If you think there is even a slight chance you won't make it to the polls on election day, then vote early!

You do not need a reason or excuse, like being out of town on Election Day, to vote by absentee ballot. Any Wisconsin voter who wishes to cast an absentee ballot may do so either in-person during the early voting period or by mail. Just be sure you have a photo ID ready to vote at anytime.

And note that you can register to vote at the same time you early vote in-person. Just be sure to bring a proof of residence with you.

Early In-Person Voting

Depending on where you live in Wisconsin, you may be able vote as early.  Link here​​ to find your local clerk's office where they can offer information on early voting opportunities.

What to bring with you to vote early in-person

You will need to bring one of the acceptable forms of photo ID for voting.

For more information about voter photo ID – and how to get a free ID if you don't have an ID acceptable for voting  visit: Bring It to the Ballot.

Make sure NOW that you are registered to vote at your current address – go to MyVote.WI.gov, select "Register to vote," and enter your name and date of birth.

If you're not already registered to vote at your current residence, see the information below on voter registration options and deadlines.

Early Voting with Absentee Ballot

All registered voters can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them. f you are not registered or your name or address has changed, you will need to register or update your registration before requesting an absentee ballot.

If you are in the military, you do not need to be registered to get an absentee ballot, but first we need you to search for your record.

You can request an absentee ballot...

Online. Once you're registered, you can click here to request an absentee ballot online. 

By Mail. If you are a registered Wisconsin voter, you can download the Application For Absentee Ballot, fill out the form and mail it to your municipal clerk's office. With very few exceptions (e.g., you are indefinitely confined, live permanently overseas), you must also include a copy of your acceptable photo ID with your absentee ballot request (see voter ID information above).

By Email or Fax. You can also request an absentee ballot by sending an email or fax to your municipal clerk that includes:
  • Your full name;
  • Voting address;
  • Mailing address;
  • The election in which are voting;
  • A copy of your photo ID (if you have not provided it with a previous absentee ballot request).

Your absentee ballot request must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be sent to you.

Your completed absentee ballot must be delivered to your municipal clerk's office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends absentee ballots be mailed one week before Election Day to arrive in time.

Make Sure Your Absentee Counts!

The goal is for zero absentee ballots to be rejected at the polls.
Absentee ballots are rejected for the following reasons:
  • Voter has not signed absentee certificate envelope.
  • Voter has not had a witness sign the absentee certificate envelope.
  • Witness did not write address on absentee certificate envelope (street number, street name, municipality).
  • Ballot has not been received by Election Day.
  • Voter has not registered to vote at their current address.
  • Voter has not sealed the absentee certificate envelope.
  • Voter dies before Election Day.

​The City Clerk’s Office strongly encourages absentee voters to take the following precautions:
  • Either vote absentee in the Clerk’s Office, or carefully read the instruction letter that you receive with your absentee ballot.
  • Mail your absentee ballot back to the Clerk’s Office as early as possible. The ballot must be received by the Clerk's Office early enough to deliver to your polling place on Election Day.
  • Make sure you sign the certificate envelope on the line marked “Signature of Voter.”
  • Have your witness sign the certificate envelope on the line marked “Signature of Witness.”
  • Have your witness write his or her address underneath the witness signature (street number, street name, municipality, state, zip code).
  • Make sure the envelope is sealed.
  • If you have moved, register to vote at your new address. Crossing out the address on your absentee label and writing in your new address does not update your voter registration