This information was put together with MIAD students in mind, but no matter what college or university you attend, the documentation you need to register as a student will be very similar, but please confirm details for the state you'll be voting in.  The resource links below are relevant to all folx looking to registrar to vote for the first time, requesting an absentee ballot, confirming polling place or checking what and who are on the upcoming ballot.

 

MIAD students are able to vote in Wisconsin, even if they’re originally from another state.  During the years you’re attending and living in the dorms (or off-campus) you are considered a Wisconsin resident - you just need to register to vote and present correct documentation.

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HOW DO STUDENTS REGISTER TO VOTE?

 

Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, which means students can register when they go to vote. To register before Election Day, go to MyVote Wisconsin. Students will need documentation to prove their residency in Wisconsin and register to vote, whether in-person on Election Day or before Election Day. Check this list of accepted documentation and FAQs from MyVote Wisconsin. MIAD recommends using a tuition invoice with the student’s local address, which only takes minutes to receive.

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• If needed, students must first change their address with the Registrar’s Office to their local, current address.

• Request a tuition invoice from the Student Accounts Office. A student’s local address will appear on the invoice, and it only takes a few minutes.

 

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO STUDENTS NEED TO VOTE?

 

One of the following:

• A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License

• Wisconsin State ID Card – students can obtain a free WI ID Card at the Department of Motor Vehicles

• A MIAD Student ID that includes the student’s signature (Student ID's are issued in RL45)​

 

WHERE DO STUDENTS VOTE?

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In Wisconsin, students should go to myvote.wi.gov to find their polling place and the people who will appear on their ballot. They can also stop by the Help Desk in RL45 and Student Services will help answer any questions and find polling locations.

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DROPBOXES REACTIVATED IN MILWAUKEE, WI

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On July 5, 2024, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overruled its prior decision, in part, in Teigen v. WEC and held that secure dropboxes were permitted under state law as a valid method of mail ballot return. As a result, the City of Milwaukee Election Commission is reactivating its mail ballot dropbox program.

 

Dropboxes will be operational by 10:30am on Monday, October 14, 2024 through Election Day, Tuesday November 5, 2024 until 6:00pm.  Visit Dropbox Information Center for locations of dropboxes throughout the city.

 

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CAN I VOTE ABSENTEE IN ANOTHER STATE'S ELECTION INSTEAD?

 

Yes. If you want to vote absentee in another state’s elections, while attending college, you can do that instead.  You can visit this federal site, to locate a particular state’s voting information.

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KNOW YOUR STATE'S ABSENTEE BALLOT DEADLINES

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​Make sure you follow your state’s deadlines for requesting and returning your ballot. See your state’s voting deadlines. And note whether the deadline is for when your ballot must be postmarked or for when it must be received by the election office.