Wisconsin Spring and Special Primary Election
Last update: Oct 25, 2024 14:38 p.m. EDT
Last update: Oct 17, 2024 18:41 p.m. UTC
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This election guide is researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official sources. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Wisconsin’s website.
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Wisconsin's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, in-person absentee voting is offered in this election. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
- Learn more about in-person absentee voting in Wisconsin.
- In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Wisconsin’s site to find where to vote absentee in person.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin.
An acceptable photo ID is not required to contain a current address. These photo IDs are acceptable and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election:
- Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
- Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
- Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption
- military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
- U.S. passport
The following photo ID is also acceptable for voting purposes, and can be expired before the date of the most recent general election:
- identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
- photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, expiration date no later than two years after issuance, and signature of student (must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment if the student ID is expired)
The following photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:
- veteran's photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs
- certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
- driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
- identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
- temporary identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT through the Identification Petition Process (IDPP) (valid for 60 days)
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide photo ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will not count unless you provide an acceptable photo ID to the poll workers by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day or to your municipal clerk in person by 4:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.
Can I register to vote online?
- Wisconsin offers online voter registration.
- To register using the Wisconsin online voter registration system, you are required to provide the number from your Wisconsin driver’s license or Wisconsin identification card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles. If you don’t have a Wisconsin-issued driver’s license or identification card, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Watch this video about online voter registration from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the Wisconsin voter registration form
You can register to vote using the Wisconsin voter registration form. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill it out completely.
Send the completed form to your local election office.
Provide your unexpired Wisconsin driver license or DOT-issued ID card number.
- If you do not have one of these ID numbers, provide the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
- If you do not have one of these ID numbers or SSN, you will still be able to register to vote.
You must also provide Proof of Residence documentation when registering. All Proof of Residence documents must show your name and current residential address. Acceptable forms include but are not limited to:
- current and valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State ID card
- any official ID card or license issued by the Wisconsin government
Find additional forms of proof of residence from the Wisconsin Election Commission.
Send the completed form to your local election office.
Watch this video about by mail registration from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
How do I vote by mail?
In Wisconsin, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Request your absentee ballot online by Feb 16.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Wisconsin does offer in person registration on Election Day.
Watch this video about election day registration from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- You can also register to vote and cast a ballot in person on Election Day.
- Learn more by visiting the Wisconsin Elections Commission website or contacting your local election office.
Watch this video about in person registration from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at voting location on Election Day : Feb 21
- Online : Feb 1
- By mail (postmarked by) : Feb 1
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You will need to show a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin.
An acceptable photo ID is not required to contain a current address. These photo IDs are acceptable and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election:
- Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
- Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
- Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption
- military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
- U.S. passport
The following photo ID is also acceptable for voting purposes, and can be expired before the date of the most recent general election:
- identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
- photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, expiration date no later than two years after issuance, and signature of student (must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment if the student ID is expired)
The following photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:
- veteran's photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs
- certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
- driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
- identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
- temporary identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT through the Identification Petition Process (IDPP) (valid for 60 days)
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide photo ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will not count unless you provide an acceptable photo ID to the poll workers by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day or to your municipal clerk in person by 4:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you make your plan to vote. They can help you start the registration process, learn how to vote by mail, send you election reminders, and more.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Wisconsin you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be a resident of Wisconsin and have resided at the registration address for at least 28 days prior to the election
- be 18 years old on or before Election Day
- not have been convicted of treason, felony or bribery, or if you have, your civil rights have been restored after completion of your sentence or a pardon
- not have been found by a court to be incapable of understanding the objective of the electoral process
- not make or benefit from a bet or wage depending on the result of an election
- not have voted at any other location, if registering on Election Day
Watch this video about who can register to vote from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Wisconsin. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Wisconsin's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Wisconsin, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Elections Commission oversees elections and election administration in Wisconsin. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.