Commentary: Get Wisconsinites Ready To Vote

I love voting! This current political season, as weird as it sounds, is invigorating. Now, I understand it can be taxing, drawn out and tiresome – so much back and forth. And don’t get me started on all the political ads! 

But at the end of it, in just a few short months, we get to go to the polls and cast our vote for the person we feel is going to do their absolute best to uphold our freedoms, democracy and the Constitution. When you put it like that, it seems much more important, right? I like to think of the election as the “Super Bowl of politics.” And who doesn’t love getting their “I voted” sticker. I wear that thing like it’s a badge of honor.

Here in Wisconsin, voting seems so much more important. I’ve lived in solid red states and solid blue states, but here, in the Badger state, our votes could change the entire political landscape. Think about it for a second. Back in 2020, approximately 20,000 votes decided the U.S. presidential winner in Wisconsin. That’s like one-third of Lambeau Field being filled on any given Sunday. 

So, a few days ago, I decided to check my voter registration. I am someone who has voted in every election – city, county, state, mid-term, primary. Name the election, I’ve painstakingly (and perfectly) filled in my little dot next to my preferred candidate’s name. 

This time, I was shocked and a little horrified to learn I had been purged from the Wisconsin voter roll. Since it’s early in the election season , no sweat. I simply re-registered as a proud voter. 

But, this is my reminder to every voter concerned about this year’s election: Register to vote! Even if you think you’re already registered, check your registration. You don’t want to be surprised like I was. 

It’s easy and fast. Just go to myvote.wi.gov. Learn to love this site. It’s not overly dramatic to say this site is the holy grail to voting in Wisconsin, and it really is that important.

Some dates to remember:

• The primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 13.
• The deadline to register online for the November election is Oct. 16. Voters can start the registration process online at myvote.wi.gov.
• Voters can also contact their local municipality and get a paper copy of the voter registration. 
• If you decide to return your registration through the mail, it must be postmarked by Oct. 16. 
• Voters  can also register at their polling place the day of the election. 

In any of these scenarios, make sure you have the proper documents available. This would be something that proves your legal name and current residence. In many situations, a driver’s license works. 

I’ve been an Election Day poll worker and had people bring me a cell phone bill. Name and address are the keys to making it a quick and easy process. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Aug. 13. (So early that the Democrats won’t even have an official nominee yet as the party convention is later this month in Chicago.) 

I get it. Tensions are running high. Everything seems amplified right now. Do yourself a favor: Make your voting plan now and then, breathe easy. We can change a lot and preserve our basic values by showing up at the polls. Be a voter, and wear your sticker proudly because voting is our superpower.