Life does not pause for Election Day. Things no one thinks will happen to them- illness, a car accident, a family emergency, work, bad weather, or just very long lines are some examples of what would keep even a committed voter from the polls between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Early voting locks in participation so unexpected disruption doesn’t erase a citizen’s voice. It also keeps Republicans from starting Election Day tens of thousands of votes behind, a gap that is difficult to close in a single 13-hour window. Democrats have treated early voting as a core turnout tool for years.
While some conservatives remain skeptical, those who wait until November 3rd give the other side an unearned head start in close races, including the open contest for governor.
It’s important to note that in-person early voting is not the same as mailing a ballot.
Voters go to their municipal clerk’s office or a designated site, show a photo ID, mark their ballot in private, and watch it sealed in an envelope. The ballot stays sealed until Election Day counting begins under the same rules that apply to every other ballot. Wisconsin’s voter ID law applies, and the process happens under local election officials. Voters can also track their ballot on MyVote.wi.gov.
Early in-person absentee voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 20 in Wisconsin, two weeks before the Nov. 3 election. It runs through Nov. 1, though hours and locations vary by municipality. Check MyVote.wi.gov or your local clerk’s website for details and bring a valid photo ID.
Early voting locks in participation without the vulnerabilities of mail or drop boxes, and it prevents the other side from banking a large early lead that must then be overcome in a single day.
The potential cost of waiting until Election Day and hoping everything will go as planned does not outweigh the benefit of voting early and urging your friends and family to do the same.
