How to Register, Vote and Track Your Ballot in Wisconsin

En español | All registered voters in Wisconsin can request a no-excuse absentee ballot, but you’ll need a witness signature. And voters need to bring an approved ID to vote at the polls.

The next statewide elections are in 2024 and include races for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and the Wisconsin State Assembly. Some local elections are being held in 2023.

• Upcoming elections: Information about upcoming elections is available on the Wisconsin elections website.

• Absentee voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot, but you’ll need a witness signature to submit your ballot.
  
• Early in-person voting: There is no formal early in-person voting, but you can cast an absentee ballot in person before Election Day at your municipal clerk’s office.

• Voting at the polls: Voters must show an approved photo ID to cast their ballots at the polls. Find your polling place on the Wisconsin elections website.

Court rulings have changed absentee voting procedures, including a decision by the state Supreme Court prohibiting the use of drop boxes. The ruling is being challenged in court.

Additional court orders confirmed the right of voters with disabilities to get help returning their absentee ballots and banned municipal clerks from fixing missing or incomplete addresses on return envelopes.

Also, Wisconsin's redistricting plan has redrawn certain state legislative and U.S. Congressional districts. The legislative maps are being challenged in court.

• Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or update your voter information. You’ll need a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state-issued ID card.

• By mail: Download and complete a voter registration form from the state elections website. Or pick up a form at your municipal clerk’s office or ask your clerk to mail one to you. Include a copy of a document that proves your residence, such as a Wisconsin driver’s license or state-issued ID card, a recent utility bill or other document listed on the state’s voter information portal. Mail your completed application to your municipal clerk’s office.

• In person: Drop off a completed voter registration form or register in person at your municipal clerk’s office. Hours and availability depend on individual localities. You can also register to vote at your polling station on Election Day.

Note that the deadline to register online or by mail is 20 days before an election. Use the state’s voter information portal to check your registration status, update your address and see a list of your elected officials.

Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot online, by mail or in person.

Voters with a disability who need help returning their absentee ballots are entitled to receive assistance by a person of their choice, except for an employer or representative of the voter’s union.

• Online: Registered voters can use the state’s absentee ballot request portal. Or they can complete a ballot application and email it to their municipal clerk’s office.

• By mail: Download and complete a ballot application and mail it to your municipal clerk’s office. Election officials recommend voters allow up to two weeks to receive and return completed ballots by mail.

• In person: Drop off a completed request form or fill one out at your municipal clerk’s office. You can then cast a ballot in person at your clerk’s office.

Your ballot will need a witness signature before you can return it. Your witness should be an adult U.S. citizen and should provide their signature and address. Return your ballot by mail or in person.

• By mail: Completed ballots should be mailed to your municipal clerk’s office and must be received no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. It’s recommended to mail your completed ballot at least one week before Election Day. Prepaid postage is provided.

• In person: Drop off your completed ballot at your municipal clerk’s office or at your polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Note that municipal clerks are prohibited from fixing missing or incomplete addresses on absentee ballot return envelopes. Clerks who find incomplete information may send the envelope back to the voter — and a new one if necessary — for the voter to correct. The corrected envelope and ballot must be returned to your clerk’s office by Election Day.
Use the state’s voter portal to track the status of your absentee ballot.

There is no formal early in-person voting, but you can cast an absentee ballot in person at your municipal clerk’s office. Days and hours vary between jurisdictions. Check with your municipal clerk’s office to determine when and where to cast your ballot.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but you can still vote after 8 p.m. if you are in line before polls close. Use the state’s voter information portal to find your polling place.

Yes. You’ll need an accepted photo ID, such as a Wisconsin driver’s license, a passport or another acceptable document listed on the state elections website.

Editor's Note: This guide was updated on Aug. 3, 2023. The guide was first published on Aug. 5, 2020.

• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/wisconsin