Common Cause Wisconsin: Only 60 Days Until Election Day - November 3rd! How to Vote Safely by Absentee Ballot

Friday, September 4, 2020

Only 60 Days Until Election Day - November 3rd! How to Vote Safely by Absentee Ballot

For Release: Friday - September 4, 2020

This week the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) mailed an application for an absentee ballot for the November 3 election along with additional voting information to approximately 2.6 million registered Wisconsin voters who have not already requested an absentee ballot. Voters have already begun receiving this mailing in home.

The mailing has an absentee request form and a postage-paid reply envelope. The WEC encourages voters who choose to vote absentee to request their ballot as soon as possible, whether online or by mail. Making your request early helps your clerk to prepare and ready ballots for you and the voters in your community.

You can also request your absentee ballot at MyVote.wi.gov now for November. Don't wait. Do it today!

Then, beginning September 17, clerks will begin mailing absentee ballots for November 3 to registered voters with requests on file. This gives voters time to complete the ballot and return it. When your ballot arrives, be sure to follow the instructions and fill out your ballot and return envelope correctly. You need to have an adult U.S. citizen witness and sign your return envelope. You will also have to sign your return envelope. Then mail it back to the clerk in the postage-paid envelope. Or return it to an official spot designated by the clerk, such as a secure drop box or to the clerk’s office. More information about these official return spots are at MyVote.wi.gov or contact your clerk.

When requesting an absentee ballot, you will be prompted to upload a picture of your ID. Bring it to the Ballot has information about valid IDs that can be used to vote in Wisconsin. Acceptable photo IDs include a Wisconsin driver license, state ID card, passport, veteran’s ID card, tribal ID card, military ID, student ID or certificate of naturalization. If you don’t have an acceptable photo ID, the Voter ID Coalition helpline (608-285-2141) can answer your questions and assist you in getting an ID.

Once you have your photo ID to vote, you can find additional voting information online at MyVote.wi.gov. MyVote is the official website of the Wisconsin Election Commission and through this website, voters can register to vote, make their absentee ballot request, find their polling place, view a sample ballot, or contact their municipal clerk to learn more about voting by absentee ballot in-person and by mail. The WEC also has a toll free helpline (866-VOTE-WIS) if you run into problems navigating the website or have voting related questions.

Put your plan in place now for the Presidential Election on November 3, 2020 to vote safely and securely.

And it’s not just the presidential candidates on this ballot, there are also federal, state, and county candidates whose jobs have a direct impact on your everyday life, and who you get to vote for this November.

Preparing now can ensure that you get your ballot and information you need before the deadlines.

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.

Poll Workers Needed

Did you know you can also sign up to be a poll worker through MyVote? You can! While Wisconsin voters are increasingly using absentee ballots to vote this year, in-person voting will still be popular and poll workers are vital to making the voting process safe, secure, and smooth. If you’re able, consider becoming a poll worker. Find out more at

https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/PollWorker