When Does Early Voting Start in Wauwatosa?

While Election Day isn't until Nov. 8, voters in Wauwatosa – and the rest of Wisconsin – can begin casting their ballots Monday.

In-person absentee voting, more commonly referred to as "early voting," begins Monday and continues through Nov. 2. Wauwatosa residents can cast their ballot between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday, at City Hall, 7725 W. North Ave. However, the office will be open and accepting ballots until 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.

To may also cast an absentee ballot by mail or drop-off. There are several ways to obtain an absentee ballot.

• Option 1 - You may download and submit the GAB-121 Absentee Ballot Request Form to the City Clerk's office
• Option 2 - You may submit a written request to the City Clerk's office by providing the following required information for each registered voter:
  
  • Provide your name as you are registered to vote in Wisconsin
  • Provide your month, day, and year of of birth
    Provide your City of Wauwatosa home address (legal voting residence)
    Provide your signature
  • Provide the address to which the ballot should be mailed (if different from the City of Wauwatosa home address)
  • Provide your telephone number or email address to allow elections officials to contact you if there is a problem with your absentee application
• Option 3 - You may make a request for an absentee ballot via fax (414) 479-8989. The request must contain the same information as noted in Option 2.
• Option 4 - You may make a request for an absentee ballot via Email. The request must contain the same information as noted in Option 2.
• Option 5 - You may make a request in person by visiting the City Clerk's office.

Absentee ballots are counted at the polls on Election Day.

Absentee ballots are no longer faxed or e-mailed to registered voters; they are mailed via the US postal system. The last day an absentee ballot can be mailed to a registered voter is the Thursday before an election.

Larger percentage of voters using early options

Early voting has become increasingly popular over the years, and that trend is expected to continue.

Across the country, the percentage of early voters increased from 16 percent in 2000 to 33 percent in 2008, according to CBS News, which said the number could go as high as 40 percent this year.

Residents can register in advance of the election at City Hall until Nov. 2. Voters can also register at the polls on Election Day, though that may mean waiting in line.

To register to vote, residents should bring a document showing proof of residence — such as a utility bill or bank statement showing complete name and current address — as well as a Wisconsin driver's license or state-issued ID. If someone does not have an ID, they can provide the last four digits of their Social Security number.

State courts and lawmakers have gone back and forth on voter ID over the last several months, but for this election, an ID is not required to vote at the polls.

To vote in Wauwatosa, people must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old on or before Election Day, and reside in Wauwatosa (and nowhere else!) for at least 28 days prior to Election Day.

Residents may register to vote, view voter information or change information through the Government Accountability Board website.

For more information on voting in Wauwatosa and a rundown of what's on the ballot, check out Patch's Wauwatosa Election Guide.