It's National Voter Registration Day. Here's how to register to vote in Wisconsin

Hope Karnopp and Alex Groth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

To vote in the presidential election this fall, Wisconsin residents will need to register to vote. Wisconsin is one of the states with same-day voter registration, so you can register to vote on Nov. 5 at the polls, but you can also register beforehand.

Milwaukee County is hosting two events Tuesday on National Voter Registration Day, which is Sept. 17, to provide opportunities for voter registration and education. Here's what to know:

Where and when can I register to vote in Wisconsin?

There are four ways to register to vote in Wisconsin: online, by mail, at your local clerk's office or at your polling place on Election Day.

  • Online through Oct. 16. You can register online at myvote.wi.gov, which is the state's official website for voting registration. As long as the information you enter — like your address and driver's license or ID card number — matches what the state DMV has on file, you'll be able to register online. If not, you can register by mail.

  • By mail, postmarked by Oct. 16. You can start filling out a registration form on myvote.wi.gov, but the form is also available here in English, Spanish and Hmong. You'll need to print and sign the form, then mail or deliver it to your clerk's office. If you're registering by mail, you need to include a copy of a proof of residence document that's not a lease.

  • At your clerk's office by Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. You can visit your clerk's office during its business hours to register to vote, up until the Friday before the election at 5 p.m. You can find your clerk's address here.

  • At the polls on Election Day, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, so you can register when you get to your polling place.

What do I need to register to vote in Wisconsin?

You may have heard of Wisconsin's photo ID law, which requires you to show photo identification to vote. You don't need a photo ID when you're just registering to vote, but you will need it when you vote at your polling place or request an absentee ballot.

Here's what materials you do need to register:

  • A Wisconsin driver's license or state ID card, if you have it. If you have a valid driver's license or state ID card, you will need to provide the number and expiration date. If your license or ID card is revoked, suspended or expired, or if you don't have one, you will be asked for the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have none of those things, there's a place to note that and more information on the back of the form.

  • Proof of residence. This proves that you live in the place where you are registering to vote in Wisconsin. Acceptable documents are explained in the section below.

What is proof of residence for voter registration in Wisconsin?

Proof of residence shows that you live where you're registering to vote in Wisconsin and is a different process than showing photo ID. It must show your current address, so if you've recently moved, it needs to reflect your new address. A driver's license works as proof of residence, but only if it has your current address.

Here are more examples of proof of residence documents, and you can find more information here:

  • A bank or credit card statement

  • A paycheck or paystub

  • A recent utility bill

  • A real estate tax bill or receipt

  • A residential lease, if it's valid on the date of registration. You can't use this one if you're registering by mail

  • An intake document from a nursing home or assisted living facility

  • A university or college ID card with your photo. This can only be used if you have a fee receipt within the last nine months or if your college provides a housing list to the local clerk. This document provides more information for voters in college, and whether you can use your student ID as photo ID.

National Voter Registration Day events in Milwaukee:

There are two National Voter Registration Day events in Milwaukee on Sept. 17 to provide opportunities for voter registration and education. Event locations:

  • Milwaukee County Courthouse Rotunda: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Concourse at American Family Field (Brewers vs. Phillies game): 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

To participate in National Voter Registration Day, bring an acceptable proof of residence document, that includes your voter's name and current residential address.

For more information, you can contact the Milwaukee County Election Commission at 414-278-4060.

What is MyVote WI?

MyVote.wi.gov is the official state website for voter registration and information. It's run by the Wisconsin Elections Commission, which is the statewide board that maintains the voter database, gives guidance to local clerks, ensures compliance with election laws and other duties.

Here's a list of things you can do on myvote.wi.gov, and links to that section of the website:

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: National Voter Registration Day 2024: Register to vote in Wisconsin

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