Thomsen, Millis
The Wisconsin Elections Commission is getting ready for November 8 with a mailing to state residents who have the necessary photo ID but are not be registered to vote. Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day.
“One in four Wisconsin adults will soon be getting an official postcard in the mail urging them to register to vote before the election,” said Mark L. Thomsen, chair of the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC).
The postcards are being sent to 1.28 million unregistered residents.
“Getting more voters to register in advance, rather than on Election Day, translates into shorter lines at the polls, greater turnout and less stress on poll workers who essentially volunteer their time so that democracy functions smoothly,” said Commissioner Don Millis.
In addition to helping eligible voters register, the Elections Commission is working with the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles to make sure the public is aware of the option to get an ID through the DMV petition process, known as IDPP.
“Whether or not voters have all of the required documentation to prove identity and residence, they can get a free receipt after one visit to the DMV that will serve as acceptable photo ID” Thomsen said. The IDPP receipt is good for 60 days and will renew automatically.
The week before the election and the week of the election, the DMV will send receipts by overnight delivery, Thomsen noted. “However, we encourage voters to prepare now.”
The registration postcards are being mailed this week, said Michael Haas, Wisconsin’s chief elections official. They can take up to nine days to arrive, and should start arriving in mailboxes this week.