Time to vote on Tuesday

It is election time in Wisconsin on Tuesday. You may have questions, and we will try to answer them.

Where do I vote?

You can see where your polling place is by going to the State Election Commission website at myvote.wi.gov.

What is on my ballot?

In general, you will be voting in the primary for president and for local non-partisan offices including county board members, school board, and some other local offices. To see your ballot you can go to myvote.wi.gov for that or to see where to vote. 

How can I get more information about candidates?

One non-partisan source of information is the vote411.org site, which is run by the League of Women Voters. The League has asked candidates all across the country a standardized set of questions about their candidacy. You will note that many of the candidates have chosen not to respond with answers to the questions, but it is still a good source of information. 

What is this uninstructed delegation thing?

In the presidential primary you may vote to not instruct the party's delegation toward a candidate, and to let the delegates to the political convention make up their own minds as to who to vote for. This more or less amounts to a protest for people who do not want to endorse either the Republican or Democratic candidate, since it is clear who each party's candidate will be after the conventions. 

What about the referenda?

There are two referenda on the ballot, both regarding administration of elections. The first is about the use of private funds in running elections, largely prompted by the discomfort of primarily Republicans about the use of privately donated money (the so-called Zuckerbucks) in the 2020 election. The Republicans tried to get this restriction passed as a state law/ The law was passed and Governor Evers vetoed it. There were not enough votes to override the veto. . Therefore they are presenting it as a constitutional amendment referendum. 

The second referendum is in regard to only allowing election officials designated by law to participate in running elections. This is also a vetoed law that is now being put in as a possible constitutional amendment. 

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters recommends voting no on both amendments. 

Guidance from the Wisconsin Election Commission

The election commission has sent out the following set of reminders about Tuesday's election:

MADISON – The Wisconsin Elections Commission is providing guidance to voters ahead of Tuesday’s Spring Election. Here’s what to know:

 

1. Voters planning to go to the polls should check the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s MyVote website at MyVote.wi.gov to verify their registration status, find their polling place, and see what is on their ballot.

 

2. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling place hours are the same across Wisconsin, no matter where you live. Voters need to be in line by 8 p.m. to vote.

 

3. Those not registered to vote can do so at their polling place on Election Day – you can register to vote for the first time or update your name or address. To register, voters will need to show a proof of residence document, which must contain the voter’s name and current residential address. Examples include a bank statement, recent electric bill, or a current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card. You may present your Proof of Residence document as a hard copy, paper document or an electronic document on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Learn more at https://elections.wi.gov/Register

 

4. Remember to bring your photo ID to your polling place. Wisconsin requires an acceptable photo ID to vote, such as a Wisconsin driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military or veteran’s ID, tribal ID, a certificate of naturalization, or some student IDs. Anyone with questions about photo ID can visit the state’s Bring It to the Ballot website at https://bringit.wi.gov/ or call 1-866-VOTE-WIS for information. Those without an acceptable photo ID can get one for free at their local Division of Motor Vehicles office. For more information, call 608-266-1069. An acceptable photo ID for voting does not need to show the voter’s current address.

 

5. Voters can still return absentee ballots in person on Election Day. Voters should contact their municipal clerk to learn where absentee ballots should be returned. Most voters must personally deliver their own absentee ballot (see number 6 below for exceptions). To ensure that your absentee ballot is counted, the WEC recommends paying close attention to included instructions for completing and delivering an absentee ballot.

 

6. Voters with disabilities have additional options when returning absentee ballots. Pursuant to the Voting Rights Act, any Wisconsin voter who requires assistance with mailing or delivering an absentee ballot to the municipal clerk due to a disability must be permitted to receive assistance from a person of the voter’s choice. This person cannot be the voter’s employer or an agent of the employer. This person also cannot be an officer or agent of the voter’s union. Contact your municipal clerk if you have questions.

 

7. There are two statewide referenda questions on Tuesday’s ballot. The Type C Notice of Referendum, which is available on the WEC website and must be published the day before the Spring Election, includes an explanation from the Attorney General about the effect of a “yes” or a “no” vote. The Type C Notice can be found by going to https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/election-notices, clicking on the first drop-down (Election Notices from WEC), then clicking on “Type C Notice” on the lefthand side. The Type C Notice will also be posted at each polling site.

 

The current legislative maps for Dunn County and the City of Menomonie are attached below for reference, along with the Type C notice of referendum mentioned above. 

Note that Steve Hanson, the author of this article, is currently serving as Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of the Greater Chippewa Valley.