As we gear up for the Spring Primary Election, voters who are unable or unwilling to make it to their polling place on Election Day have options for casting their ballots. Kenosha County released information detailing the steps a qualified elector needs to take to secure an absentee ballot. In Wisconsin, any U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old on Election Day and has lived in their ward or municipality for 28 consecutive days prior to the election can request an absentee ballot.
Submitting a request can be done in writing or through the online portal at MyVote.wi.gov. Notably, would-be voters must be registered and have a valid photo ID on file with their municipal clerk. If using MyVote.wi.gov, there's an option to upload an ID, simplifying the process. Requests for an absentee ballot need to include the elector's voting address, a separate mailing address if applicable, and the voter's signature. Voters who haven't previously provided a photo ID with an application need to include it when mailing their first request, as reported by the Kenosha County.
The cut-off for absentee ballot requests sent by mail is at 5:00 pm on the Thursday before the election, which falls on February 12. This does not, however, apply to certain groups such as those indefinitely confined, members of the military, hospital patients, or those serving as sequestered jurors. These individuals should check in with their municipal clerks for their specific deadlines.
Voters also have the opportunity to cast an absentee ballot in person. This can be done at the municipal clerk's office or other designated locations, with varying schedules based on the municipality. For example, Kenosha County residents can make their in-person absentee votes at the City Municipal Building with extended hours offered on certain days. However, according to the Kenosha County's announcement, there's no option for in-person absentee voting on the Monday prior to Election Day, nor any Saturday or Sunday hours provided. It is important for voters to verify their respective municipalities' available times for in-person absentee voting to ensure their participation in the election.
Residents in the Kenosha County, Pleasant Prairie, and Somers can find their in-person absentee voting times and locations on the county's website. Kenosha's City Municipal Building, Pleasant Prairie's Village Hall Courtroom, and Somers's location at 7511 12th Street have all posted their schedules leading up to the election. Specific details such as operating hours on various dates have been laid out for these municipalities, ensuring that electors have all necessary information to exercise their right to vote.
