- Check if you’re registered!
Go to this link (myvote.wi.gov, My Voter Info) and fill in your name and date of birth. Then click on the search button. If you are registered, your name and address will come up. Make sure that your address is correct! If not, follow the steps under the button “Update Address.” This may require you to mail in an application if you do not have a Wisconsin ID, so make sure you get this done well in advance. Also, you can email voting@cityofmadison.com and someone will help you change your address online.
If you are not registered to vote yet, follow the steps after clicking on the “Register to Vote” button. Again, this may require you to mail in an application so don’t procrastinate! You must register to vote by Oct. 14 by mail or online, or by Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. in person at your Municipal Clerk’s Office.
- Decide if you want to vote in-person or at home.
With the added obstacles of the pandemic, many people are opting for absentee ballot voting this year. According to the United States Census Bureau, 27 percent of Dane County residents have registered for absentee ballots as of Sept. 7. This is already 75 percent higher than the absentee ballots registered at this time during the 2016 election. To register for an absentee ballot, you can go to this link (myvote.wi.gov, Vote Absentee). You must register for absentee voting by Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.
If you are voting in person, you can check your designated polling place here (myvote.wi.gov, Find My Polling Place).
- Get informed.
Read through the key differences in the candidates’ platforms. This link (graphics.reuters.com, Where Biden and Trump stand on key issues) does a great job of laying out where Trump and Biden stand on issues related to the economy, race and criminal justice, healthcare, immigration and more.
Another avenue for learning more about the candidates and their platforms is by tuning in to upcoming debates. The first presidential debate takes place on Sept. 29 with subsequent debates on Oct. 7, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22. These can be watched by tuning into all major networks from 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. EST commercial-free. You can also watch it through streaming services and publications like the Washington Post, which will be streaming it live.
- Now get out and vote!
Practice the opportunity that so many have fought for. One of the most effective ways to create change and implement what you want to see in America’s future is to use your voice. Voting is an important and foundational place to start. Encourage your friends and family to vote too. Election day is Nov. 3, less than two months away, so let’s get out and vote!
