Register to Vote

October 12, 2016

The University of Wisconsin has put together a comprehensive website filled with information about how to register to vote and on obtaining a voter ID card (if necessary). Conveniently, College Library is one of the places you can register to vote, although Wednesday, October 12, is the last night this service is available.

Through Oct. 18:
Mondays: Memorial Library 7  p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesdays: Gordon Dining & Event Center  5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesdays: College Library 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursdays: Dejope Hall: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

You can also register at the City Clerk’s Office until the close of business on the Friday before an election. Everyone needs to provide acceptable proof of current residence to register this close to the election. Documents used as proof of address may be presented in paper or electronic format.

Until 20 days prior to an election, you can register at several additional locations, including any Madison Public Library. If someone offers to register you, ask to see their ID as a certified special registration deputy.

One Stop Registering and Early Voting:
From Oct.  24 to Nov. 4, students can register and vote in the Student Activity Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and in Union South from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Register on Election Day at your polling station: You will need the same items needed to register at the clerk’s office as described above. Being pre-registered helps you vote faster on Election Day, but registering at the polls is permissible.

Voter Identification

Acceptable forms of identification include a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, Wisconsin state ID, U.S. passport, U.S. Uniformed Services card, Veterans Affairs ID, tribal ID or Certificate of Naturalization.

The address on your ID does not matter; the purpose of presenting your ID at the polls is to prove your identity.

Students without one of the forms of ID listed above can obtain a UW–Madison voter-compliant ID card free of charge, and present that at the polls together with a Voter Enrollment Verification letter (printed or on a mobile device). Both documents must be presented at the polls.

The UW-issued card is valid for two years from the date of issue and may only be used for voting purposes. It is not intended as a replacement or substitute for the Wiscard and is not valid for any other purpose or service on campus.

Enrollment Verification

Users of the UW–Madison voter-compliant ID card must also present proof of enrollment, such as the university’s Voter Enrollment Verification letter (in MyUW’s Student Center). Students may print the form or display it to the poll worker on an electronic device. This form can also be used to show proof of residence for voter registration.

Again, for more information on voting in Wisconsin, please consult vote.wisc.edu.