Pay Attention to These Important Deadlines for the November 5 Election

A roll of I Voted Early stickers.

We are less than one month away from the November 5 election, when Wisconsin residents will have the opportunity to decide not only who becomes the next President of the United States, but also a litany of other local, state and federal races. We encourage everyone to make their voice heard on Election Day.

Voters with disabilities, including those who are blind or low vision, face significant barriers when casting their ballots. As we get closer to Election Day, it is vital that you closely follow all election-related deadlines to ensure your vote is counted.

Voter Registration

  • Wednesday, October 16 – This is the deadline to register by mail or online. Your voter registration form, along with your proof of residence (like a utility bill or lease agreement) must be postmarked no later than this date.
  • Friday, November 1 – This is the deadline to register in your local clerk’s office.

Voters are allowed to register on Election Day at their polling place. However, we strongly encourage everyone to register as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary barriers on Election Day. The MyVote Wisconsin website is an easy and secure way to register and is screen reader accessible. Please note that you will need to upload a photo ID to register.

Absentee Voting

  • Tuesday, October 22 – In-person absentee voting begins on this date. You can cast your ballot at your local clerk’s office two weeks before Election Day. You can also register to vote if you have not already done so. Check your municipal clerk’s office’s website for hours.
  • Thursday, October 31 – This is the deadline to request an absentee ballot for regular or permanent overseas voters. Absentee ballot requests must be received by your local clerk no later than 5 p.m. However, we strongly encourage anyone who intends to vote absentee to request their ballot as soon as possible. Requesting your ballot on October 31, just days before Election Day, is risky, as it may be too late for the ballot to be mailed to you, filled out, and returned in time to be counted.
  • Sunday, November 3 – This is the last potential day for in-person absentee voting. Check your municipal clerk’s office website for available days and hours.
  • Tuesday, November 5, 8 p.m. – Your absentee ballot must be received by this time. All absentee ballots must be at your polling place or central count location by 8 p.m. on Election Day, either by mail or in-person.

Voters in the military or who are hospitalized one week before an election have other specific deadlines. You can find more details at MyVote.wi.gov.

November 5 – Election Day

Polls will open across Wisconsin at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5. Polls close at 8 p.m., though if you are in line at your polling place by that time you will be able to vote. You can register to vote, find your polling place, and request an absentee ballot online at MyVote.wi.gov. If you encounter any barriers at your polling place on Election Day, call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline at 800-347-8683. Remember to make your voice heard this November, and if you plan on voting absentee to return your ballot as soon as possible!

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