stop until the minimum of three election inspectors is restored.

Do the election inspectors have to immediately administer a curbside vote when a voter requesting one arrives at the polling place?

Election Inspectors do not have to immediately administer a curbside ballot if voting activity in the polling place is very high, but should make every effort to do so as quickly as possible.

Can a voter in the wrong polling place vote curbside?

No, a voter can only vote curbside at their correct polling place.

Challenging Electors

Overview

When there is reason to believe that an elector does not meet the qualifications to vote or has not adhered to any voting requirement, the elector may be challenged. Only election inspectors may challenge an elector for failing to adhere to a voting requirement.

Challenges that may be brought by any qualified elector of the state, including election inspectors, are as follows:
- Citizenship: voter is not a U.S. Citizen
- Age: voter is not at least 18 years-of-age on or before Election Day
- Residency: voter has not resided in the municipality for at least 28 days before the election
- Felony Status: voter has not completed the terms of their sentence
- Competency to Vote: voter has been adjudicated incompetent to vote
- Bet or Wager: voter has placed a bet or wager on the election
- Voted Previously at the Same Election: voter has already cast a ballot in the election

Tip: Any challenge based upon an individual’s appearance, speech or inability to speak English is unacceptable.

Tip: While the challenge process is a public process, it is recommended that the challenge process be conducted away from the heavy traffic areas.

Challenges that may only be brought by an election inspector include:
- Physical Disability: voter’s claim of a physical disability does not prevent signing of poll list.
- Photo ID: photograph on the proof of identification does not reasonably resemble the elector, or the name on the poll list does not conform to the name on the proof of identification.
- Clerk instruction: municipal clerk has instructed the election inspectors to challenge the ballot because the clerk does not believe the person requesting a replacement ballot is the original voter.
- Voting Requirements: any other failure to adhere to voting requirements.

Tip: Inspectors should use discretion when challenging a voter for these reasons.

If an election inspector is offering the challenge, another election inspector should administer the process.
All challenges must be made for reasonable cause as outlined on the Challenge Documentation of the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104c).
The election inspectors should use discretion when administering a challenge and attempt to document the challenge in a calm and respectful manner.
All challenges are recorded using the Challenge Documentation section (EL-104c) of the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104). The form lists the procedures to follow and questions used to establish the challenge.

Procedure

All challenges are recorded using the Challenge Documentation form (EL-104c) and attach it to the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104). This form details the specific procedure to follow and questions used to establish and administer the challenge. The challenge process will be abbreviated when challenging an absentee ballot, because the voter is not present at the polls.

The challenging elector is placed under oath and asked to make a sworn statement giving the reason for the challenge.
1. The challenging elector is then questioned by the election inspector using the questions on the Challenge Documentation form (EL-104c) to provide reasonable support for the challenge.
2. The Chief Inspector makes the final determination of the validity of the challenge and if it is for a reasonable cause.
After the challenge has been made and supported under oath, the challenged elector is placed under oath and asked to make a sworn statement in response to the challenge.
1. Indicate “Sworn” on the poll list.
2. If the challenged elector refuses to make a statement under oath, the elector shall not be given a ballot or permitted to vote.
If the challenged elector has responded to the challenge, the challenging elector is given the opportunity to withdraw their challenge.
1. If the challenge is withdrawn, a ballot is issued with no special marks, a notation is made in the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104), and no mark is made on the poll lists.
If the challenge is not withdrawn, the election inspector administers the “Oath of Eligibility” to the challenged elector.
1. Once the oath has been made by the elector, a ballot is issued with the voter number and “Section 6.95” marked on the back of the ballot.
2. Once the challenged elector has marked the ballot, it is placed by the elector into the ballot box.
3. The entire Challenge Documentation (EL-104c) is completed and attached to the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
4. A notation “Challenged” and the reason for the challenge is made on the poll lists and the appropriate sections of the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104) are completed by the election inspector.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a challenge unacceptable?

Any challenge based on an individual’s ethnicity, accent or inability to speak English is unacceptable. A notation of the alleged grounds should be made on the Challenge Documentation form (EL-104c). The challenge should be dismissed and an unmarked ballot issued to the voter.

Can an election inspector challenge a voter if they believe the photograph on the voter’s photo ID does not reasonably resemble the voter or the name does not conform to the name on the poll list?

Yes, both are challenges that may be brought by an election inspector.

Provisional Voting

Overview

Wisconsin voters who are unable or unwilling to provide their Wisconsin Driver License or state-issued ID card number or are unable or unwilling to provide photo ID, must be offered the option of casting a provisional ballot.
In Wisconsin, provisional voting is ONLY used in two situations:

If an individual who attempts to register to vote at the polling place on Election Day has been issued an unexpired Wisconsin Driver License or Wisconsin DOT-issued State Identification Card, but is unwilling or unable to provide the license or state identification card number, the individual may vote provisionally. Tip: Even if driving privileges were revoked
1. The number of a Wisconsin driver license or state identification card that has expired or been cancelled, is not required.
2. Wisconsin DOT/DMV maintains a Help Desk for individuals to call if they need to look up their driver license or state identification card number. The phone number is: (608) 266-1069, option 1.
3. Individuals who have an unexpired Wisconsin driver license or valid Wisconsin state identification card may NOT use the last four digits of their Social Security number to register.
If an individual is unable or unwilling to provide an acceptable form of proof of identification, he or she may vote provisionally.
1. If the election inspectors do not believe that the name of the elector conforms to the name shown on the proof of identification, or if the elector does not reasonably resemble the photograph on the proof of identification, the elector’s ballot should be challenged (see the “Challenging Electors” section in the Election Day Manual).

Procedure
Once it is determined a voter will vote provisionally, the following procedures are required:

Every provisional voter must complete a Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123) in the presence of an election official by providing:
1. Full name
2. Complete address, including municipality and county
3. Date of birth
4. Indication of U.S. Citizenship
5. Date of election
6. Signature and date
The election inspector completes the certificate envelope by:
1. Signing and dating the certificate envelope.
2. Indicating the type of required information (either “Driver License or State Identification Card Number” or “Proof of Identification” ) by checking the appropriate box or boxes on the certificate envelope.
The election inspector issues a provisional voter number (PV#), which is recorded on the poll list. A voter number is NOT issued to the elector at this time and the elector does NOT sign the poll list.
1. This number is issued sequentially, starting with “1.”
2. The PV# is also recorded in six places:
  1. The back of the ballot
  2. On the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104)
  3. On the Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123)
  4. On the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r)
  5. On the poll list or supplemental poll list
  6. On the Provisional Voting Information sheet for the elector
The elector votes the ballot, seals the voted ballot in the Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123), and returns the sealed envelope to the election inspector.
The sealed certificate envelope (EL-123) is placed inside the Inspectors’ Certificate for Provisional Ballots Envelope (EL-108).
1. The election inspectors record the name of the elector, the PV#, and the reason for the provisional ballot on the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r) and on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
2. The Inspectors’ Certificate of Provisional Ballots Envelope (EL-108) must be kept secure throughout Election Day.
3. When the polling place closes, the Inspectors’ Certificate of Provisional Ballots Envelope (EL-108) must be secured in a separate ballot bag with a tamper-evident serialized numbered seal. The serial number shall be recorded on the signed ballot container certification attached to the bag and on the Inspectors’ Statement. The bag should be marked “Provisional Ballots.”
Election inspectors must provide the elector with the Provisional Voting Information Sheet and should check the applicable reason that the provisional ballot was issued.
An elector who was issued a provisional ballot may return to the polling place before 8 p.m. to provide the missing documentation to the election inspectors. Election inspectors shall review the provided documentation to determine if it is satisfactory.
1. If the provided documentation is not valid, the election inspectors shall inform the elector and record the incident on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104) including the type of document presented and why it was not acceptable.
2. If the provided documentation is valid:
  1. The elector must sign the poll or supplemental list.
  2. Note on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104) that the elector provided the required documentation.
  3. Initial and date the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r) to indicate that the elector provided the required documentation.
3. Election inspectors should offer the elector the option of spoiling the provisional ballot and voting a new ballot.

If the elector chooses to spoil the provisional ballot:

The Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123) is removed from the Inspectors’ Certificate of Provisional Ballots (EL-108) envelope and given to the elector.
The elector should remove the provisional ballot and spoil it by making a small tear in the ballot rendering it unusable.
Document the incident and spoiled ballot on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
The elector signs the poll list.
The elector is issued a sequential voter number, which is recorded on the poll list and noted on the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r) by marking “on poll list” in the column labeled “Voter Number Issued.”
The elector is given a new ballot.

If the elector chooses to cast the provisional ballot:

Note on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104) and initial and date the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r) that the elector provided the required documentation.
Remove the elector’s Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123) from the Inspectors’ Certificate of Provisional Ballots (EL-108) envelope.
Verify that the Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123) has not been opened or tampered with.
1. If the Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123) has been tampered with, the election inspectors shall spoil the provisional ballot and instruct the elector to cast a new ballot.
The elector signs the poll list.
The elector is issued a sequential voter number, which is recorded on the poll list and noted on the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r) by marking “on poll list” in the column labeled “Voter Number Issued.”
Provide the elector with the Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123) and instruct him or her to remove the ballot and place it in the ballot box or voting equipment.
Collect the used Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope (EL-123) from the elector and place it back in the Inspectors’ Certification of Provisional Ballots (EL-108) envelope.

Processing

A Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r) must be completed by the election inspectors at the polling place listing all of the electors who cast a provisional ballot. The clerk must review the form and send a copy to both the county clerk and their WisVote provider if different after the close of polls on Election Day. The municipal clerk must keep a copy for their office. A blank Provisional Ballot Reporting Form is available on the agency website.
The chief inspector should maintain communication with the municipal clerk regarding the number of provisional ballots issued on Election Day.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can a voter who is in the wrong polling place cast a provisional ballot?

No, a voter in the wrong polling place may not cast a provisional ballot.

Can a voter who does not have proof of residence vote a provisional ballot?

No, a voter without acceptable proof of residence may not vote a provisional ballot.

Can election inspectors ask the voter to return with the needed documents on Election Day instead of issuing a provisional ballot?

They can suggest it, but a voter who casts a provisional ballot must be informed they have until 4:00 p.m. the Friday after the election to provide the municipal clerks with the necessary documentation.

Does a voter who casts a provisional ballot sign the poll list?

No, unless the voter returns to the polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night with the required documentation.

Closing the Polls

This is crucial information for new election workers and a good review for more seasoned ones. While the voters may be done casting their ballots, the closing of polls is a very important and busy part of Election Day. It is vital to pay close attention to the various processes that will allow you to get the final vote totals, report out results, and pack up the polling place.

Polls close at 8:00 p.m.

Use the official clock noted in the Inspectors’ Statement to open the polls at 7:00 a.m. to determine when it is 8:00 p.m.
Dispatch an end of line officer to identify the last person who is eligible to vote. The end of line officer will stand behind the last person in line at 8:00 p.m. to indicate who met the 8:00 p.m. closing deadline.
Anyone who is in line before the end of line officer is eligible to cast a ballot. Even if someone needs to register at the polls and is last in line before 8:00 p.m., they have the right to register and vote.
Publicly announce that the polls have closed.
Keep the polling place open:
- Do not lock the doors!
- The closing of the polls is considered an open meeting and anyone can observe the process, including candidates on the ballot.

Double check that all ballots have been counted by the tabulators/are in the ballot box

Make sure to check that any absentee materials do not contain ballots that haven’t been tabulated.
Review any ballots that needed to be remade to ensure that they have been documented properly and the remade ballots have been counted.
Double check the emergency or auxiliary bin for any ballots that may have been deposited there.
Reconcile the Pollbook
The number of voters from the day should equal the number of ballots recorded by the tabulator or in the ballot box. Compare the two different pollbooks to ensure that they both contain identical information.
We suggest you compare voter numbers throughout the day to make sure you have identical pollbooks and can quickly identify if you are off.
- If you are off, note this in the Inspectors’ Statement to narrow the timeframe and potentially explain why you might have more ballots than recorded voters at the end of the day.
Circle the last voter number in red to quickly identify the final total of voters from Election Day.

Results

Tabulator
- Ensure that the tamper-evident seal on the tabulator has not been broken and contains the same serial number that was recorded in the Inspectors’ Statement at the beginning of the day
  - If it is not, contact your municipal clerk
- Close the polls on the machine
- Make sure that the zero tape and results tape are still attached.
Ballot Box
- Ensure that the box has been locked all day, and then use the key to open the box and collect the ballots to be tallied.
Transmit Results
- Once results have been tabulated/tallied, announce the results and transmit them to the county
- If your municipality calls in results to the county, have all necessary reporting documents completed before calling the clerk’s office. The county clerk will be receiving many calls from other polling locations, and you will need to efficiently and accurately report your results.
Write-ins
- Review the ballots for write-in votes and determine which write-in ballots can be counted
  - Always count votes for registered write-in candidates
  - Count votes for unregistered write-in candidates only if:
There are fewer ballot candidates for a given office than there are seats to fill
In a partisan primary – There are no ballot candidates for a given office in a given party
- Count votes for a unregistered write-in candidates if a ballot candidate for that office is deceased
Comparing Total Number of Voters to Number of Ballots
- In order to confirm that there are an equal number of voters and ballots cast, you will have to compare the last voter number given out on Election Day to the number of ballots cast on the tabulator or in the ballot box.
- If you have more voters than ballots:
  - This could because someone decided not to vote and walked off with their ballot. Look around the polling place to ensure there are no ballots that need to be cast/were not counted.
- If you have more ballots than voters:
  - Check that everyone received a voter number and that there are no skipped voters or duplicate voter numbers
  - Check your EDRs to ensure they were given a voter number
  - Determine if there was potentially a ballot jam that was recorded more than once
- If your numbers are still off and you cannot determine why, you may need to perform a drawdown. Contact your municipal clerk to determine if you need to perform a drawdown and for more information.

Documents

Inspectors’ Statement – This document explains the activities on Election Day to someone who wasn’t at the polling place. The Inspectors’ Statement can be used later should there be a recount or confusion at another canvass. Make sure to note:
- Total number of voters
- Total number of EDRs
- Number of absentee voters
- Number of provisional ballots
- Total number of ballots cast
- Number of ballots in excess of total number of voters
- Number of hand-count paper ballots
- Number of optical scan ballots
- Number of ballots voted on the DRE
- Any issues or situations that occurred on Election Day
- Attach the observer log, all challenge documentation forms, and any Orders to Leave to the Inspectors’ Statement
Tally sheets and machine tapes – review to verify they contain the identical and accurate information.
Ballots – when preparing ballots to be taken to the county clerk, make sure to separate any regular ballots from those that have been identified as damaged, defective, overvoted, objected to or set aside. These ballots should be bundled separately and plated in the original ballot bag.
- Place all voted ballots along with the Original Ballots envelope in the ballot bag.
  - If you have political appointees serving as election inspectors, at least one elector inspector from each party must participate in the securing of the ballots.
  - Secure the bag with a temper-evident seal so no ballot can be removed or inserted without breaking the seal.
  - Sign the Ballot Container Certificate
- Rejected absentee ballots envelopes need to be secured in the brown carrier enveloped and signed by the chief inspector and two inspectors.
- All used absentee certificate envelopes should be placed in the white carrier envelope and signed by the chief inspector and two other election inspectors.
- If you have any provisional ballots, they need to be placed in the provisional ballot carrier envelope.
  - The provisional ballot carrier envelope should be placed in a separate ballot bag and sealed with a tamper-evident seal.
  - The Provisional Ballots Reporting Form should not be sealed in the ballot container.
Make sure that all ballots and information are recorded in the Inspectors’ Statement.

Board of Canvassers

If there is only one polling place in your municipality, you have no outstanding provisional ballots, and you have municipal offices or referenda on the ballot, the election inspectors will act as the municipal board of canvass and certify the municipal results.
If you have multiple polling places in your municipality ¬¬or you have an outstanding provisional ballot, the clerk and two other qualified electors of the municipality will serve at the municipal board of canvassers and certify the results later in the week.

Routing Materials

All materials will be routed to the municipal clerk, who in turn will ensure the proper materials are giving to the proper clerk.
Election inspectors should separate out materials so the municipal clerk can easily provide the school district clerks and county clerks the correct material after Election Day

Municipal Clerk – here are all the documents that need to be separated for the municipal clerk:

Send all ballots (voted, unused, and provisional)
Original tally sheets
A copy of the voting equipment tape (if any)
Original Inspectors’ Statement
Statement of the Board of Canvassers (if required)
One original poll list and one original supplemental poll list

Tip: The poll list with the voters’ signatures will be given to the county clerk

Absentee Ballot Log
Provisional Ballot Reporting form

County Clerk – here are all the documents that need to be separated for the county clerk:

The ballot bags or containers with all federal, state, county and technical college ballots.
The brown carrier envelope (EL-102) containing rejected absentee ballots.
The white carrier envelope (EL-103) containing used certificate envelopes from absentee voters.
One copy of the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
One original Tally Sheet (EL-105) for presidential, congressional, state, legislative, judicial, and county offices and state, county and technical college referenda.
A copy of the voting equipment results tape, if any.
One original poll list including the supplemental poll list (EL-107s) that includes the electors’ signatures.
A copy of the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r).

School District Clerk – here are all the documents that need to be separated for the school district clerk:

School district ballots (if hand-count paper ballots are used) sealed in a ballot bag.
Original Tally Sheet (EL-105) listing school district results.
A copy of the voting equipment results tape, if any.
One copy of the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).
A certified copy of the signed poll list (EL-107 & EL-107c).
A copy of the Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r).

Frequently Asked Questions
Who can observe the closing of the polls?

Any member of the public is allowed to observe the closing of the polls, including any candidates who may have been on the ballot for that election.

Who is the Board of Canvassers?

In municipalities with one polling place and one set of results, the election inspectors act as the municipal board of canvassers on election night when there are municipal offices or referenda on the ballot.

In our municipality, we have several polling places. When does the board of canvassers meet?

In municipalities with more than one polling place where results must be combined, the municipal board of canvassers meets on the day after the election to certify the results of the municipal election and make the official determination of the winners. The board of canvassers consists of the municipal clerk and two other qualified electors of the municipality appointed by the municipal clerk.

This election includes school board members. Who certifies their results?

School districts have their own board of canvassers to certify the school district results and make official determination of the winners. The board is made up of the school district clerk and two other qualified electors of the school district.

What do we do with unused ballots?

Unused ballots are wrapped or bound separately and delivered to the municipal clerk. Make a note indicating that these ballots are unused.

Nov 06 2022

Close of In-Person Absentee Voting (IPAV)

Election Administration

Aug 09 2022

2022 Partisan Primary

Election Day

Acceptable Photo IDs

There is not a separate “Voter ID” card. There are many forms of photo ID, which you may already have, that can be used to vote. Anyone voting in person must show the original copy of their photo ID.

Anyone with a valid Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin state ID card, or any of the documents listed below, already has the photo ID they need for voting purpose

The address on your ID doesn’t have to be current. And the name on your ID doesn’t need to be an exact match for your name in the poll book. (So, Richards who go by Rich, Bobs who are also Roberts and Susans with IDs for Sue can still show their acceptable photo ID and receive a ballot.)

Acceptable IDS

DMV Issued IDs or Driver License

Driver License

Most people already have the photo ID they need to vote such as a Wisconsin driver license or ID card. If you don’t have one of those or another acceptable photo ID, you can get one for free after just one visit to a Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles.

Just bring whatever identifying documents you have like a birth certificate and proof of your current address to obtain a photo ID. If you don’t have those documents you may still obtain a document that you can use for voting through the ID Petition Process at the DMV office.

ID Cards

Getting a free ID for Voting is easy even if you do not have the documentation to get a regular Wisconsin ID!

Go to the DMV to apply
Bring the following, if available:
- Proof of Name and Date of Birth
  (such as Birth Certificate)
- Proof of Identity
  (Social Security Card, Medicaid/Medicare Card, etc.)
- Wisconsin Residency
  (Utility bill, government mail, lease, etc.)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship
  (U.S. Birth certificate or citizenship paperwork)
- Social Security Number

If you don't have all or any of these, you can still get an ID for voting. Just bring what you have to the DMV, fill out two forms (form MV3004, and form MV3012), and you will get a photo ID document in the mail that you can use in time for voting. Here is a sample of the document you'll be receiving.

Call the DMV voter ID hotline if you need assistance: (844) 588-1069

If you already hold an unexpired Wisconsin driver license or identification (ID) card, or if you hold a Wisconsin driver license or ID card that has expired since the last general election (currently November 8, 2022), you have what you need to vote. A Wisconsin driver license or ID card is acceptable photo ID for voting.

Questions? Contact Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-1069
Voter ID hotline: (844) 588-1069

Receipts

You can even vote with a receipt issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles if your new driver license or state ID card doesn’t arrive in the mail by Election Day.

Federal & Tribally Issued

Passport / Passport Card

U.S. Passport books and cards are documents issued by the U.S. Department of State to citizens of the United States of America. This document is used for international travel and identification.

Both U.S. Passport books and cards can be used to vote. The look of a U.S. Passport can vary depending on when your passport was issued.

You may still use your expired U.S. Passport for voting as long as it has expired since November 8, 2022 (currently the last General Election).

Military & Veteran Affairs ID Cards

A Veteran ID card or a U.S. Uniformed Service ID card can be used to vote in Wisconsin.

There are currently two versions: the Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC) and the older Veteran ID Card (VIC). These are issued by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs/Veterans Health Administration to veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system.

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

You must show the original copy of your ID if you are voting in-person.
The ID cards must be unexpired or have no expiration date.
- Some VIC and USID cards do not expire and are therefore valid for voting indefinitely. The newer VHIC card will first begin to expire in 2023.
- You may still use your expired U.S. Uniformed Service ID card for voting as long as it has expired since November 8, 2022 (currently the last General Election).
Your ID card does NOT need to have a current address on it.

Tribal IDs

A Tribal ID card that was issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe that resides in Wisconsin can be used for voting. You must show the original copy of your ID if you are voting in-person.

Tribal ID cards can be issued to full members of the tribe only. A full member of the tribe must first be enrolled in order to be considered for full membership. A birth certificate is required for enrollment. The enrollment process can vary between two months to one year depending on each tribe’s process. It is recommended that you contact the specific tribe you are applying to for the most current information on their enrollment process.

Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Forest County Potawatomi Community
Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Menominee Indian Tribe
Oneida Tribe of Indians
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
Sokaogon Chippewa Community
Stockbridge Munsee Community
St. Croix Chippewa Indians

Certificate of Naturalization

The U.S. Certificate of Naturalization can be used to vote if it was issued no more than two years prior to the election. If your Certificate of Naturalization was issued more than two years before the election you will need to provide another form of photo ID for voting purposes.

A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to U.S. citizens who have completed the U.S. naturalization process. In Wisconsin, only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote. You may not vote until the U.S. citizenship process is complete.

When applying for a U.S. Certificate of Naturalization you will need to do the following: Complete and submit a N400 Application, send a photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card, send two identical color photographs (with your name and Alien Registration Number written lightly in pencil on the back of each photo), provide other documents depending on the circumstances*, and pay an applicable fee (a check or money order for the application fee and the biometrics services fee , write your USCIS-number on the back of the check or money order).

*Search “Guide to Naturalization” on uscis.gov

Certificate of Naturalization Replacement

Student IDs

A student ID issued by an accredited Wisconsin college, university, or technical college can be used to vote in Wisconsin. This includes all 2 and 4 year colleges, universities and technical colleges in the State of Wisconsin System and accredited, private schools.

However, there is specific information that must be included with your ID in order for it to be acceptable for voting. Your student ID card must include:

Your name
Your signature
Your photo
Issue and expiration dates
- The issued date cannot be more than two years from the expiration date.

The card may still be used to vote even if it is expired. If your student ID is expired, you must also provide a document that shows you are enrolled 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.

Acceptable Photo ID Poster

Voter Information Center

Nov 08 2022

2022 General Election

Election Day

Working the Polls

An election official is defined as “an individual who is charged with any duties relating to the conduct of an election.” Wis. Stat. § 5.02(4e). This includes chief inspectors, elections inspectors, greeters, tabulators, and high school poll workers. As election officials, poll workers perform a very important public service by enhancing the high quality and integrity of Wisconsin's elections.

Poll Worker Qualification Requirements

Chief Inspectors

Wis. Stat. §7.30(2)(a) indicates a preference for the Chief Inspector to be a resident of the municipality where they will serve, but offers an exception: “…each chief inspector shall be a qualified elector of the municipality in which the chief inspector serves. If no qualified candidate for chief inspector is available…the person so appointed need not be a qualified elector of the municipality…”

The municipal clerk chooses the chief inspector, but the statute confines the selection to municipal residents unless no qualified municipal resident is available.

Election Inspectors

They must be nominated. Once nominated, it is up to the governing body to appoint the inspectors to a two-year term. Election inspector terms run from January 1 of an even-numbered year through December 31 of the subsequent odd-numbered year. Wis. Stat. § 7.31 (4).
Inspectors must be able to read, write and understand the English language.
Inspectors are required to receive training from the municipal clerk within the two years preceding the election event at which the inspector intends to work.
An inspector may not be a candidate for any office to be voted on at an election at which they serve. Wis. Stat. § 7.30 (2)(a).
Election inspectors must be qualified electors of the county served by the polling place in which they work.
The municipal clerk should identify any election inspectors appointed by one of the two major political parties. The chief inspector must ensure that any Election Day tasks which require completion by two election inspectors are represented by each party, whenever possible. Wis. Stat. § 7.30 (2)(a).

Special note regarding election inspector appointments: It is the opinion of the Commission that election inspectors may not serve at elections where they, their spouse, or immediate family member is a candidate on the ballot or under other circumstances where a candidate’s success or failure to win election would affect the election inspector financially

High School Poll Workers

Students qualify to serve as election inspectors if they:

Are 16 or 17 years of age
Are enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in a public, private or tribal school or a home-based private educational program.
Have at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent.
Have the written approval of their parent or guardian.
Have the written approval of the principal of the school in which they are enrolled, if the student has less than a 3.0 grade point average.
Reside in the municipality.

Students may serve only at polling places that serve their residence.

Training for Poll Workers

All poll workers are required to complete training before working on Election Day. This training must be tracked by the municipal clerk to ensure their workers are certified.

High School Poll Workers

Wisconsin law allows qualified students to serve as election inspectors, also known as poll workers. It's great way for students to become involved in their communities and learn about how government works.

Become a Poll Worker

Interested in becoming a poll worker? Fill out the form on MyVote Wisconsin to let your local clerk know.

Poll workers FAQ

View all FAQ

What are some accommodations for poll workers?

What are the positions at a polling place?

There are four different positions that help conduct elections at a polling place.

A poll worker, or election inspector, is someone who conducts duties at a polling place on Election Day. The poll worker can issue ballots to registered voters, registering voters, monitor the voting equipment, explain how to mark the ballot or use the voting equipment, and count votes. There are typically 3 to 7 election inspectors at a polling place with 1 chief inspector. There must always be an odd number of election inspectors.
Each polling place is allowed up to one greeter. The greeter assists with answering questions and directing voters to the voting area. A greeter may become an election inspector on election day if there is an even number of poll workers to maintain an odd number.
The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners may assign an election registration official (ERO) to a polling place to register voters. EROs do not count toward the number of election inspectors at a polling place.
Lastly, the governing body or board of election commissioners of a municipality may pass a resolution to employ tabulators in an election. Tabulators assist at the polling place after it closes.

What are the essential functions of becoming a poll worker?

Under Wis. Stat. s. 7.30(2), election inspectors must be able to read and write the English language, be capable, and be of good understanding. However, there are many different duties that an individual can conduct at the polling place that do not require the ability to read or write the English language. These could include being a greeter, monitoring the voting equipment, or issuing ballots to registered voters.

How do I get an accommodation to become a poll worker?

Under ADA, all poll workers, including greeters and tabulators, are entitled to receive a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job if the accommodation does not create an undue hardship to the employer. Therefore, many municipalities may be able to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals to become a poll worker. However, not every position may be able to be performed by every individual, so a reasonable accommodation could be reassignment to a different position.

To get a reasonable accommodation, contact your municipal clerk. You may also contact the Wisconsin Elections Commission with any questions.

What are examples of accommodations that are generally reasonable at a polling place?

Assignment to be a greeter.
Assignment to a specific task.
Providing a translator.
Providing an aid to assist with assigned tasks.
Providing extra breaks.
Allowing flexible work hours.
Providing equipment to improve accessibility, such as a chair or magnifying glass.

An accommodation would not be reasonable if the individual is unable to perform the essential functions of the job or if the accommodation causes undue hardship for the municipality. These determinations are decided by each municipality, but the Wisconsin Elections Commission can work with a clerk to identify accommodation options or eliminate barriers to providing an accommodation.

Can I be excused from my regular job to be a poll worker?

Wisconsin law requires every employer to grant an unpaid leave of absence to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election official, if the employee who serves as an election official provides his or her employer with at least seven days' notice. The leave is for the entire 24-hour period of each election day in which the employee serves in his or her official capacity as an election official. Upon request of any employer municipal clerks must verify appointments.

What are the specific qualifications to be an Election Inspector (poll worker)?

To be an election inspector (poll worker), a person must:

Be a qualified elector of the county in which the polling place is established (i.e., an adult citizen of the United States who has resided in the election district for 28 consecutive days and is not otherwise disqualified to vote);
Be able to speak, read, and write fluently in the English language;
Have strong clerical skills;
Be able to solve problems;
Be an effective communicator; and
NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election.

What are the Training Requirements for Election Inspectors?

Municipal clerks are required by state law to provide training. This training provides all of the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful poll worker. (Many municipalities require poll workers to attend a comprehensive training course prior to each Primary election.)

An experienced chief inspector who has been certified by the State Elections Board must be present at each polling place for each election. Chief inspectors must receive six hours of continuing election education training during each two-year period.

Polling Place Accessibility

Every Wisconsin voter has a right to cast a ballot privately and independently at their polling place on Election Day. In addition, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires that every polling place in the State of Wisconsin meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. Local election officials have a responsibility to guarantee that each of their polling places meets these standards and that all voters are provided with an equal opportunity to cast a ballot.

Polling places should be organized so that all voters can be processed efficiently and voters with disabilities can navigate the voting area and participate in the electoral process without assistance. The Polling Place Accessibility Toolkit provides an overview of the accessibility standards that every polling place must meet.

It is important to note that polling place accessibility begins in the parking area and applies to any pathway or obstacle that a voter with a disability would have to navigate to gain access to the voting area. The voting area should be configured to allow passage throughout the space for a voter in a wheelchair and accessible voting booths and machines should both meet ADA standards and be positioned to ensure voter privacy.

Municipal clerks should use this guide to train their election inspectors before an election cycle on the guidelines for proper polling place organization. If an accessibility-related problem is identified on Election Day, the Quick Fix Guide can be used to create a sufficient temporary solution until the issue can be resolved permanently.

The WEC conducts audits of polling places around the state for each election and works with municipalities to correct identified problems and improve accessibility. The results of those audits are reported to each municipality and a Plan of Action is required from the municipal clerk to address any concerns found during the audit. Municipal clerks are then able to request accessibility-related supplies from the WEC to assist them with bringing their polling places into compliance.

The information gathered during polling place audits is analyzed and used to improve and update clerk and poll worker training materials and voter outreach information. This data is also used to inform the Wisconsin State Legislature about the barriers that citizens with disabilities face when voting.

Polling Place Accessibility Forms

Accessibility Training Webinars

WEC and accessibility partners have worked together to offer trainings for clerks and poll workers. Those trainings are available on ElectEd, or on the WEC Vimeo Channel.

Accessibility Resources

How Wisconsin is Ready for the November 2024 Election

Polling Place Accessibility “Quick-Fix Guide”

Polling Place Accessibility Toolkit

Election Day Accessibility Checklist

Polling Place Set-Up Guide

Choosing a New Polling Place

When you're deciding on a new polling place, there are some accessibility considerations to keep in mind.

Curbside Voting

If a voter cannot enter the absentee voting location or polling place due to disability, Wis. Stat. § 6.82(1) requires that curbside voting must be available. Two poll workers should bring a ballot to the individual needing assistance, and conduct voting at their vehicle, or at the polling place entrance. These voters are not required to sign the poll list. Instead, the poll workers should write “exempt by order of inspectors” in the signature space on the poll list. This incident should also be recorded on the Inspector’s Statement (EL-104).

If curbside voters need to update their registration due to an address or name change or if they are not currently a registered voter, they may also register to vote curbside with a current and valid Proof of Residence. Curbside voting should also be available during the in-person absentee voting period. Persons who would like to vote curbside should be encouraged to contact their municipal clerk beforehand to discuss how to initiate the process upon arrival at the voting location.

Accommodations

Wisconsin law requires the municipal clerk to make reasonable accommodations for voters with disabilities.

Specifically, Wisconsin Statutes permit an individual with a disability to notify a municipal clerk that or she intends to vote at a polling place on election day and to request a specific type of accommodation that will facilitate his or her voting. (View s. 5.36, Stats.)

When such a request is received, Wisconsin Statutes require the municipal clerk to make reasonable efforts to comply with requests for voting accommodations made by individuals with disabilities whenever feasible. (View s. 7.15 (14), Stats.)

10 Common Accessibility Problems and How to Solve Them

1. Required election notices are not always posted or not printed in 18-point type size

Current Wisconsin law requires notices, instructions, sample ballots and ward maps to be posted in each polling place. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all of these postings be printed in at least 18-point type so that voters with vision impairments will have increased access to these resources.

All of the required notices and instructions are posted on the WEC website in the required type size and can be downloaded and printed for polling place use. In addition, two sample copies of each ballot type should be posted in the voting area. Ward maps and street directories clearly indicating all the wards in the municipality served by that polling place must also be prominently displayed.

Please note that certain notices, such as the Type D Notice, need to be customized for each election and some forms, such as the EL-112 Notice of Crossover Voting at a Partisan Primary, are only applicable to certain elections.

For sample election notices click here
For polling place notices click here.

A full list of the required postings can be found on pages 27 and 28 of the Election Day Manual with a polling place checklist available on page 31.

2. Lack of accessible parking spaces and/or insufficient signage for accessible parking spaces

Accessible Parking Requirements

All facilities that serve as polling places must have accessible parking available on Election Day. For facilities with off-street parking (i.e. parking lots/areas) there must be at least one Van-Accessible parking space available and the number of required additional accessible parking spaces is determined by the total number of parking spaces in the parking area.

Total Parking Spaces	Required Accessible Spaces
1 - 25	1
26 - 50	2
51 - 75	3
76 - 100	4
101 - 150	5
151 - 200	6

Van-Accessible Parking

A Van-Accessible parking space should at least 8 feet wide with an adjacent accessible aisle that is also at least 8 feet wide. Regular accessible spaces should also be 8 feet wide, but need only 5 foot wide accessible aisles. Accessible spaces that meet standards for Universal Design should be 11 feet wide with 5 foot wide accessible aisles.

Each accessible space should be marked with a sign bearing the universal symbol of accessibility that is posted between 60” and 80” above the ground. All Van-Accessible spaces should have additional signage indicating that it is available for van parking. Parking areas where all accessible spaces meet Universal Design standards are exempt from the additional signage requirement for Van-Accessible parking spaces.

All accessible parking spaces are required to be located on level, firm and slip-resistant ground such as asphalt or concrete.

Diagram to indicate size of accessible parking spaces as 18 feet by 11 feet for vans and 18 feet by 8 feet for cars. Indicates where to place Car Parking signs, wheel stop, and van accessible aisle on passenger side.

Proper van accessible sign with universal symbol of accessibility and addition of sign for Van-Accessible.

Best Practices

The images below are examples of off-street parking areas with good accessible parking layouts. These locations have multiple spaces that meet the size requirements with proper signage posted. These parking areas are paved with asphalt and the spaces are located closest to the accessible entrance allowing a voter with a disability to travel the shortest distance from the parking area to the entrance.

Accessible parking spot with international accessible sign printed on the asphalt spot.

Parking lot of Sara Park Activity Center with accessible parking spaces.

Note that one accessible aisle can be used to create two accessible spaces by locating an accessible space on either side of the aisle. Please see the accessible parking space diagrams provided above for examples of this type of layout.

The below pictured facility is a good example of proper accessible parking for locations with only on-street parking. There is one properly-signed space available that is located adjacent to the accessible pathway leading to the entrance. Notice that a cub cut is provided to ensure access from the street to the pathway.

Police department with accessible parking sign posted near entrance, at the curb.

Common Problems

Many voting locations do not have spaces reserved for voters with disabilities in the parking area. The facility shown below has no marked accessible parking spaces located closest to the accessible entrance.

Municipal Center building with no indicated accessible parking spaces

Many parking areas have accessible spaces that are only marked on the ground. The ADA requires that all accessible parking spaces have signs posted between 60” and 80” above the ground. Accessible parking spaces without signs posted above ground and accessible parking signs that are not posted at the required height can become obscured by a vehicle parked in the spot or by snow during the winter months.

Accessible parking space marked on the ground, but without a posted accessible parking sign.

Signage should always be mounted to a post or pole or affixed to the side of a building. It should never be placed leaning up against the side of a building and should be replaced if damaged or uprooted.

Accessible parking sign on the ground, leaned up against a building.

3. Insufficient signage for accessible entrances.

The accessible entrance of the polling place must be marked with the universal symbol of accessibility. This allows voters with mobility issues to easily identify the accessible entrance. It also lessens the possibility that a voter with a disability will enter a facility at an entry point that does not afford them access to the voting area or to an elevator or wheelchair lift that they would need to use to travel to the voting area.

Best Practices

Accessible entrances can be identified using a window decal or sign like the examples found below. If a municipality does not own the facility where a polling place is located, a reusable or temporary sign can be displayed for Election Day.

Universal accessible sign posted on a glass door.

Common Problems

Entrances that are not properly identified can be problematic for voters, especially at facilities that have multiple entrances and voting areas that are not located directly inside of the accessible entrance. The below photos depict doors that are not properly marked as the accessible entrance and an unmarked entrance that, upon entry, requires a voter to navigate stairs.

Doors with a main entrance sign but no universal accessibility sign.

Doors that open to a stairs landing with stairs going up an down.

4. Accessible entrances to the building that require more than 8 lbs. of force to open.

All doors at accessible entrances must be able to be opened with a closed fist using 8 pounds of force or less. In addition, all doors along the interior route of a polling place from the accessible entrance to the voting area need to meet the same standard. Meeting this standard allows all voters to gain access to the facility and voting area without assistance.

Best Practices

All doors at the accessible entrance and along the interior route should be tested to see if they meet ADA standards. This can be done using a door pressure gauge. Doors that require too much pressure to open should be adjusted accordingly.

Any interior doors along the interior route to the voting area should be propped open on Election Day to remove a potential barrier for accessing the voting area.

Heavy exterior doors can be fixed by installing an electronic accessible feature such as an automatic opener or doorbell to assist voters. A greeter can also be stationed by the accessible entrance to ensure that all voters have access to the facility.

5. Gaps and uneven pavement in the pathway from the parking area to the accessible entrance.

The accessible pathway is the route that a voter would have to travel from the accessible parking space(s) to the accessible entrance. WEC accessibility auditors only audit the accessible pathway and do not review all pathways at a visited facility. The pathway should be at least 36” wide and should not have any objects on or next to the pathway (e.g. flags, banners, tree branches, etc.) that would cause that pathway to narrow to less than 32” for a short period of time. The pathway should be on a firm, stable and slip-resistant surface such as asphalt or concrete and not have any breaks or edges where the height difference is over ½ inch.

Best Practices

The two facilities pictured below both have accessible pathways that meet ADA standards. Both pathways are wider than the required 36” and are made of concrete. In addition, the below facility has an accessible pathway that is level with the parking area and does not require a visitor to the facility to navigate a curb cut or pathway ramp to reach the accessible entrance. Both pathways also do not have any objects on or above the pathway that would create an impediment for a voter.

Polling place entrance with Vote Here sign and accessible pathway.

Common Problems

Accessible pathways with large breaks or cracks in them create hazards for voters who use canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Pathways that have segments with a height difference of over ½ inch also represent a tripping hazard for all voters, especially those with mobility issues. These height differences can be caused by tree roots growing under the pathway or by damage from snow and ice during winter.

All breaks and cracks over ½ inch in size should be filled in or repaired. Pathways with significant height differences can be shaved or ground down to fix the problem. If there is extensive damage to an accessible pathway, the only remedy may be to replace the pathway or relocate that accessible parking area to a location where an acceptable pathway can be used to provide access to the accessible entrance of the facility.

6. Lack of privacy for voters casting a paper ballot.

State law requires that a table or booth be available for voters with disabilities who wish to cast a paper ballot and who do not wish to use the accessible voting system. This booth or table should meet all ADA requirements for height, width and toe/knee clearance. The booth or table also should be clearly visible when voters enter the voting area and be positioned or set up to ensure voter privacy.

The entrance to the table should be at least 30” wide and the height from the floor to the underside of the table must be a minimum of 27”. The top of the table or writing surface must be no higher than 34” and there should be at least 19” of knee/toe clearance under the table so that a voter in a wheelchair will have access to the top of the booth or table/writing surface. Please note that the table in the above diagram is pictured with an accessible voting machine on top of it, but the same standards apply to the booth or table where a voter with a disability can cast a paper ballot.

Diagram of accessible voting machine on tabletop with minimum height, width, and knee clearence.

Best Practices

Pictured below are two common practices for providing an accessible booth or table for a voter with a disability who wishes to cast a paper ballot. In the below photo, a folding table that meets ADA standards has been set up with privacy shields on top to ensure voter privacy.

Many municipalities use ADA-compliant voting booths like the one shown in the below right image. These booths are similar to regular voting booths, but are lower to the ground and have a wider entrance to provide access for voters in wheelchairs. The accessible voting booths also afford the same degree of privacy as regular voting booths.

Voting booths, with wheelchair accessible voting booth.

Common Problems

Both of the tables pictured below do not provide privacy for voters using them to cast a paper ballot. The table pictured in the below does have a magnifying glass to assist voters with vision problems, but lacks a privacy shield. In addition, those materials are placed on the table in a location that would not provide the full 19” of knee/toe clearance due to the presence of the table legs and support bars.

The booth or table where a voter with a disability can cast a paper ballot should also be visible to all voters when they enter the voting area. This may be a challenge at facilities with smaller voting areas. ADA-compliant tables should not be located in bathrooms, kitchen areas or in a location that is out of plain sight from the voters.

Table with a magnifying glass and eight chairs.

7. Interior routes that had obstacles, were poorly lit, and/or were not clearly marked.

Interior routes are any hallway or corridor that a voter would have to travel from the accessible entrance to the voting area. These areas should be well lit on Election Day and free from obstacles that could pose a hazard for voters with vision problems or voters who use a wheelchair or walker.

Common obstacles that can be relocated for Election Day include folding tables, trash cans and chairs. Permanent fixtures, such as drinking fountains and display cases, should be marked with a cane-detectable barrier or object such as a traffic cone.

All hallways and corridors must also be 48” wide and cannot narrow for more than a short distance to less than 36” wide.

If the voting area is not directly inside the accessible entrance, signage directing voters to the voting area must be provided. This practice allows voters with mobility issues to travel the most direct route to the voting area.

Best Practices

All interior routes from the accessible entrance to the voting area should be marked with large print signs directing voters to the voting area. The sign pictured in the below photo allows voters to identify the voting area without confusion. In another photo below, directional signs are used to direct voters to the elevator that they would need to use to access the voting area.

Polling place entrance with big sign that reads "Voter Here"

Elevator with "Vote" signs and arrows pointing toward the elevator.

The below photo illustrates the proper method for marking a permanent or semi-permanent obstacle along the route to the voting area. The traffic cone allows voters with visual impairments who use a cane to detect the obstacle and move around it.

Hallway with bubbler affixed to wall with a caution cone in front of it.

Common Problems

Pictured below are examples of obstacles that should either be removed or marked with a cane-detectable barrier on Election Day. The below photos illustrate that objects such as recycling bins and trash cans should be removed from corridors and hallways that voters will use to access the voting area. In another example, a table that restricts access to the voting area and a drinking fountain that should be marked with a cane-detectable barrier, but is not. These barriers can be eliminated during a quick walk thorough by the municipal clerk, or another election worker, on or before Election Day.

Trash can in the walkway to the polling place entrance.

Table and bubbler protruding into the walkway to the polling place

The below photos represent situations where the set-up of a polling place has inadvertently created accessibility issues. The use of traffic cones in the below photo was an attempt to create orderly flow of voters in and out of the voting area, but instead created a corridor that would not allow a voter in a wheelchair to enter the voting area without moving the cones. In the below photo, the tables that have been set up in the hallway create a congested path of travel that narrows for a significant distance. These situations also illustrate how polling place set-up for efficient voter flow interacts with accessibility standards.

Caution cones set up down the middle of a hallway.

Hallway crowded with people and a check-in table.

8. Accessible voting equipment that was not functional or was not clearly available for voters to use.

Federal and state law requires an accessible voting system to be present at each polling place for every election. The machine/system should be tested before each election to ensure that it is functioning properly. The machine/system should be set up in a clearly visible location in the voting area, so that voters will know that it is available for use. If the machine/system is not functioning properly on Election Day, election workers should be sure to contact their municipal clerk immediately and work with their county or vendor to remedy the problem.

Accessible voting equipment should be set up on a table or stand that meets ADA guidelines. The entrance to this table or stand should be at least 30” wide and the height from the floor to the underside of the table or stand must be a minimum of 27”. There should also be at least 19” of knee/toe clearance under the table so that a voter in a wheelchair will have access to the machine.

In addition, there should also be at least 30 x 48” of clear floor space in front of the table or stand holding the accessible voting equipment. The height of the controls for the machine or the touch screen must be no higher than 54” for a parallel approach or 48” for a forward approach.

Voting equipment with error message enlarged

Accessible voting machines should also be positioned to ensure voter privacy. The machine pictured in the below photo has a privacy hood attached to it but is set up in a way where others could see how a voter who is using the machine was marking their ballot.

Accessible voting equipment set up in a supply closet.

Diagram of minimum requirements of clear floor space for the table where voting equipment may be setup. Requires 30 in by 48 in

Common Problems

The accessible voting machine should always be set up, turned on and functioning properly on Election Day. Voters who wish to use the machine should not have to wait for an election official to set-up, plug in or insert an ink cartridge or memory device into the machine. Error messages like the one pictured below indicate that the accessible voting machine requires troubleshooting or service from a technician.

Accessible voting machine setup with hood but oriented to impede privacy.

The accessible voting machine should also be visible to all voters when they enter the voting area. This may be a challenge at facilities with smaller voting areas. The machines should not be located in separate rooms such as bathrooms or kitchen areas or in a location that is out of plain sight from voters, like the machine pictured in the below right photo located in the corner of a storage area behind a filing cabinet.

9. Doors that do not have lever door handles or an electronic feature such as an automatic opener, power-assist, or bell/buzzer.

All polling place doors that a voter with a disability would have to open must have hardware, such as a lever or bar, which is usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. A municipality can also choose to install an electronic accessible feature, such as an automatic opener or wireless doorbell, to ensure that voters can access the facility and voting area without assistance.

Examples of accessible door hardware. Handle, Pull, Bar, Lever.

Best Practices

Accessible door hardware or an electronic accessible feature should be present on all doors from the accessible entrance to any doors on the path of travel from that entrance to the voting area. Doors along the interior route to the voting area can be propped open on Election Day. This practice would eliminate the need for accessible door hardware or an electronic accessible feature.

The door hardware pictured below meet the standards for accessibility. Both types of hardware are usable with one hand without having to grab and twist the hardware to open the door.

These two photos show two different electronic accessible features with the entrance on the left utilizing a wireless doorbell or buzzer and the door on the right having an automatic opener present.

If no accessible hardware or electronic feature is present, a greeter can be stationed at the door to ensure that voters who require assistance can gain entrance to the polling place and voting area.

Universal accessibility sign with "Please Ring Bell for Assistance"

Universal accessibility sign on a door opening button press "Press to open"

Common Problems

The door hardware picture below does not meet accessibility standards. The doorknob in the below left photo requires a grasping and twisting motion to use and the hardware on the right cannot be opened with one hand without tight grasping. Inaccessible hardware should be replaced or an electronic accessible feature could be installed to fix the problem. If these changes are not possible, a greeter can be stationed at the door to assist voters with entering the polling place.

10. Pathways to the accessible entrance that were not clearly marked.

The pathway from the accessible parking area/spaces to the accessible entrance should be marked with signs clearly directing voters to the correct entrance. This practice is especially important at facilities where the accessible entrance is not the same as the main entrance. Voters with mobility issues should not be burdened by entering the polling place at a point that does not provide them barrier-free access to the voting area (i.e. there should be no stairs or inaccessible doors along the route). Voters with disabilities should also not have to search for the correct entrance to a polling place.

Sign indicating Handicapped Accessible entrance is located around the corner

Best Practices

Both of the facilities pictured below have entrance ramps that provide access to the facility with signage posted directing voters to the accessible entrance. These signs are posted high enough to be clearly visible from the parking area.

Sign indicating handicapped accessible ramp with arrow

In the below left photo, the accessible entrance is identified by a sign posted in the accessible parking area, providing voters with clear entrance information in a visible location. The facility pictured on the bottom right has a sign present at the base of the stairs providing information on the location of the accessible entrance.

Universal accessibility symbol on sign with "Handicapped Entrance south door"

Stairs with sign indicating handicap accessible entrance

Learn About Accessibility Audits

Auditors from the Wisconsin Elections Commission conduct site visits at polling places around the state on Election Day to review the accessibility to voters.

Photo ID

Get a Free State ID Card for Voting

Getting a free ID for voting is easy even if you do not have the documentation to get a regular Wisconsin ID. Wisconsin residents can get one for free from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Election Day Voting

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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 Print Materials

Passport Book or Card as Photo ID for Voting in WI

Proof of Residence (POR) vs. Proof of Identification (POI)

Printable Acceptable Photo IDs Sheets

Wisconsin Photo ID & Voting Guide

Photo ID Posters

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.

Voter Information Center

ElectEd

Training Policy for WisVote Users

Wisconsin Elections Commission is charged with the security and accountability of the data in the WisVote system. WEC does not permit untrained users to have access to WisVote.

New users are required to complete the Securing WisVote training series AND all other required training related to their WisVote access level:

WisVote Roles

WisVote Read Only-This access level allows user to view voter and election information in WisVote with no ability to update or modify records.
Data Entry-This access level allows users to perform many functions associated with the Clerk Role except for merging voters, printing poll books, marking checkpoints, entering contests/referendums/candidates, and other election administration duties. Requires completion of WisVote I – Data Entry Access Certification training in ElectEd.
Clerk-This access level allows users to perform all WisVote functions within their municipality, including printing poll books, creating election plans, and other election administration duties. Requires completion of WisVote II – Clerk Access Certification Training in ElectEd.

New Clerks

All new municipal clerks are required to take the Municipal Clerk Core Curriculum Training class. One option is to take the training online in ElectEd. After completing all 16 sections and quizzes, clerks should report their training using the certification reporting form posted in the Learning Center.

All Other Users

All Chief and Election Inspectors may be given access to ElectEd by their municipal clerk to view any of the Elections Administration and Badger Book training webinars and modules available there.

New chief inspectors need to take the Baseline Chief Inspector class. They must also take the 30-question Chief Inspector Self-Evaluation to be certified to conduct elections in the current term. The municipal clerk is able to view the training completed by their municipal poll workers.

ElectEd

Keep your certification current by accessing and tracking your training in ElectEd.

ElectEd Access Request Form

To obtain access to training in ElectEd, the clerk, or authorized designee should email a completed and signed copy of the appropriate request form to the Elections Help Desk ([email protected]).

Track that training!

Municipal clerks are required to report the training they attended to WEC in order to become and stay certified to conduct elections. They must also record and retain the training taken by their chief inspectors and other election workers.

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Polling Place Accessibility

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Accessibility Resources

Choosing a New Polling Place

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Accommodations

10 Common Accessibility Problems and How to Solve Them

Accessible Parking Requirements

Van-Accessible Parking

Best Practices

Common Problems

Best Practices

Common Problems

Best Practices

Best Practices

Common Problems

Best Practices

Common Problems

Best Practices

Common Problems

Common Problems

Best Practices

Common Problems

Best Practices

Learn About Accessibility Audits

Photo ID

Get a Free State ID Card for Voting

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

Photo ID Resources

Photo ID Print Materials

Photo ID Videos and TV Ads

Bring it to the Ballot

ElectEd

Training Policy for WisVote Users

New Clerks

All Other Users

ElectEd

ElectEd Access Request Form

Track that training!