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UWO student voters: Here’s what you should know before Election Day

by | Oct 8, 2020 | Campus Life, Features

There’s an important election coming up. Perhaps you’ve heard.

Nov. 3 is Election Day, but a little because of recent trends and a lot because of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of votes are being cast in the days and weeks leading up to the big day.

As a University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student, you may have questions related to the election and how, when and where you can vote. Things can get a little complicated, especially if you’re from out of town and living on campus (or off) while you continue your education. And, of course, COVID-19 isn’t making things any easier.

To help clear things up, here are some questions and answers that hopefully can help you plot out how you make your voice heard come vote-tallying time.

Can I register to vote online before Election Day?

Yes. If you plan to vote in Wisconsin you can register in advance at myvote.wi.gov through Oct. 14.

As part of the online registration process, you’ll be asked to upload photos of your driver’s license (not a selfie!) as proof of residency. If your license is not up to date, it can still be used as long as your address is updated with the Wisconsin DMV.

There are so many deadlines to keep track of. Is there a list of them all in one place?

Yes! Here is one, thanks to myvote.wi.gov.

Can I register to vote at my polling location on Election Day?

Yes. You can find a detailed explanation of what you’ll need to have with you on the voting information page of the American Democracy Project. This includes the necessary forms of ID and proof of residence guidelines.

I’m in Oshkosh as a UWO student but my home address is elsewhere. Where do I vote?

That’s up to you. You can either vote in Oshkosh or your hometown. If you plan to vote in your hometown, you’ll need to contact your city or county clerk to receive an absentee ballot, or you can request a ballot via myvote.wi.gov. Absentee ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. Ballots must be received by your municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

I live on campus. Where can I vote on Election Day?

Students living in residence halls will vote in the Kolf Sports Center, gyms A and B.

I live off campus. Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can find your polling place at myvote.wi.gov.

On Election Day, when do polls open and close?

All voting locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re already in line when the polls close, stay in line.

Do I need to bring an ID to vote on Election Day?

Yes, acceptable forms of photo ID in Wisconsin include:

  • A valid Wisconsin driver license
  • A Wisconsin state ID card
  • A Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued identification card
  • A military ID card issued by the U.S. Uniformed Services (including retired and dependent uniformed service IDs)
  • A U.S. passport book or card
  • Other forms also are allowable and the full list is available here.

Your voting address does not need to match your Wisconsin driver license address, however you will need to update your address with the DOT and bring a utility bill or approved document to verify your address. This can be done online. Follow the instructions at myvote.wi.gov.

If you live on campus and don’t have a utility bill, you can print off a voter ID enrollment verification form from TitanWeb.

Another option is a student photo ID card, which is not the same as a TitanCard, and either a class schedule, tuition bill or enrollment verification form. (Once again: Your TitanCard is not an acceptable form of ID for voting.)

Your student photo ID card must have its issue date, an expiration date of no later than two years after issuance, and your signature. These are available at Titan Central in Reeve Memorial Union. A first card is free and a replacement is $2.

Can I vote online?

No.

Is there early (before Election Day) in-person voting on campus? 

No. Early voting in the city of Oshkosh, however, takes place at City Hall with the City Clerk. It starts the second Tuesday before Election Day. Go to myvote.wi.gov and click “Find My Polling Place” for more details.

What if I’m in quarantine or isolation on Election Day? What are my voting options?

Students in isolation or quarantine should not vote in person. Depending on the timing of when the quarantine or isolation starts, there may still be time to request an absentee ballot and return it in time for it to be counted. It is important to make a voting plan today, including exploring early voting options or voting absentee.

What’s on the ballot?

You probably know the main event but you might not know what else hangs in the balance. You can see ballots ahead of time at myvote.wi.gov. There’s a feature where you type in your address and you can see everything you’ll be voting on.

What are some other helpful resources?

Glad you asked! We’ve pulled together the information above from a handful of reliable sources:

If you still have voting questions or concerns, you can contact Mike Lueder, assistant director for civic engagement in the University Studies Program, by email at luederm@uwosh.edu or (920) 424-4231. He’s happy to help.