The months of campaigning, political ads, and debates are finally near an end. Election Day has arrived in Wisconsin and voters will be heading out to polling places statewide today to cast their ballots in the race for governor, attorney general, and a variety of other state and local offices. Before you head out to the polls though, the state Government Accountability Board is urging you to take a few minutes to make sure you don’t face any problems when trying to vote.
GAB Director Kevin Kennedy says the number one thing voters should do is make sure they know where to vote and whether they are currently registered. The agency maintains a website that allows voters to check that information, and to also look at what will appear on their ballot when they show up at the polls. Kennedy says voters also need to remember that a government-issued photo ID will not be required to obtain a ballot at the polls, although you can use one to help register to vote at your polling place.
State Elections Division Administrator Mike Haas adds that voters should not be afraid to report any problems they experience when trying to vote. Haas says you should start by bringing it to the attention of the Elections Inspector at the polling place. If that fails to address the issue, contact your municipal clerk’s office or local law enforcement.
Polling places statewide open at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m. The GAB predicts voter turnout will be at about 57 percent, with about 2.5 million votes cast.