After months of campaigning and what may seem like endless political advertising to many Wisconsinites, Election Day is finally here. Polling places statewide open at 7 a.m. this morning and will be open until 8 p.m. this evening.
Wisconsin voters will be faced with many choices on their ballots. In addition to the hotly contest presidential and U.S. Senate races, there will also be Congressional and statehouse races on many ballots for voters to decide on.
Long lines may be common at many locations. Reid Magney with the state Government Accountability Board says peak times are often right before or after work, along with during lunch time. Voters can often expect a last minute rush near when the polls close in the evening. He says the best advice is to try and find some time to vote either mid-morning or mid-afternoon, if you want to avoid a long wait.
If you do wait until the last minute, Magney says voters should know that, as long as they are in line when the polls close, they will still be able to vote.
While the state’s Voter ID law does remain on hold because of ongoing court challenges, other provisions remain in place. That includes voters being required to sign the poll books when they pick up their ballot.
Also, even though an ID is not required to obtain a ballot, Magney says it may be needed if you plan to register at the polls. A photo ID with your current address on it can serve as proof of residency when you register on Election Day.
If you have not voted since the recall election over the summer, Magney says you might want to double-check your polling place info. Many residents may find they have moved after legislative redistricting took effect before the primaries. The GAB maintains a website where voters can enter their information to find out where their local polling place is, whether they are still registered to vote, and to review sample ballots for the races they will be voting on.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:17)