10 things to know before you vote

WLUK TV

Updated: May 31, 2012 2:26 PM

State elections officials are helping voters gear up for Tuesday's recall election.

The Government Accountability Board released a checklist of 10 things voters should keep in mind when heading to the polls:

Be patient and use common sense. Know your rights and responsibilities before heading out to the polls, which includes the ability to register to vote on Election Day. A list of voting rights and responsibilities is available at the GAB website. To register on Election Day, Wisconsin voters must provide proof of residence, which includes a current utility bill, lease, university ID card or other official document showing the voter's name and current address. Voters who have a valid Wisconsin driver's license or state ID card will be required to use their license number to complete the registration form. Otherwise, they may use the last four digits of their Social Security number. Check your registration status with your municipal clerk or on the state's Voter Public Access website. Know what to do if you run into a problem at the polls: "First, ask for the Chief Inspector," Elections Division Administrator Nat Robinson said. "If you are not satisfied, check with your municipal clerk. If the problem involves possible election crimes, contact your local police department or district attorney's office."
"If you are still not satisfied, contact our office to file a complaint or leave a comment. If you see voter fraud, voter intimidation, electioneering or misconduct by election officials, we want to hear about it," said Robinson. "Voters can go online and report problems or they can call 1-866-VOTE-WIS." Photo ID is not required: Wisconsin's Voter Photo ID Law has been enjoined by the courts, and an ID is not required of voters at the clerk's office for in-person absentee voting or at the polling place on Election Day. However, a driver license or state ID number is necessary to register to vote or to prove residency when registering on Election Day if the address on the license or ID is current. Election observers are welcome in Wisconsin: Election observers are welcome at every polling place, but they must follow the instructions of the chief election inspector, and may not interact with voters. Rules for election observers are available at the polling place and on the G.A.B. website. Ballot mistakes are not fatal: If you make a mistake when voting, you may ask for a new paper ballot, up to a total of three. In the case of touch-screen voting equipment, the voter will be able to review ballot choices before affirming the final vote. Leave political items at home: Voters are asked not to wear political clothing or paraphernalia to the polling place on Election Day. The chief election inspector may ask voters to leave the polling place if they are judged to be electioneering or creating a disturbance. Get in line before the polls close: Voters standing in line waiting to vote when the polling place closes at 8 p.m. on Election Day will be permitted to vote. Rules for challenging a voter: There are specific criteria and limitations on challenging a person's eligibility to vote. The chief election inspector can explain the challenge process and provide the voter and the challenger with explanatory documents. Click here for more information for college students

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