Voting in Milwaukee County

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Submitted by Daniel Cody on July 10, 2006 - 10:39am.

Register to Vote

Wisconsin's voter registration processes are simple and straightforward. You have the option to register ahead of time in person or by mail or on election day at your polling place. The proof-of-residency requirements for each may vary. Check with your municipal clerk to be sure.

If you do not know who your clerk is or where their office is located, consult the State Election Board's Listing of Local Municipal Clerks. If you have trouble navigating the listing, try use the "Find" command in your web browser's "Edit" menu to search for a specific municipal clerk. This listing contains telephone and fax numbers as well as addresses.

Register to Vote through the Mail

Download the Application for Voter Registration (EB131), complete the form and mail it into your municipal clerk's office up to 5:00 PM on the 13th day before the election. Please note that any person registering to vote for the first time and submitting a registration application by mail must provide a copy of acceptable identification. Acceptable identification is either a current and valid photo identification or one of the following: a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, pay check, or government document that shows the name and address of the voter. The copy of the form of identification must be included when submitting the registration application. If a copy of identification is not included, the elector will be required to supply it before being issued an absentee ballot.

Register to Vote in person with your Municipal Clerk

Register in the municipal clerk's office up to 5:00 PM on the day before the election. Note that after the by mail deadline passes, the elector must present acceptable proof of residence as outlined below.

Register to Vote in Person at your Polling Place on Election Day

To find your polling place location, please visit Wisconsin's Voter Public Access page. If you wish to register to vote at your polling place, you must bring proof that you have lived at your present location for 10 days preceding the election. For purposes of voter registration, a form of identification constitutes acceptable proof of residence if it includes:

  • A current and complete name, including both the given and family name; and
  • A current and complete residential address, including a numbered street address, if any, and the name of a municipality.

Proof of Residence

Forms of identification which constitute acceptable proof of residence, when they contain the information specified above, include the following:

  • A Wisconsin motor vehicle operator's license.
  • A Wisconsin identification card.
  • Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit or by an employer in the normal course of business, but not including a business card.
  • A credit card or plate.
  • A library card.
  • A check-cashing or courtesy card issued by a merchant in the normal course of business.
  • A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election.
  • A residential lease which is effective for a period that includes election day.
  • A university, college or technical institute fee card.
  • A university, college or technical institute identification card.
  • An airplane pilot's license.
  • A gas, electric or telephone service statement for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before election day.

What is acceptible proof of residence?

At this time, proof of residence is all that is required of a voter in order to register at the polling place on election day. Although the Registration Form may ask for either the Driver’s License number or the last 4 digits of the Social Security Number, a voter should not be turned away if they lack that information. If you cannot supply acceptable proof of residence, your registration form can be substantiated and signed by one other elector who resides in your municipality, corroborating your residency information. The corroborator must then provide acceptable proof of residence.