The Voting Process Week One: How to Register

We are 5 weeks out from the November election. It is vitally important that each member of our community is able to voice their opinions and get out their vote. Over these next couple of weeks, Near West Side Partners will publish a series of blogs giving detailed instructions on a plethora of topics regarding the voting process. The first step is registering to vote. This article will give you a step by step instructional guide on how to register.

A. Online

If you decide to register online you will need a valid Wisconsin Drivers License or Wisconsin State ID card that matches the name, date of birth, and address on file at the Wisconsin DMV. If your address has changed recently, go to the DMV Website and fill out the address change form.

Once you have your forms of identification situated, go to My Vote Wisconsin's website. First they will check if you are already registered to vote. You will have to fill out your name and date of birth. If the database does not find a registration under your name, you will move to step two.

Step two will ask you questions to see if you are eligible to vote. If you are serving a felony conviction, including probation and parole, or you have not resided in your current residence for 28 consecutive days prior to the election, you will not be able to register.

Step three will verify your current name. It is important to enter your name exactly how it is found on your identification form. The final step is to enter your current Wisconsin home address. Once you’ve completed the process you can return back to this site in a couple of days and make sure you are registered to vote.

B. Mail

If you do not have a drivers license or state ID or social security, download the Voter Registration Application . Once completed, mail the application with a copy of your proof or residence to:

City of Milwaukee Election Commission

200 East Wells, Room 501

Milwaukee, WI 53202

This registration must be postmarked before October 14th.

C. In person

All Milwaukee Public libraries have voter registration stations and staff to help you complete the voter registration process. A list of Library hours and addresses can be found on the Milwaukee Public Library Website.

Any person registering to vote must include a document that includes proof of residence. A list of acceptable documents can be found on Milwaukee Election Commission Website.

The office of the election commission, Room 501, City Hall, 200 East Wells, will also assist in your voter registration. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:45 pm Monday through Friday.

Registration in person will be available until Friday before the election, October 30th.

D. Day of Election

You may register and vote on election day. Make sure that you have lived in your current residence for 28 days prior to the election and have a copy of your residence documentation.