November 8th is just around the corner and Election Day is only 40 days away! We have one final election this year and it is an important opportunity to exercise our voting rights and to demonstrate our power at the ballot box to determine statewide leadership for important offices like Governor and Attorney General as well as for U.S. Senator. This election will also determine our elected representation at the federal and state levels. Additionally, there are many communities with important local referenda on their ballots.
While you prepare to vote, I want to share with you some opportunities for how you can direct your citizen activism to preserve and protect our freedom to vote and uphold fair and free elections in Wisconsin:
Election Day Observation
Be a volunteer for Election Protection in Wisconsin! The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin manages the Election Observation program for our state and we are helping to recruit volunteer observers for the November 8th Election. You can learn more about the program through their webpage. And you can sign up to be an Election Observer here. Sign up by Oct 17.
Volunteer with Souls to the Polls - Milwaukee
Souls to the Polls are recruiting volunteers for their Rides to the Polls and Get Out the Vote Programs in Milwaukee. More information and sign up form are here.
Become a Poll Worker
Poll workers are vital to making the voting process safe, secure, and smooth. If you’re able, consider becoming a poll worker for your municipality and within your county. In particular, Green Bay in Brown County and Milwaukee in Milwaukee County are wanting to increase their poll worker teams. Please sign up by October 6th so you're able to attend the necessary training sessions. Sign up thru Power the Polls.
Social Media Monitoring
To help detect on-line voter disinformation and possible interference at Wisconsin polling sites, sign up for social media monitoring with Common Cause.
Vote Early Day - October 28th
In person absentee voting (aka “early voting”) starts in Wisconsin on October 25th. Groups and individuals around the state are putting together vote early events for October 28th to celebrate the power of voting. More information and a map of events will continue to be updated at the Vote Early Day 2022 website.
All Voting is Local - Voter Advocacy Day
Our friends at All Voting is Local are hosting an in-person Voter Advocacy Day Event on October 6th at the Wisconsin State Capitol. This event is an opportunity for residents to engage with policy makers and learn ways to effectively engage in the democratic process. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in one of three tracks: Mock Public Testimony, Mock Public Budget Briefing, or Mock Lobbying Experience. More information and registration here.
Be Vote Ready
Choose the method of voting that works best for you and make your plans to vote by mail, OR by in-person absentee (aka "early voting"), OR on Election Day. You can request your absentee ballot by mail now, view a sample of your November ballot, register to vote, and MORE - all at MyVote.wi.gov. Enter your address information to get started or find the contact information for your municipal clerk.
You can find more voting information at the Common Cause Wisconsin website including resources for how to get assistance and answers for your election questions.
Don't forget: Young voters who are enrolled at a Wisconsin University, College, or Technical School can get the information they need to vote from this Common Cause Wisconsin Student Resource Page. Please share the link with the young voters in your life.
Thank you for considering these opportunities and preparing to vote. November 8th will be here in no time. And there is no time like NOW to be voter ready and lend a hand where you can to protect elections in Wisconsin.
Forward!
Jay Heck, Executive Director
