Let your voice be heard

The ABC’s of voter registration

by MCJ Staff

In a mere 35 days, Americans will determine the course of the next four years when they flock to the polls on November 4.

As the days and weeks go by, both Democrats and Republicans are heavily advocating their own “Get Out the Vote” campaigns.

On television, radio and in print, voter registration and education has been pushed, particularly in the African American community.

For weeks now, a great debate has ensued over whether a person can wear any campaign paraphernalia (Obama or McCain T-shirts, pins, hats, etc.) when going to the polls.

Emails have been circulating and radio talk show hosts have been cautioning individuals to refrain from wearing campaign gear because it is against the law.

They, in fact, have noted that polling officials will turn individuals away for wearing anything related to the candidates, citing it is tantamount to campaigning at a polling place.

But according to the Community Outreach Liaison Office of the City of Milwaukee Board of Election Commissioners, voters are entitled to their first amendment rights of freedom of speech.

Therefore, voters can wear as much paraphernalia as they desire. However, once they have cast their vote, they must leave the voting site. Their continued presence constitutes electioneering (advocating for a particular candidate or side of an issue), which is against the law.

As it is a crucial election, it is paramount the community have the necessary information and access to resources about voter education.

When campaigning in Milwaukee last week, Michelle Obama made it very clear that “the only reason Barack Obama will not win this election is if you don’t vote for him.”

For many, the only reason for not voting for Barack Obama -- or any other candidate for that matter -- is lack of knowledge.

From voter registration to absentee voting, it is imperative that our community has access to the needed information to be heard.

The only way to be heard is by exercising one of the most sacred forms of democracy: voting. And the first step to voting is registration.

In the City of Milwaukee, residents have three options when it comes to registering to vote. Potential voters can register by mail, in person or at polling sites on the day of the election.

When registering to vote by mail, residents must download and print the application for voter registration, which is available on the City of Milwaukee Website.

The form must be completed and mailed to the City of Milwaukee Election Commission; it must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, October 15 for the presidential election.

Residents may also register to vote in-person at any Milwaukee Public Library or in the Election Commission office.

Individuals choosing to register at the public library may do so up until the close of registration, Wednesday, October 15. Those registering at the Election Commission office, may do so up to 5 p.m. or the close of business, whichever is later, on the day before the election, Monday, November 3.

Lastly, residents have the option of registering to vote at the polling place on the day of the election. If you wish to register to vote at your polling place, you must bring proof that you have lived at your present location for at least 10 days preceding the election, such as a piece of mail.

All first-time voters, whether registering by mail, in-person or at the polling place, must also supply his or her Wisconsin Department of Transportation -- issued driver’s license number.

If he or she has not been issued a Wisconsin driver's license, he/she must provide the last 4 digits of their social security number or their Wisconsin state ID card number.

If the elector does not have a current, valid Wisconsin driver’s license, Wisconsin state ID card, or Social Security Number, the applicant may indicate this by filling in the appropriate circle on the registration form.

Additionally, new voters must also provide proof of residence, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, college or university ID that includes a photo or even an employer id that includes a photo, among other items. New registrants, except for those registering by mail, may also use a residential lease that is effective for a period that includes election day.

Once the appropriate steps are followed and registration is complete, electors are qualified to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4.

However, some voters are unable to get to the polling place on Election Day. In this case, a voter may vote by an absentee ballot, which is a paper ballot marked by an absent voter, sealed in a special envelope, and given or mailed to the municipal clerk.

The municipal clerk sees that the absentee ballot is processed properly at a centralized location on Election Day. If accepted, the absentee ballot is counted as if the voter had cast the ballot in person.

The request to vote by absentee ballot must be made to the municipal clerk in writing by using the Application for Absentee Ballot, or by letter requesting an absentee ballot, which substantially provides the information required on the application form.

A request for an absentee ballot can be made by mail, which must be done no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 30 or in person at the clerk’s office up to 5 p.m. on the day of election for hospitalized electors and sequestered jurors.

In-Person Absentee Voting will be available beginning Tuesday, October 7, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) and 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, October 11, 18, 25 and November 1.  Voting will take place in the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building, 841 North Broadway, on the ground and lower levels.

For more information on voter registration and absentee ballots visit the City of Milwaukee Website.

After all, in a mere 35 days, voters will determine the course of the United States of America for the next four years. Let your voice be heard!