COVID-19 Update: Absentee Extension

Hi Everyone.

Unfortunately, a federal judge late yesterday declined to postpone the election but did make some changes.

(This is important, so please share on neighborhood listservs.)

• The deadline to request an absentee has been given a 24-hour extension to today, Friday, April 3 at 5pm.
• The deadline to get absentee ballots into the clerk's office is now extended until Monday, April 13th at 4 pm. There is no postmark by April 7 or postmark by April 13. Regardless of the postmark, the ballot must be received by the clerk at 4 pm on April 13th.
• The requirement to get a witness signature for absentee ballots is not removed. However, if a voter is unable to get a witness despite reasonable efforts, they can provide a written affirmation to that effect and the ballot will still be counted.

With the April 7th in-person election moving forward at this time, the City of Madison is taking numerous steps to keep poll workers and voters safe.

• At each of the City's 66 polling locations, curbside registration and voting will be possible and is encouraged for voters with underlying health conditions, recent symptoms of a cold or illness, or exposure to somebody with symptoms of a cold or illness.
• Curbside voters will not need to sign poll books, and the team of poll workers interacting with the voter will wear plastic face shields.
• Inside polling locations, large Plexiglas shields will be placed between poll workers and voters. Voters will show their IDs through the shields, and poll books will be slid under the shield for signatures. Voters are encouraged to bring their own blue or black ballpoint pens.
• Poll workers will also be asked a series of questions to determine whether they can work on Election Day. All poll workers will have access to gloves, and each polling place will have disinfectant spray, wipes, and hand sanitizer.
• Painters tape will be used on the floor to mark 6' distances between voters, and all poll workers will be stationed at least 6' apart from one another.

The City is still in need of poll workers. If you and those you live with are healthy and under 60 years old, please consider taking the short on-line training and working in this critical role on April 7. Apply here: www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/elections-voting/election-officials/election-official-application.

The City is still encouraging voters to vote via absentee ballot if possible. Voters can request an absentee ballot through Friday, April 3rd at myvote.wi.gov, or they can vote by early curbside voting at 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through Friday, April 3rd. Early curbside voting will also be available for pre-registered voters on Saturday, April 4th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Voters may return absentee ballots by mail or to ballot drop boxes. Mailed ballots must be received by 4:00 pm on April 13th, and ballots will be accepted in drop-box at the following locations by 12:00 noon on April 7th.

• Pinney Library dropbox – 516 Cottage Grove Road
• Sequoya Library dropbox – 4340 Tokay Boulevard
• Central Library dropbox – 201 W Mifflin Street

Absentee ballots can also be dropped off at polling locations by 8:00 pm on April 7th. More information about polling locations can be found at https://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/where-do-i-vote/.

Yes, I agree, it's crazy they still want to hold the election on Tuesday. Hopefullly, like in Ohio last month, the Governor will find some way to postpone it.

In meantime, stay healthy.

Be safe. Be well. Be kind.

Tag