With the August 13 primary merely days away, it’s time to find transportation to the polls, let employers know if you need to take time off of work, make final decisions about who to vote for, and encourage your friends and family members to go with you to the polls. After all, every vote is crucial in Wisconsin this year, not just for the presidential election but especially for our state elections. Here’s everything you need to know.
Note: This is a Partisan Primary election. You may only vote within one political party. You will be able to vote in non-partisan contests.
Make Final Decisions About How You Are Voting
Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District Race
Wisconsin’s Senator Race
What Do the Referendums Mean?
Question 1: “Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”
Question 2: “Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”
A “yes” vote on the first question would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to prevent the Legislature from delegating its power to appropriate money, while a “no” vote would keep the current system.
Voting “yes” on the second question would require the governor to get legislative approval for using federal funds. A “no” vote would let the governor continue using federal funds without such approval.
Republicans and conservative groups like the Badger Institute support voting “yes” on these amendments, citing increased oversight. Democrats and 16 voting rights groups, including the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and Fair Maps Wisconsin, oppose them, arguing they would add bureaucracy, delay emergency responses, and worsen issues with gerrymandering.
Find your Polling Place (Be sure to check the times it is open!)
Bring an Acceptable ID to the Polls
Acceptable Forms of ID:
DMV Issued IDs or Driver's License (may include Driver's License, ID Card, or a receipt issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles if your new driver's license or state ID card doesn’t arrive in the mail by Election Day)
U.S. Passport/Passport Card
A Veteran ID card or a U.S. Uniformed Service ID
A Tribal ID card that was issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe that resides in Wisconsin
A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
A student ID issued by an accredited Wisconsin college, university, or technical college (this includes all 2 and 4-year colleges, universities, and technical colleges in the State of Wisconsin System and accredited private schools) that displays your name, signature, photo, issue, and expiration dates (where the issued date cannot be more than two years from the expiration date)
YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY! If you are registering to vote, you must also bring proof of residence.
Acceptable Forms of Proof of Residence:
A current and valid State of Wisconsin Driver's License or State ID card.
Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit.
Any identification card issued by an employer in the normal course of business and bearing a photo of the cardholder, but not including a business card.
A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election.
A university, college, or technical college identification card (must include a photo) ONLY if the voter provides a fee receipt dated within the last 9 months or the institution provides a certified housing list, that indicates citizenship, to the municipal clerk.
A gas, electric, or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing no earlier than 90 days before Election Day.
Bank/credit card statement.
Paycheck or paystub.
A check or other document issued by a unit of government.
A letter on public or private social service agency letterhead identifying a homeless voter and describing the individual’s residence for voting purposes.
Residential lease that is effective on the date of registration. (This is not valid if you are registering by mail.)
An intake document from a residential care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Send this article to family, friends, and community members to encourage them to vote. As one of the seven key swing states, the ballot box in Wisconsin holds extra weight this year.
If you have questions or concerns about voting, please reply to this newsletter (smartvoter@substack.com) or contact me personally (maggiekmcginnis@gmail.com).