Voter ID bill has some changes that go into affect already today . . . so read up on what to expect. This information is for the 48th primarily, but affects everyone. So, if you have an election today, don’t forget to vote! And be ready for things to be different. If you need info about candidates in the 48th here’s the League’s info. And Channel 3’s.
I interviewed Andrea Kaminski from the League of Women Voters on WORT yesterday, you can check out the interview here. Here’s additional information from them. Be sure to check out their website if you need more info.
New procedures
1. You will be asked to show an official photo ID, but you are not required to do so to obtain a regular ballot in this summer’s elections. Voters who do not have an official photo ID will receive information about what kind of ID will be required for voting beginning in 2012.2. The new election law requires a person to be a resident of a voting district for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the election. The 28 day deadline for the July elections has already past. Citizens who have moved more recently may vote in their old district.
3. The new law has shortened the period when citizens may cast an absentee vote in their municipal clerk’s office. It is now a two-week period that ends at the close of business on the Friday before the election.
4. Voters will be required to sign the poll book in order to get a ballot.
What has not changed
1. You may still register to vote at your polling place. Under federal and state law, when registering to vote, you must prove who you are and where you live. To register, you will have to supply a Wisconsin driver license number or Wisconsin state ID card number. If you have not been issued one of these IDs, you may use the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have never been issued any of these numbers, you will be assigned a unique
voter number. To prove your residency in the voting district, a Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin ID card with your current address is acceptable, as are several other specific official documents. Your proof of residency will have to show that you have lived there at least 28 days. Under the new state law, citizens no longer may use corroboration by a neighbor or relative to establish residency.2. The Government Accountability Board’s Voter Public Access website (https://vpa.wi.gov/) is a great source of information, where you can check your voter registration status, polling place, election dates and a sample ballot.
More detailed information from the Clerk’s office.
Voter ID Changes for July 12 Special Election
Polling places in the 48th Assembly District will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. this Tuesday, July 12.
The 48th Assembly District includes the following City of Madison polling places:
• Glendale Elementary School (Ward 1)
• City Church (Ward 2)
• Elvehjem Elementary (Wards 3, 4, 131)
• Door Creek Church (Ward 5)
• Kennedy Elementary (Ward 6)
• New Beginnings Alliance Church (Ward 7)
• American Family Insurance (Ward 8 only, Ward 9 is in another Assembly District)
• LaFollette High School (Ward 10)
• Whitehorse Middle School (Ward 11)
• Hawthorne Branch Library (Wards 12, 13)
• Olbrich Gardens (Ward 33)
• Madison Police Department – South District (Wards 55, 56)Voters will not be required to show photo identification until 2012, but state law requires Election Officials to begin asking to see photo ID this summer. Voters who do not have a Wisconsin photo ID card may still vote a regular ballot this year.
Voters will be required to sign or make their mark on the poll book before receiving a ballot. This change in state law is effective immediately. Voters who are unable to sign due to a disability are exempt from this requirement.
Eligible voters may register at the polls on Election Day if they have resided at their new address for at least 28 consecutive days immediately preceding the election. Voters who have moved within the last 28 days will need to vote from their previous address.
A corroborating witness is no longer an acceptable form of proof of residence under the recent changes to state law. The following items may be used as proof of residence at the polls tomorrow as long as they are current and list the voter’s name at his or her current address:
• Utility bill (up to 90 days old)
• Wisconsin Driver’s License
• ID Card issued by Wisconsin Department of Transportation
• Bank statement
• Tax bill
• Residential lease
• Paycheck
• Government check or documentFor more information on the new voter ID law, please see the City Clerk’s Office website at www.cityofmadison.com/election.
Election night parties here.
If you’re wondering who I’d vote for, Andy Heidt. No doubt about it. He’ll fight the hardest for you, not just go along to get along with his colleagues or so he can be considered pragmatic, and he’s got the best new ideas.
