Race to the Polls

What’s at Stake | The Issues | Voting

RACE TO THE POLLS

Wisconsin must do better
Our schools, our communities, and our economy will be better when every person in the state has access to opportunity. To achieve this, our lawmakers must stand up for racial justice and advance policies that promote racial equity. The inequitable outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic have again illustrated the terrible costs of our state and federal institutions failing communities of color. Policy solutions that directly address the needs of the least supported and resourced will have a positive impact on everyone.

Our future is diverse, engaged, compassionate, equitable, inclusive, healthy, factual, and thriving. We need leaders who will engage with Wisconsin’s communities of color, amplify their voices, and work to advance policies that promote racial justice. 

It starts with you
Race to the Polls is for the people by the people. People who are ready to make racial justice a priority. People who are ready to vote for candidates who talk about and commit to working on issues affecting people of color. People who will hold elected officials accountable and support policies that will undo the many unjust policies and practices that exist in our state and throughout our nation. Commit to bringing racial justice issues to the forefront this election season.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Now more than ever, it’s clear that elections have consequences. Who we elect will determine the direction of our nation and our state, and determine whether the future is one in which everyone can thrive.

The election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 across the country. In Wisconsin, voters will have a chance to weigh in on the following elections:

President – The president has the power to approve or veto laws passed by Congress, and is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws. The president acts as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, and is considered by many to be the country’s moral leader. 

U.S. Representative – U.S. Representatives write and vote on federal laws and policies, and set federal budget priorities.

State Senator, and State Representative – Members of Wisconsin’s state legislature write and vote on state laws and on the budget that sets state spending priorities. Once every ten years, they also play a key role in determining legislative districts, which can shape the competitiveness of elections. 

School District Referendums – The state limits the amount of money each school district is allowed to spend on students, but residents can vote to increase their own property taxes to raise that limit. Because the state continues to spend less on public K-12 education than it did a decade ago, referendums can be important tools for voters who want to insure that their district is able to make investments in students. Residents of Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville, Oshkosh, Wausau, and other school districts have referendums on the ballot. 

THE ISSUES

VOTING

We all have a role to play in addressing inequities in our state, and there’s no better place to start than at the polls. You have many options for casting your vote in Wisconsin. Make a plan today. 

Important Deadlines for the November 3rd Election – The deadline to register online or by mail is October 14th, but you CAN register at the polls when you vote early or on November 3. Just bring your Wisconsin driver license or DOT-issued ID if you have one and a proof of residence like a utility bill, bank statement, or lease. 

Update Your Voter Registration – English | Español

Find Your Polling Place – English | Español

Find Out What is on Your Ballot – English | Español

Order Your Absentee Ballot – English | Español

Track Your Absentee Ballot – English | Español

Curbside or Drive Through Voting – Drive-through voting and curbside voting are two separate election processes. Drive-through voting is OPTIONAL for municipalities looking to limit indoor foot traffic. Curbside voting is STATUTORILY REQUIRED. Contact your municipal clerk for more information.  English | Español

Finding Your Municipal Clerk – Municipal clerks are in charge of elections for your city, town, or village. They can help with voter registration questions, absentee ballots, or other voting concerns. English | Español

Update Your Voter Registration – English | Español

Voter ID – You need a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin, but you may already have an ID that works for voting. Wisconsinites can use a Wisconsin driver license or DOT-issued State ID, a US Passport, a Tribal ID from a federally-recognized Wisconsin Tribe, an ID issued for voting by your Wisconsin university or college, and many more. Find out if you have the right ID at bringit.wi.gov.

Free State ID for Voting – The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles will help you get a free state ID card or document that can be used for voting after just one visit to the DMV, even if you do not have a birth certificate or other documentation. Just bring what you have to the DMV, fill out two forms (form MV3004, and form MV3012), and you will get a photo ID document in the mail that you can use in time for voting. Here is a sample of the document you will receive.  If you need further assistance call : (844) 588-1069

Disability Accommodations – For help with disability-related voting questions or help filing a complaint, call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline 844-DIS-VOTE / 844-347-8683 https://disabilityvote.org

For more information about the elections you will be voting in, your polling place, and all information related to Wisconsin’s elections, visit VOTE411.org.

Problems at the Polls – If you experience or observe any problems at the polls, especially those that may hinder voters from being able to both cast their ballot and have it counted in a timely manner, please report those problems to the Election Protection Hotline, which can be reached at 866-OUR-VOTE. The hotline is also open to taking questions and offering help any time preceding Election Days.