Wednesday, August 31, 2022

In The News - August 2022



ADM, other Big Ag companies host top state ag officials in Midwest at private dinner before Farm Progress Show, emails show
August 29, 2022 - Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest, and Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

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Wednesday, August 17, 2022

WI College & University Students: Prepare now for the November 8th Election!

Wednesday - August 17, 2022

 
Important Information Students Need to be Able to Vote

​It’s that time of year again when students are returning to campus for the start of the Fall semester. Now is the best time for students to make sure they are prepared to vote in the November Election in Wisconsin as they are moving into their dorm rooms, apartments and houses and as many are obtaining their college or university student photo IDs. The election this Fall is critical and important on so many levels. You will want to be sure you have what Wisconsin law requires in order to make important choices at the polling place that will do so much to determine your lives and future.

IMPORTANT: The photo ID students are issued by their public university in Wisconsin, or their private college or university is not necessarily usable to vote and may not comply with Wisconsin law regarding acceptable photo IDs. At some public and some private institutions, the student photo ID issued does comply with state law and can be used to vote. But, at other public and private institutions, the photo ID issued to students does not comply with state law for voting and an alternative photo ID must be obtained in order to vote. It is important for students to find out and know now whether or not the photo ID issued by their public or private college or university in Wisconsin can be used when voting and we have that information below.  Don't wait until November to do this!

Below is important information for all college and university students to know to make sure they are ready to vote in Wisconsin. Common Cause Wisconsin has compiled information students need to be ready to cast their ballot this Fall:


Here, students will find straightforward information from Common Cause Wisconsin on how to register to vote, find your polling place, and which photo IDs are eligible to cast a ballot in Wisconsin.

Additionally, Common Cause Wisconsin has created an easy reference for students to look up their school across the state to see if their current student ID is an acceptable form of ID for voting. If the student ID cannot be used for voting, students can find out if a separate school-issued photo ID card for voting is available and how to get one.


Note: you can use a school-issued ID for voting that is expired. If you do present an expired student ID, you must also present (or display electronically) at the polls, a separate, current proof of enrollment document, such as an enrollment verification form, class schedule or tuition bill. If the ID is unexpired, then you do NOT need to present proof of current enrollment.

As we have in past years, we will continually update this resource page with new information or changes. 

Please share this information widely with anyone you know who is attending a college, university, community or technical school in Wisconsin!

Here are some additional voting resources for student voting in any state:

Students: Prepare now, so your voter experience can occur smoothly and without hassle when you cast your ballot in this November’s election and beyond. 

On Wisconsin!

Jay Heck

--------------------------

Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

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Tuesday, August 9, 2022

What You Need to Know for Today’s Partisan Primary Election Day - August 9, 2022.

Tuesday - August 9, 2022


 
Make Your Voice Heard by Getting Out There and Voting!


Today is primary election day in Wisconsin!  This is an opportunity for you to weigh in on which candidates will be on the ballot for the critical November 8th general election in Wisconsin through choices you make in the partisan primary election 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 your completed ballot. Contact your clerk to find out where you can hand-deliver your ballot today. All ballots need to be received no later than 8pm today – Election Day. Don't forget: The ballot envelope needs a witness signature and the address of that witness! More information about your absentee ballot can be found here.

If you are planning to vote in person at the polls, read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. All polls in Wisconsin 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 specific form of photo ID in order to 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 today?
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 12th).

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. But if you moved within 28 days of Election Day, 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 registered, be sure to bring a proof of residence document (hard copy or electronic version 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. This year in particular voting locations may have changed since new districts were drawn after the redistricting process in 2021.

Get more 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.

Have questions or need some assistance?
Beyond the resources of your municipal clerk, help is just a call, text, or email away.
 

  • Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be connected to a nonpartisan person who can help answer all your questions. You can also request services such as getting assistance at the DMV to get an ID to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.
  • Voters with disabilities have the right to an accessible polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking a ballot, and using curbside voting. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Or email: info@disabilityvote.org. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.
  • Contact Vote Riders if you need immediate assistance with a photo ID to vote. You can get free, in-state ID assistance ASAP from the online form.
    If you experience problems at the polls or have questions, there is help. 
  • Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with questions or to report problems.

Primary elections like today generally see a lower overall voter turnout than the November 8th general election will. That means that your voice and the choices you make today could have a significant and amplified impact on what the ballot in November will look like. So, if you possibly can, get out there and vote today! Voting helps to strengthen democracy in Wisconsin, and you will feel better for having done so. So, do it!

Thanks, and all best to you,

Jay Heck

--------------------------

Jay Heck
608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

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