VOLUNTEER TO BE AN OBSERVER AT A POLLING SITE FOR THE ALL-IMPORTANT APRIL 4TH ELECTION

For release: Tuesday - March 7, 2023

  Image: Inside the Wisconsin Supreme Court Chambers. Photo by J Heck. 

OTHER INFORMATION YOU NEED TO ACTIVELY CAST YOUR BALLOT AND PROMOTE DEMOCRACY

By now you are undoubtedly aware of the critical importance of the fast-approaching April 4th election in Wisconsin that will decide a new and pivotal Justice for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and with that decision, the future direction of Wisconsin, and maybe of the nation. Also on that day, numerous important elections for local offices that have tremendous impact on your daily lives will occur and be decided. Here is a quick listing of some events and things you can do to be an active participant in the preservation and protection of fair and free elections in Wisconsin. Take a look now and decide how you can and want to get involved. And, there is also important information about voting by absentee ballot or "in-person" at your polling place for you to utilize and share with others.

 

Volunteer to Observe Polling Sites for the April 4th Election

 

Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) is joining Campus Vote Project and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin in seeking nonpartisan volunteers to observe polling locations in Wisconsin that, in particular, serve college campuses and universities primarily with student voters. This is a critical and important task for this upcoming election and we need volunteers.

 

If you are interested in learning more and volunteering for the program for the April 4 Election, please sign-up through this form. Online training and Election Day support will be provided. Thank you!

 

 

Volunteer to Provide Rides for Voters in Milwaukee 

 

Souls to the Polls are looking for volunteers interested in driving voters to the polls for the April 4th Election in the Milwaukee area. Learn more and sign up.

 

Election Related Events

Monday, March 20 at 12pm - WI Disability Vote Coalition - The Spring Election Matters: Lunch & Learn 

Save the Date: March 30th at 6:00 PM - Common Cause Wisconsin and Delta Beer Lab - Townhall Meeting and Panel on Partisan Gerrymandering and the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election!  And come play a fun, instructive gerrymander-themed bingo game called Loteria and enjoy a Wisconsin beer!  All at Delta Beer Lab in Madison, located at (167 East Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713 -- right off the Beltline, Rimrock Road Exit). We will be providing further details on this fun event soon, so stay tuned!
 

 

Be Ready to Vote

 

The April 4th Election is underway! Make a plan and know how you will cast your ballot. These options are available to all Wisconsin Voters.

 

1. With an absentee ballot by mail,
OR
2. In person by absentee ballot at your clerk’s office or designated site (aka “early vote”),
OR
3. In person at your polling location on Election Day.

 

Go to MyVote.wi.gov and make a request for your absentee ballot to be sent to you by mail in just seconds. In Wisconsin, any registered voter can vote absentee - no excuses needed. Request your ballot for the April 4th election today. The sooner you make your request, the more likely you are to receive and send back your ballot in time for it to be counted. We suggest you make your absentee ballot request now to ensure you receive and have time to return your ballot for it to be counted.

You can also go to MyVote.wi.gov to get information like locations, dates, and times, about in person voting by absentee ballot from your clerk prior to Election Day (aka “early vote”) which happens for the two-week period prior to Election Day on March 21.

Finally, you can find your polling location if you choose to vote in person on Election Day. All polling locations across the state are open from 7:00 AM-8:00 PM on Election Day.

 

You can do all these things and more at MyVote.wi.gov including previewing your ballot, registering to vote, tracking your absentee ballot, and finding information on photo ID needed to vote in Wisconsin.

Get involved. Stay encouraged. Connect with other Wisconsin voters! Your active participation strengthens our democracy, preserves our freedom to vote and lifts up our voices.

 

On Wisconsin!  

 

Forward,

Jay Heck

--------------------------

Jay Heck

608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

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March 1st Kick-Off of Month of Action for Critical Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

For release: Monday - February 27, 2023

Image: Common Cause Wisconsin is Delta Beer Labs Nonprofit Partner of the Month - March 2023

Join CC/WI at Delta Beer Lab in Madison 

this Wednesday, March 1st

Spring is just ahead and with it, the most important Wisconsin Supreme Court Election in the history of our state, and maybe in the nation, on April 4th.

 

Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) is working to inform voters about what the massive implications of this election are for voting rights and for fair voting maps as well as well as for so much more!

 

What is more Wisconsin than combining civic education with great, state brewed beer?

 

Stop by Delta Beer Lab (167 East Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713 -- right off the Beltline, Rimrock Road Exit) this Wednesday, March 1st between 4:30 and 6:30 PM as CC/WI "kicks off" a month of activity all over Wisconsin. Delta Beer Lab is generously donating a percentage of the tips received at their taproom during the month of March to CC/WI to help educate Wisconsin voters as we work to maximize voter turnout for the April 4th Election!

 

Then, on Thursday, March 30th, the "CC/WI Month With Delta" will culminate in an interactive town hall meeting on partisan gerrymandering of Wisconsin's legislative and congressional districts and why it's so detrimental to all of us and how the April 4th election could change that. More details about this event soon.

 

Join me and others for a pint at Delta this Wednesday. Hope to see you there!

On Wisconsin.

Jay Heck

--------------------------

Jay Heck

608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

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ALL-IMPORTANT PRIMARY ELECTION DAY TOMORROW!

For release: Monday - February 20, 2023

Image: Freedom to Vote

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE YOUR VOTE COUNT

The 2023 “Spring” Primary Election Day is tomorrow - Tuesday, February 21, 2023. The eyes of the entire nation are on Wisconsin as voters statewide vote for a new Justice for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as well as for many important local offices (depending on where you live) including making initial primary election choices for other judges at all levels, for mayor, city or town council, county supervisor, school board and many other elected officials and ballot questions. These positions have an enormous impact on the lives of all Wisconsin citizens and your vote and voice really matters.

Tomorrow’s primary election will winnow from four to two the “final” candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court who will face off on April 4th and your choice tomorrow really matters. This is perhaps the most significant and consequential Wisconsin Supreme Court election in history and The New York Times and others have characterized this primary election for the court tomorrow and the final, general election on April 4th as the most important elections in the nation during all of 2023! Ensure that your voice is heard and that your vote is counted.

If you haven't yet cast your ballot by absentee voting, then prepare now for how you will vote in-person at your polling place tomorrow.

 

Mail-in Absentee Ballot Return
If you still have a mail-in absentee ballot that was mailed to you and you have not returned it yet, be sure to personally hand return your completed ballot TODAY. Do NOT mail it! All ballots need to be received no later than 8pm tomorrow on Election Day. Your clerk and myvote.wi.gov will have information about where you can take your ballot, and because today is Presidents Day and a federal holiday, this may impact whether your clerk's office is open today - so check with your clerk before you go. Don't forget: The ballot envelope needs a witness signature and the complete address of the witness.

REMINDER: Voters with a disability who need assistance may have someone return their absentee ballot.

You can track your ballot through the official ballot tracker on MyVote. Don't see that your ballot was received? Contact your clerk for further information.

In-Person Voting at your Polling Location on Election Day
If you are planning to vote in person at the polls, read the information below so you are prepared when you show up to vote at your polling location. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday.

Polling Location
Polling places can change from election to election. To find out where to go to cast your ballot, visit the Find My Polling Place page on the MyVote Wisconsin website and type in your address.

Registration
You can register to vote on Election Day at your polling location. Being registered to vote means being registered at your current address. You need to have lived at your current address for at least 28 days prior to Election Day in order to register to vote in that election district or ward. You'll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically - like on your phone or tablet).

Photo ID
You are required to show a photo ID before you vote. If you have a Wisconsin driver's license or a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued ID card, then you’re all set. Selected other forms of ID work too, and it’s a good idea to check the official list of acceptable IDs at Bring It to The Ballot to make sure you have what you need.

What if you don't have an acceptable ID to vote tomorrow? You can ask for AND vote with a provisional ballot. But, for your ballot to be counted, you MUST either come back to your polling place with an acceptable form of ID before it closes at 8:00 PM on Election Day OR bring your ID to your municipal clerk's office by 4:00 PM the Friday after the election (Friday, February 24th). If you don't have an acceptable ID for voting and need help getting one, call or text the VoteRiders helpline 866-ID-2-VOTE for assistance.

Your Ballot
You will find local and state races on your ballot. This will include the Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice and may include City Council, Village President, Judges, Mayor, School Board, and other offices. (Find out what is on your ballot at MyVote). These offices and the people who serve in these roles have a direct impact on your life.

Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidate best represents your values before you vote. Find candidate and ballot information from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at Vote411.

College Students voting in Wisconsin
Are you a college student voting in Wisconsin? Or do you know a student who wants to vote in Wisconsin? Here is important information from the Common Cause Wisconsin website to share: Three Things College Students Need to Do To Vote in Wisconsin

Have questions or need some assistance? 
Help is just a call, text, or email away.

Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be connected to a nonpartisan person who can help answer all your questions. You can also request services such as getting assistance at the DMV to get an ID to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.

Voters with disabilities have the right to have ready access to any polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking and returning an absentee ballot, and voting curbside at a polling location. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline for assistance: 1-844-347-8683. Or email: info@disabilityvote.org. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.

If you experience problems at the polls or have questions, there is help. Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers with any questions you have or to report problems.

 

The health and vitality of our democracy and of our state and communities is completely dependent on the citizens who actively participate in keeping it alive and vibrant through their votes. Remember that each and every Wisconsin voter has an equal voice at the polling place. Exercise your precious right and ability to determine where your state and local community is headed. Vote!

On Wisconsin!

Jay Heck

--------------------------

Jay Heck

608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

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Early In Person Absentee Voting for Critical Spring Primary Starts Today

For release: Tuesday - February 7, 2023

Image: Photo by REUTERS/Bing Guan

Prepare to Vote Now or at Your Polling Place on February 21st

Attention all Wisconsin Voters! Today is the first day that you can begin to cast your ballot in person for the upcoming Primary Election on February 21st – followed by the all-important General Election on April 4th in which we will be choosing a new and pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice as well as for many important local officials for such as other judges, mayors, county executives, city council members and county supervisors, school board members and many other local level offices. All of these elected officials have an impact on your community and in your lives.
 

The eyes of the nation are on Wisconsin for this State Supreme Court election. The New York Times recently said that this is the nation’s most significant election during all of 2023! Make sure you are prepared and equipped to have your voice heard and your vote count by reading through the following information. Do it now because February 21st will be here before you know it.

 

Early voting starts today
If you’d like to cast an absentee ballot in person (aka, “early vote”) before Election Day, then now is the time. For the next two weeks, the option to cast an absentee ballot in person at designated sites throughout the state is available to all Wisconsin voters. Check with your clerk for locations, dates, and times for your village / town / city. Most municipalities will wrap up early voting by Friday, February 17th and a few will have early voting through Saturday, February 18th. Visit your municipal clerk’s website, contact your clerk, or search MyVote.wi.gov to find out about your options and opportunities to vote early.

 

Return your mailed ballot
If you have not yet returned your completed mailed ballot, do so NOW! Your ballot (sealed in the official envelope with your signature and a witness's signature and full address) needs to be returned to your clerk by Election Day! If you haven't mailed your ballot yet, mail it at least a week before Election Day—which is February 21st. Or, if you can, personally drop the ballot off at your clerk's office. Voters should check with their municipal clerk about their options. Visit MyVote.wi.gov to find your local clerk’s contact information and hours of operation. Track your ballot through the official ballot tracker at MyVote.

 

>>>IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ASSISTING WITH RETURNING A BALLOT<<<

If you are voting absentee by mail, carefully review the absentee voting instructions from your clerk that are included with your ballot. These instructions should explain ballot return assistance. If they state “only the voter may return their ballot” please contact Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW). Voters with a disability who need assistance may have someone return their absentee ballot other than their employer, agent of that employer, or officer or agent of their union. If your clerk says otherwise, contact Disability Rights Wisconsin by phone: 1-844-347-8683 or email: info@disabilityvote.org.

Voters with disabilities have the right to have ready access to any polling place. This includes the right to use an accessible voting machine, getting assistance marking and returning an absentee ballot, and voting curbside at a polling location. Additional online resources are also at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.

It is up to the voter to determine if they need assistance mailing or delivering their ballot because of a disability. Election officials and your clerk cannot inquire about or try to verify a voter’s disability status. The person returning your ballot may also be the person who assists you with completing your ballot and/or who acts as your witness.

 

Know Your Ballot
Get to know who wants to represent you and which candidates best represent your values before you vote. The League of Women Voters has information about candidates at Vote411.org. Many local papers across the state will also publish candidate interviews prior to the election. WisPolitics recently held a candidate forum for the Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates that you can view here.

Your February ballot will have that all-important statewide election for an open seat for a new Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and may, in your locale, also include important elections for offices such as City Council, Village President, Municipal and County Judges, School Board, Mayor, and County Supervisor. The more local the election, the more likely the people running in it may be people you know. These local elected positions will impact your public schools, public transit, property taxes, water quality, public housing and private housing zoning, public safety and policing and many other parts of your everyday, daily life. Your vote matters enormously in our state and local elections.

 

Voting at your polling location on Election Day – Tuesday, February 21st
Prepare now if you’re going to vote at your polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, February 21st. More information on what you need in order to vote on Primary Election Day can be found at the Common Cause WI Voting Resources page. 

 

Need some help? Here are some great resources…
Call or text the WI Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141 and you will be connected to a nonpartisan person who can help answer all your questions. You can also request services such as getting assistance at the DMV to get an ID to vote or having someone witness your absentee ballot.

If you experience any problems at the polls or have questions, do not hesitate to call the Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for support from nonpartisan election protection volunteers. They are there to help you navigate through any doubts or questions you may have.

 

 

Vote now or prepare to vote on February 21st. The choice is yours but either way, be sure to make your voice heard and have your vote count! February primary elections and even April general elections tend to have much lower voter turnout than November midterm and especially presidential year elections. What that means is that in effect, your vote in this coming February 21st primary and April 4th general election makes a bigger difference because fewer voters are participating. And the stakes in the outcome for Wisconsin and for the nation are enormous!

With some preparation now, you can ensure that you will have a voice this February 21st and April 4th in these critical elections. Share this information with family, friends, neighbors and even with strangers so that voter turnout will be robust and resounding.

On Wisconsin!

Jay Heck

--------------------------

Jay Heck

608/256-2686 (office)
608/512-9363 (cell)

Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
www.commoncausewisconsin.org

Read More...

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