Election 2016: Where, When and How to Vote Today

Here’s what you need to know before you head to the polls 

Find out if you’re eligible to vote:

The first question you should ask yourself before heading to the polls: Can I vote?

There are at least 4 requirements you need to follow in order to vote:

1. You have to be a U.S. citizen
2. You have to meet your state’s residency requirements
3. You must be 18 years or older on Election Day
4. You must register to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline

To find out if you’re registered, go online and click on “check your registration info,” select your state and plug in the required information. If the site can’t find any matches based on your information, contact your local board of elections.

You can register to vote in-person on Election Day in Wisconsin.

Where to vote on Election Day:

Polling locations are assigned according to your residential address. If you’ve moved recently, you may want to double check that the address change has been updated on your voter registration.

Find your polling place here. 

When to vote on Election Day:

The opening and closing times of polling places vary from state to state. 

Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8:00 PM.

How to vote:

Once you know you assigned polling location, what time it’s open, and whether you’re registered to vote, you’re ready to head to the polls! 

Well, almost — before you walk out the door, make sure you have proper identification.

• Identification Requirements to Cast a Ballot

  • A driver’s license or ID card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation;
  • A military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service;
  • A U.S. passport;
  • A veteran’s photo ID card issued by the Veterans Health Administration;
  • An identification card issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe in Wisconsin;
  • A certificate of naturalization that was issued on or after November 8, 2014;
  • A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days);
  • An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days); or
  • A 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. Such identification must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment.  (May be used even if expired before the most recent general election.)

  VoteRiders has created Wisconsin voter ID info cards in English (madison), English (Milwaukee), and in Spanish (Madison), Spanish (Milwaukee).

  If you're not sure what ID you need or for help getting an ID to vote, call 844.338.8743. Someone will respond to walk to you through the process.

At your polling station, there will be poll workers to assist you with the process. They will direct you to the check-in counters and point out which booth to enter once you’re checked in. 

Do some research ahead of time. Vote.org can give you a peek at your ballot so you know what to expect before you go behind the curtain.