Alert-
The Wisconsin Election Commission has just mailed over 2 million absentee ballot request forms to registered voters statewide. As County Clerk, I am concerned that voters may miss this important mailer. Here is what it looks like:
A few points-
- absentee ballots are being printed as we speak in Dane County and much of the state. The deadline for municipal clerks to mail out ballots “on file” is September 17th. This deadline is to ensure overseas and military voters get their ballot in time to return by election day. As of today Dane County already has 144,000 requests for absentee ballots on file.
- the list of voters the state used was generated, by necessity, months ago. Therefore, there will be voters who will receive the mailer who have already requested an absentee ballot. Voters should check https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ to review their status.
- voters should not wait if they want to request an absentee ballot. The US Postal system has indicated votes should expect 2-5 days for delivery of first class mail. In order for the application to be processed and a ballot sent and returned it is important to begin the process and return the ballot as soon as possible. Voters can also go directly to https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ to request a ballot online. If voters have questions about their status they should contact their municipal clerk (608-839-4704).
- if Dane County voters have any problems such as uploading a drivers’s license or needing a witness for their absentee ballot or a ride to the DMV to get an ID they can get help from the Dane County Voter ID Coaltion. The Help Line number is 608-285-2141