Election 2020 Voter Guide: What's On The Ballot In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI—Voters in Wisconsin will be headed to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the 2020 general election.

In addition to the presidential and congressional races, there are several key races at the state and local level. Voting will be different this year thanks to rules approved to expand early and mail-in voting in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

To vote in Wisconsin, you must register. You can start the registration process online at My Vote WI: myvote.wi.gov. You can also register in-person at the local municipal clerk's office, or at the polling place on Election Day.

Also on this website, you can check the status of your voter registration and look at who is on your ballot. Make sure you know the acceptable forms of identification required in Wisconsin.

Registration deadlines
Online: Oct. 14
By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 14
In-person: Oct. 30

Absentee ballot deadlines
Request: Received by Oct. 29
Return by Mail: Received by Nov. 3 by 8 p.m.

Voting Absentee

Anyone can vote absentee (U.S. citizen, 18 years of age, who has resided in the district in which he or she intends to vote for at least 28 days) who registers to vote is eligible to request an absentee ballot.

Under Wisconsin law, voters do not need a reason to vote absentee. Any voter who prefers to vote by absentee ballot may request one.

If you are a registered Wisconsin voter, you can download the Application For Absentee Ballot (EL-121). Just complete the form and mail it to your municipal clerk's office. You can find your clerk at MyVote WI: myvote.wi.gov by searching for your voter record or performing an address search. Your application must be received by the clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the election for an absentee ballot to be sent to you. You will also need to provide a copy of your acceptable photo ID with your request.

If you are not already registered, you will need to register to vote before an absentee ballot can be sent to you.

All registered voters may also use www.myvote.wi.gov to request their absentee ballot by clicking "Vote Absentee." Your completed absentee ballot must be delivered no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends absentee ballots be mailed one week before Election Day to arrive in time.

You can also vote absentee at your local municipal clerk's office. If you apply for an absentee ballot in your municipal clerk's office, or another designated location for in-person absentee voting, you will vote your ballot immediately in the clerk's office, seal your ballot in the proper envelope, and return it to a member of the clerk's staff. No ballots may be taken out of the clerk's office.

You will need to show your acceptable photo ID for voting when voting by in-person absentee ballot.

When can I Vote an In-Person Absentee Ballot?

In Waukesha, Absentee ballots may be returned:

• Via mail (postage is already printed on the envelope provided)
• In the 24/7 secure drop box located outside the lower level of City Hall (prior to Election Day)
• Drive through Ballot Drop-Off Event at City Hall, 201 Delafield Street, Room 104 on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday October 28 - October 30 at City Hall from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

If you still have your ballot on Election Day, it may be returned in person to your polling location by 8pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd.

In Person Absentee Voting (often referred to as Early Voting):

In-Person Absentee Voting (often referred to as Early Voting) will take place at City Hall (201 Delafield Street).
Hours will be:

• Tuesday, October 20 through Friday, October 23, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Monday, October 26 through Thursday, October 29, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 30, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Due to social distancing, even if you vote absentee in person prior to Election Day, you may still need to wait in a line. Voters may need to wait outside in inclement weather to ensure social distancing protocol is being followed. In addition, all those using in-person absentee voting are encouraged to wear a mask and bring their own black ball point pen.

Here's what Waukesha voters will see on the ballot Nov.3:

President

Joseph R. Biden / Kamala D. Harris (Democratic)
Donald J. Trump / Michael R. Pence (Republican)
Don Blankenship / William Mohr (Constitution)
Jo Jorgensen / Jeremy Spike Cohen (Libertarian Party)
Brian Carroll / Amar Patel (American Solidarity Party)

Congress District 5

Tom Palzewicz (Democratic)
Scott Fitzgerald (Republican)

Wisconsin State Assembly District 97
Aaron Perry (Democratic)
Rep. Scott Allen (Republican)

Waukesha County District Attorney:

Susan L. Opper (Republican)

Waukesha County Clerk:
Meg Wartman (Republican)

Waukesha County Treasurer:
Pamela Reeves (Republican)

Waukesha County Register of Deeds:
James R. Behrend (Republican)

Note: Patch has linked to profiles for candidates who have filled out the Patch candidate profile questionnaire.