For Release: Tuesday - August 11, 2020
Today's the day: Election Day for the partisan primary - August 11, 2020.
With all that is going on in your world - in this upside down, surreal and unprecedented time - we are all doing our best to get through. A Summer election day is maybe one of the last things on your radar screen, if it's there at all.
But,
your vote is your voice in this fragile democracy we live in and I don't have to tell you that your voice matters now, more than ever before. So, if you can possibly do so, please make your voice heard today -- and then, absolutely on November 3rd. Consider today a "dress rehearsal" for the "main event" 85 days from now!
Here's what you need to know for today:
If you have a mail-in absentee ballot that was mailed to you and you have not returned it yet, be sure to return in your completed ballot directly to your polling location, the clerk's office, or a designated dropbox TODAY. All ballots need to be received no later than 8pm on Election Day. Don't forget: The ballot envelope needs a witness signature. More about your absentee ballot can be found here.
If you are planning to vote in person at the polls, please take care. Follow social distancing guidelines for your and others' safety. Wear a mask. Consider bringing your own black or blue pen to mark your ballot. Be safe. And read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Bring your acceptable form of photo ID for voting
You are required to show a photo ID before you vote. If you have a Wisconsin driver's license or ID card, then you’re all set. Other forms of ID work too, and it’s good to check the official Wisconsin Election Commission list at Bring It to the Ballot to make sure you have what you need. If you don't have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, contact the Voter ID Hotline 608-285-2141 for assistance.
What if you don't have an acceptable ID for voting on tomorrow?
You can ask for AND vote with a provisional ballot. But, for your ballot to be counted, you MUST either come back to your polling place with an acceptable form of ID before it closes at 8:00 PM today OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk's office by 4:00 PM the Friday after the primary election (Friday, August 14th).
Know what's on your ballot
Wisconsin is an “open” primary state. Meaning, that Wisconsin does not require voters to register with a party and therefore, voters can choose their party preference on the ballot when they vote. BUT keep in mind when casting your partisan primary ballot, you must only choose one party and you must only vote for candidates of that party on this ballot. Read the ballot instructions carefully. Visit the Wisconsin Election Commission's What's on My Ballot page and type in your address to see a sample ballot.
You can register to vote on Election Day
You can register to vote on Election Day at your voting location. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. For the August 11th Election, if you moved July 14 or earlier, you must register at your new address. But if you move within 28 days of Election Day, which is July 15 or later, you must register and vote using your old address. Check to see if you are registered to vote at your current address. If you are not, be sure to bring a proof of residence document (hard copy or electronic on your cell phone or tablet) when you go to the polls on Tuesday so that you can register there.
Know where your polling place is before you go
Polling places can change. To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the Find My Polling Place page on the My Vote Wisconsin website and type in your address.
If you experience problems or have questions, there is help.
Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with questions or to report problems. Voters with disabilities have the right to an accessible polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, to assistance marking a ballot, and to voting curbside. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683.
Stay safe. Be ready. Go vote!
CONTACT:
Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686
Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org
Read More...
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For Release: Wednesday - August 5, 2020
Why vote in a primary election?
First and foremost, because
every election matters.
Further, in the
Tuesday, August 11th Partisan Primary, voters determine which candidates will be on the November 3rd ballot for local, state, and federal races. Depending on the race, the candidate that wins the primary, locks up the victory for that office in the primary election.
So please do not miss this chance to make your voice heard at the ballot box. You can vote via mail-in absentee ballot, in-person absentee ballot - “early voting,” or in-person on Election Day. Make a plan. Look over the information in this message to make sure you have what you need to vote in this important primary election, and share with others to help them be engaged voters.
The ballot: Wisconsin is an “open” primary state. Meaning, that Wisconsin does not require voters to register with a party and therefore, voters can choose their party preference on the ballot when they vote. BUT keep in mind when casting your partisan primary ballot, you only choose one party and you only vote for candidates of that party on this ballot. More information and details about this primary ballot can be found on our website.
Ways to vote: Mail-in Absentee Ballot
While you have until August 6th to request a mail-in ballot, we suggest you either vote on Election Day or "Early Vote" (see explanations below) because the likelihood of receiving and returning the ballot by the deadline are slim since we are less than a week from the election. However, if you have yet to return your completed ballot, do so NOW. It needs to be to your clerk by Election Day! If you can’t mail it in time, drop the ballot off at your polling place on Election Day or call your clerk about designated ballot dropboxes. https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/MyMunicipalClerk
Ways to Vote: In-person Absentee Ballot (Early Vote)
If you’d like to vote before Election Day in-person, check with your clerk on locations and times that are going on now through the end of this week. Casting your ballot early minimizes lines on Election Day and helps with social distancing and staying safe. Visit your municipal clerk’s website or call them to find out about opportunities to vote early. https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/MyMunicipalClerk
Ways to Vote: In-Person on Election Day
Prepare now if you’re going to vote at your polling place next week on Election Day, August 11. Be safe. Wear a mask. Social distance. Make a plan. Here are some things to know:
-
Registration: You can register to vote on Election Day at your voting location. Find your polling place at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/FindMyPollingPlace. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. For the August 11th Election, if you moved July 14 or earlier, you must register at your new address. But if you move within 28 days of Election Day, which is July 15 or later, you must register and vote using your OLD address.
-
Photo ID: You are required to show a photo ID before you vote. If you have a Wisconsin driver's license or ID card, then you’re all set. Other forms of ID work too, and it’s good to check the official list at https://bringit.wi.gov to make sure you have what you need.
Information on the candidates:
Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidate best represents your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411.
Problems at the polls or casting your ballot?
Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with questions or to report problems. Voters with disabilities have the right to an accessible polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, to assistance marking a ballot, and to voting curbside. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Both these phone lines are open now for you.
The strength and health of democracy in our communities, our state, our country depend on our active involvement. Get ready to do your part and go vote!
CONTACT:
Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686
Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org
Read More...
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