As a result of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recent court decision to deny a motion to stay Judge Peterson’s decision in the One Wisconsin Institute case, several election administration changes will be in effect for the November 8th election. One such change is how in-person absentee voting hours (sometimes referred to as early voting) may be conducted in municipalities across Wisconsin. Under this court decision, the time limits for in-person absentee voting, have been removed except for the Monday before the election.
In an attempt to create some uniformity among voters in Rock County, the Municipal Clerks in the five cities (Beloit, Edgerton, Evansville, Janesville, and Milton) have agreed to carry a consistent message for voters on when they may vote an in-person absentee ballot in the City Clerk’s office.
Beginning Monday, September 26, absentee ballots will be available for request by mail as well as in-person during regular office hours Monday-Friday. Regular hours may vary between jurisdictions, so check with your clerk for specific hours. For the City of Milton, regular office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will also be three extended hour opportunities for those who require evening or weekend hours:
- Wednesday, October 26th until 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 29th, 9:00 a.m. until noon
- Wednesday, November 2nd until 7:30 p.m.
All in-person absentee voting will end by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4th – no voting will be available November 5th through Monday, November 7th.
Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may request to vote an absentee ballot. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where he or she wishes to vote for at least 10 consecutive days before the election. The elector must also be registered in order to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued.
City of Beloit
Lori Stottler (608) 364-668
www.beloitwi.gov
City of EdgertonCindy Hegglund
(608) 884-3341www.cityofedgerton.com
City of Evansville
Judy Walton(608) 882-2266
www.ci.evansville.wi.gov
City of Janesville David Godek
(608) 755-3070 www.ci.janesville.wi.us
City of Milton
Elena Hilby(608) 868-6900
www.milton-wi.gov