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Register to vote — here’s how

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Register to vote — here’s how

By Nancy Dodge
Northside Action Team

“I didn’t know I had to register to vote,” the young woman said as she approached the Northside Action Team (NAT) table at the farmers market. She had turned 18 this year and was eager to vote in the important elections coming up in the next year and a half.

We explained that, although it is possible to register at the polls when you go to vote, most voters find it more convenient to register before then because there is documentation they must provide to show where they live and who they are. To register to vote, you must prove your residence. 

The future voter showed us her driver’s license and completed a simple form. The voter registration ambassadors from NAT took a picture of her driver’s license and emailed it to the city clerk’s office, and took the completed form to the library to be sent to the clerk. She was registered to vote.

A Wisconsin driver’s license with a current address is sufficient for registering, but other types of photo ID require additional paperwork to show proof of address. Examples would be a utility bill or letter from a government agency. NAT can help you decide what document to use, and can also help you get needed documentation. If you’ve moved since you last voted, NAT will help you register at your new address and tell you where you’ll vote.

If you have a current Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID, you can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov/en-us/. You can also update your address, check to see where your polling place is located, and what is on the ballot in the next election.

You may register to vote any time at your local Madison public library. Or look for NAT volunteers at the Northside Farmers Market, FEED Kitchens Market and other area events. 

Voting is one of our most precious rights, and all elections — local, state and national — are important. Be sure to get registered so you can make your voice heard.

Check out the Northside Action Team at natmadison.org, or send us an email at volunteer@natmadison.org if you have questions.