• be 18 years old;
• have lived in Wisconsin for 10 days (and be able to prove it);
• be a US citizen; and
• not be an unpardoned felon.

Wisconsin law still allows eligible voters to register and vote on Election Day.

Registered Voters
Nothing has changed. If you are on the poll lists, no identification is required and no proof of residency is required.

Voters in Small Municipalities
In the past, if you lived in a community of less than 5,000 people, you walked in to vote, workers took your name, and you received a ballot. As of January 2006, you will need to register just like all other Wisconsin residents.

Same Day Voter Registration
If you have moved to a new address since you last voted, or if you have never voted in Wisconsin, your will have to register to vote on Election Day. Wisconsin makes it easy to register, so don't be intimidated. In order to vote, you must bring proof that you have lived at your current address for ten days. To register, bring ONE of the following with your current address on the material:

• A driver's license or other official Wisconsin ID card.
• An employer identification card with a photo.
• A real estate tax bill.
• A residential lease -- the document you signed when you rented your home. The landlord or manager has a copy.
• A university, college or technical college identification card that contains a photo.
• A phone or other utility bill that is less than 90 days old.
• A bank statement.
• A paycheck with your address.
• A check or other document issued by a government agency, like a social security check or child support check, that has your address.
• A friend. Someone who is a registered voter may "vouch" for you, saying you have lived in your home for more than 10 days. A good person to vouch for you is a neighbor.

In addition to proof of residence, you must fill out a registration card to vote. This card will ask for your name and address. You will verify on the form that you are an eligible voter, and the form will ask for your driver's license number OR the last four digits of your social security number. You are NOT required to bring one of these cards to vote; just be able to list the number.

Voting Access for People who are Homeless

Agencies that serve homeless individuals are invaluable in ensuring access to voting for those without a current, permanent address. The statutory residency requirement for voting is only that you have lived in WISCONSIN for the past 10 days, but you must designate a permanent place of residence. Individuals who are homeless may designate any fixed location in the state as their residence, including a "homeless shelter, a park bench, or other location where a homeless individual may spend time or return to when absent." The Wisconsin State Elections Board has a sample letter that can be used by service providers to establish proof of residency. It is available at http://elections.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=2472&locid=47

Accessibility and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)

The Wisconsin State Elections Board clearly states, "Wisconsin law and the Help America Vote Act give ALL voters the opportunity to vote PRIVATELY and INDEPENDENTLY at the polling place."

That means polling places and the pathways to enter them must be accessible, and voters must be able to cast their votes in private. According to the Wisconsin State Elections Board, every polling place in Wisconsin is physically accessible as of the September 12 primary. HAVA also requires states to provide at least one voting machine per polling place that is accessible by individuals with disabilities.

Individuals who require assistance reading the ballot, understanding written instructions or operating the voting equipment may get assistance from a person of their choosing (with the exception of an employer).

The Disability Awareness Wisconsin Network runs an Election Support Line at (800) 928-8778 (voice) or (888) 758-6049 (TTY), where people with disabilities can get information on voting and accessibility, or submit a complaint. Questions and complaints can also be reported to the Wisconsin State Election Board via its statewide toll-free number, (866) VOTEWIS (868-3947), or to the local municipal clerk offices.

Don't Forget the Kids

Talk to children about voting and involve them in it. According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, "Whether or not parents discuss politics with their kids, take their kids with them to vote, and vote regularly is highly correlated with whether their kids will also engage in political life." This can be as simple as sharing your early voting memories and the issues you cared about as a child. You can take a walk in your neighborhood and point out political signs, or bring your child to a community meeting, and then bring your child with you when you cast your vote. Or organize a poll party. Get the family, neighbors, or the soccer team together and head over to the polls together. Gather together afterward for ice cream or hot cocoa and talk about the experience.

Together we can make a difference by voting for kids! Just remember: It is easy to vote and to encourage others to vote. Voting is a right and a privilege we enjoy as Americans. Take advantage of that right!