Election Day Manual

Elections in Wisconsin are conducted at the local level. Responsibility falls on election officials to ensure that every election is conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.

Many changes have occurred in the way elections are conducted in the State of Wisconsin over the past ten years. These changes have not been easy but due to the dedication, patience, and hard-work of election officials at all
levels of government, we have transitioned well into the new requirements.

Under the auspices of a new agency, the Government Accountability Board, the Elections Division together with the Ethics and Accountability Division aims to continue to administer excellence in elections across Wisconsin.
However, on Election Day it is up to the local election officials to protect the integrity of the election process.

The Election Day manual was developed to serve as a comprehensive reference to help election officials meet the challenges of Election Day. It is my hope that you refer to it often and make use of the other resources cited
throughout the manual. As always the Elections Division staff is here to provide answers and advice to assist you in fulfilling your obligations to defend democracy and ensure public confidence in the Wisconsin election process.

Kevin J. Kennedy
Director and General Counsel
Government Accountability Board

updated Nov 23, 2011: page 35 changed from 10 days to 28 consecutive days

updated Nov 29, 2011:  page 107 removed reference to coorborator

updated Jan 24, 2012:  page 64, question 11 change number to photo id

updated Jan 27, 2012:  page 46 proof of enrollment required; page 55 provisional ballots maintained by muncipal clerk

updated Feb 1, 2012:  page 59 confidential elector signs the poll list

updated May 7, 2012:  Electors section and Ballots section to reflect new absentee voting law

updated October 8, 2012:  page 44 clarified providing driver license number if expired, revoked or suspended.

updated October 22, 2012:  disclaimer regarding photo ID requirement currently enjoined by two courts.