State urges absentee voting

The Brillion News

MADISON – The Wisconsin Elections Commission strongly urges anyone who is concerned about Coronavirus COVID-19 exposure to make plans now to vote absentee for the April 7 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary.

“If you are worried about getting to the polls on Election Day, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address and with your current name and request an absentee ballot as soon as possible,” said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.

Acting by Wednesday, March 18, is especially important for anyone who needs to register to vote, Wolfe said.

“We want everyone who is eligible and who wants to vote to be able to do so safely,” she said.

If your name or address has changed since you need to register with your current information. You can check your registration status at myvote.wi.gov, click on "My Voter Info." The WEC is working closely with county and municipal clerks throughout the state to help them prepare for a safe and healthy election.

The WEC is holding three webinars throughout the day Monday for clerks. On Thursday, the six-member, bi-partisan Elections Commission took unanimous action to protect voters in nursing homes. Wolfe said the Commissioners will be holding additional meetings in the coming weeks as further action is necessary to protect voters and election officials during the voting process.

WEC is also working closely with Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Department of Health Services.

How to Register to Vote by the Deadline

Wednesday, March 18 is the deadline for electors to register to vote by mail or online for the Presidential Preference Primary and Spring Election. After this date, electors must register in person in the municipal clerk's office or at the polling place.

According to state law, mailed voter registration forms must be postmarked no later than the third Wednesday before the election. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. the same day. Online voter registration is available at https://myvote.wi.gov.

There are two ways you can register using the website:

• People with a Wisconsin driver license or state ID card whose address is current with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation can complete their online registration immediately. People who need to update their address with DOT can accomplish that online and complete their online registration.

• People without a Wisconsin driver license or state ID card can fill out the voter registration form online, then print it, sign it and mail it to their municipal clerk’s office along with a proof-of residence document. The website has detailed instructions. If you do not have a printer where you are, you can save the completed form as a PDF and make arrangements to have a family member or a friend with a printer, or a copy center, to print it for you. Voter registration forms that can be printed and filled out by hand are also available here in English: