If you think there is even a slight chance you won't make it to the polls on August 14th or November 6th, 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.

Early In-Person Voting

Depending on where you live in Wisconsin, you may be able vote as early as July 30th for the Primary Election and September 24th for the General Election.

Early voting in Madison

In the city of Madison early in-person voting:​

• Takes place at multiple sites (including all nine of Madison's public libraries, at Edgewood College and at UW-Madison Union South);
• Is usually available during weekend and evening hours at some locations.
• Madison's official schedule and list of locations for in-person early voting can be found here. 

early voting in milwaukee

In the city of Milwaukee, early in-person voting:

• Begins Monday, July 30th for the August 14th primary election.
• Begins Monday, September 24th for the November 6th general election.
• Milwaukee's complete early in-person voting schedule can be found here. 

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.