By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
It’s still a month away, but local officials are beginning to share important information about the fall general election, which includes a number of races – most notably for U.S. president and vice-president.
While many residents in Walworth County’s 34 cities, villages and towns will line up at their respective polling places on election day – Tuesday, Nov. 6 – there are other options available, including casting a ballot through the mail by way of an absentee ballot.
Residents also have the option of going to a specific venue, generally their municipal building, and voting early in person.
County Clerk Kimberly Bushey recommends voters visit her page on Walworth County’s official website, www.co.walworth.wi.us.
Included on the site is a frequently asked questions section that links to the State of Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board (GAB) website.
“Things change fairly quickly, so we want to make sure people always have the most accurate, up-to-date information that’s out there,” Bushey said.
Officials with the GAB recently set the full timeline of when voters can partake in specific early procedures.
The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Thursday, Nov. 1, and all absentee ballots sent by mail must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 5.
For people looking to beat the long lines, in-person early voting begins Monday, Oct. 22, and ends Friday, Nov. 2.
Because the nuts and bolts of voting take place at the municipal level, Bushey recommends people contact their local city, village or town for information on specific venues – particularly since some polling locations have changed from prior years.
In the Village of East Troy, for instance, the official polling location has shifted from the municipal garage to the north entrance of Village Hall, 2015 Energy Drive.
Officials also are encouraging unregistered voters to take the necessary steps in advance of voting day. While people will be able to register to vote Nov. 6, the process could take considerably longer because of all the other activity taking place that date.
The GAB has set a deadline of Wednesday, Oct. 17, to mail in voter registration paperwork at a person’s respective municipality.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 18, people can register in person with proof of residency through Nov. 2. Voter ID – one of the most hotly debated issues this election year – will not be enforced during the fall general election, according to the GAB.
While people will not need a form of photo identification at the polls, officials are imploring voters to bring something else – a heaping dose of patience.
“A large turnout is expected for this election, so we would like to remind people to plan ahead and give themselves time,” said Lorri Alexander at East Troy Village Hall. “There may be a wait time. Be patient with all poll workers. There are many rules and regulations that we must follow.”
While the joint president and vice president race is the most recognizable on this fall’s ballot, voters also will be able to weigh in on other races, including a number of U.S. and State Senate seats that are up for grabs.
