Wisconsin
Population
5,822,434
Voting-Age Pop.
4,347,413
Last Presidential Election (2016)
Important Dates
Election Date
Nov 3, 2020
Registration Deadline
Oct 14, 2020
Register to vote by mail or online up to 20 days before the election.
You may register in person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the Friday before the election at 5pm or close of business, whichever is later.
USPS recommends mailing your ballot no later than October 27.
Source: USPS.com
Key Election Information
-
Yes
Online Registration
-
Early VotingYes
-
Same-Day RegistrationYes
-
ID RequiredYes
Voter Resources
Register to vote today
Ahead of Election Day, make sure you’re registered to vote and your voting record is up to date. Check out state resources here.
Absentee/Mail-In Voting
Absentee/Mail-In Voting
Under Wisconsin law, voters do not need a reason or excuse to vote absentee.
Election Rules & Requirements
Early Voting
Can you vote early in this state?
Each city, village and town in Wisconsin is responsible for setting the dates and hours of in-person absentee voting for their municipality. In-person absentee voting cannot occur more than two weeks before an election.
Same-Day Registration
Can you register on Election Day?
Election Day registration, including permitting registered voters to update their address or name, is allowed.
Voter ID Requirements
Is an ID required to vote?
If you don't have other acceptable forms of ID, you may get a free Wisconsin ID card.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
Make sure you're ready on Election Day with the appropriate forms of identification. Acceptable forms of ID are listed here.
Data source - bringit.wi.gov
Federal
-
Military ID Card
Issued by a US uniformed service
-
US Passport
-
These IDs are Acceptable If Unexpired:
A veteran’s photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs or a certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented.
State
-
A Wisconsin DOT-issued Identification Card
With or without a star in the right-hand corner
-
A Wisconsin DOT-Issued Identification Card or Driver's License
Without a photo issued under the religious exemption
-
Photo Identification Card Issued by a Wisconsin Accredited University or College
That contains date of issuance, signature of student and an expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance. Also, the university or college ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment
-
These IDs are Acceptable If Unexpired:
A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days), an identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days), a temporary identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT through the Identification Petition Process (valid for 180 days), a citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend a Wisconsin DOT-issued driver’s license that is dated within 60 days of the date of the election
Other
-
Identification Card
Issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin, may be used even if expired before the most recent general election
Additional Voting Resources
Voter eligibility Voting accessibility Military/overseas voting Additional rules & requirementsCovid-19 Voting Resources
Covid-19 Voting
Voting resources regarding Covid-19 are developing.
US Elections FAQ
US Elections, Explained
What you should know about what's happening with the 2020 election and how it all works.
Citizen by CNN
This guide is part of Citizen by CNN, a civic engagement platform that convenes people around issues that matter to them, helping them stay informed and engaged in the political process.