Recent Changes to Wisconsin Election Laws
NO CORROBORATING WITNESS: Voters may no longer use a corroborating witness as proof of
residence when registering to vote. Acceptable forms of proof of residence may be found on
our website under Register to Vote.
SIGNING OF THE POLL BOOK: Voters are now required to sign the poll book before receiving a
ballot. There is an exemption for voters who are unable to sign the poll book due to a
disability.
REGISTRATION: Voter registration in the clerk’s office now ends the Friday before the
election at 5 p.m. or close of business, whichever is later. You may still register at your
polling location on election day by providing the proper proof of residence.
RESIDENCY LENGTH: You now must reside at your address for 28 consecutive days to be eligible to vote.
ABSENTEE VOTING: Absentee voting in the Clerk’s Office is now restricted to the two weeks
before an election. Absentee voting now ends the Friday before the election at 5 p.m. or
close of business, whichever is later. The new law prohibits absentee voting in the clerk’s
office the Saturday, Sunday or Monday before an election.
Straight Party Ticket. The voter photo identification law eliminates straight party voting
for everyone but military voters and voters who are permanently overseas.