Early voters have been appearing in significant numbers at Milwaukee’s Zeidler Municipal Building. As of the conclusion of voting on Tuesday, March 29, with three full days of early voting remaining:
- 3,564 people have cast an in-person absentee ballot, compared to
- 1,128 in the 2012 Presidential Primary, and
- 1,231 in the 2008 Presidential Primary.
”These numbers represent a 300% increase in early voters, which is consistent with early voting trends seen across the country,” said Neil Albrecht, Executive Director. “Early voting is a quick, efficient way to cast a ballot and it provides peace of mind for many voters concerned with their Election Day schedules.”
Given Wisconsin’s new photo ID law, a more complex ballot, and the time span since most voters last cast a ballot, the City of Milwaukee Election Commission is encouraging increased voter preparedness for the April 5 Presidential Primary / Spring Election.
To assist, the Election Commission encourages voters to consider the following:
1. Be sure to bring an acceptable form of photo ID with you to your voting site. Remember, a photo ID issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs is now acceptable. Other frequently used IDs include a Wisconsin Drivers’ License, a DOT-issued ID, a U.S. Passport, a uniformed service ID card and a student ID. The address on your photo ID does not need to be current for photo ID purposes. Out of state drivers’ license are not acceptable. A list of all acceptable photo IDs and any restrictions related to each ID is available on the Election Commission’s website at www.milwaukee.gov/election.
2. If you need to register to vote on Election Day because you have changed your name or address, and the address on your photo ID is not current, you will need to bring an acceptable proof of residence document with you. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, lease, tax bill, or document issued to you by a unit of government. You may show paper copy or digital version of your proof of residence document.
3. If you have not voted for a while, you may want to confirm your voter registration status by reviewing your record at https://myvote.wi.gov. Select “Regular Voter,” enter your name, address and birthdate to review your registration record.
4. Confirm your voting site and preview your ballot and ballot instructions before Election Day. The ballot for this election is fairly complex, is two-sided, and includes the partisan Presidential Primary as well as non-partisan contests (races) for state, county and local offices. Remember, in the Presidential Primary, you first select a political party and then vote for the candidate of your choice from that party. Voting for candidates from both parties could cause your ballot to be rejected at the voting machine. To preview your ballot, go to www.milwaukee.gov/election, select the tab “Where do I vote?” and enter your address. Look for the sample ballot link in the top right corner of the screen.
5. If you are a student and intend to use your student ID as your photo ID, you will also need to bring a document that proves you are currently enrolled. Your student ID must also include the date the ID was issued, an expiration date and your signature in order to be acceptable.
6. Consider voting early. If you have any concerns about your Election Day schedule or simply prefer to avoid waiting in line, voting early is quick and easy. Early voting is occurring at the Zeidler Municipal Building, 841 N. Broadway, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. until Friday (April 1) of this week (with voter registration will end at 5:00 p.m. on April 1). Designated voter parking is available along Kilbourn St. and along Broadway.
