Common Council

Important Election Update

Hello neighbors!

A federal judge today refused to delay Wisconsin's April 7 election, but he pushed back to April 13 the deadline for absentee ballots to be received so they can be counted in the spring races, which include the presidential primaries.

Under current law, today was the final day to request an absentee ballot. U.S. Judge James Conley pushed that back to 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Friday, April 3, at 5PM is NOW the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot!

He also enjoined the state from enforcing a requirement that those voting absentee have a witness if they are unable to safely do so. If you are unable to find a witness, you are allowed to submit a written statement that you were unable to do so, despite reasonable efforts, and submit that along with your ballot.

You can read the judge's ruling here

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 drop box – 516 Cottage Grove Road

• Sequoya Library drop box – 4340 Tokay Boulevard

• Central Library drop box – 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/.