Absentee Voting

What is Absentee Voting?

Absentee voting allows registered voters to vote safely and securely by mail or in-person early before an election.  Under Wisconsin law, voters do not need a reason or excuse, such as being out of town on Election Day, to vote absentee.  Any voter who prefers to vote by absentee ballot may request one. Click on this video to learn more.

If you are not already registered, you will need to register to vote before requesting an absentee ballot.  A new voter registration is required any time you move (even minor changes such as changing apartment units), change in your name, or if you have not voted in the past four (4) years.

 

Who can request an Absentee Ballot?

Any registered Wisconsin voter.

 

How do I request an Absentee Ballot?

ONLINE
Complete the form online by visiting the Wisconsin Elections Commission's voter website:
  1. Go to: MyVoteWi.Gov 
  2. If you do not have a photo ID on file with the Clerk's Office you may be asked to upload a photo ID (i.e. WI Driver’s License or ID).  Tip: We recommend using a smartphone or tablet so you can take a photo of your ID and easily attach it to your online application.
Need some help?  Watch the video tutorial on how to request an absentee ballot online at MyVoteWI.wi.gov. 
 
BY MAIL OR E-MAIL
Contact the City Clerk's office to request an Absentee Ballot Request form be mailed or emailed to you. Once you receive the application by mail or email, complete all portions and return it to the City Clerk's office located 100 Jackson Street Ripon, WI 54971 by mail or place it in the City of Ripon drop box. 
Note:  Per Wisconsin State Law, we are unable to accept an absentee ballot application in-person at our Clerk's Office window, unless it's within 14 days prior to a given election.
 
COMPLETE A PAPER APPLICATION
Visit the City Clerk's office to pick-up a printed copy of the Absentee Ballot Request form.  All completed printed copies must be returned by mail or email, and must accompany a copy of your Photo ID (if not on file already).  Per Wisconsin State Law, we are unable to accept an absentee ballot application in-person at our Clerk's Office window, unless it's within 14 days prior to a given election.
 
VOTE EARLY THROUGH IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING (EARLY VOTING)
Visit the City Clerk's office to vote in-person two (2) weeks prior to the upcoming election. Hours are Monday - Thursday 7:30 - 4:30pm, Friday 7:30 - 2:00pm.
 
How do I complete my Absentee Ballot?
When completing your absentee ballot, sign the voter signature line and write the date you completed your absentee ballot and have a witness sign and write their address.
 
How do I return my completed Absentee Ballot?
  • By Mail (Please note: The Clerk's Office already provides a postage-paid return envelope).
  • In-Person at the Clerk's Office (Location: 100 Jackson Street Ripon, WI 54971).
    • Please ensure you've placed your voted ballot in the certificate envelope, signed and dated the envelope, and have an adult U.S. citizen witness complete the signature line, print their name, and complete and the address field your certificate envelope (return envelope).
  • Our Absentee Ballot Drop Box is available 24/7 and located at City Hall entryway on 100 Jackson Street Ripon, WI 54971.

 

All returned absentee ballots will remain sealed and locked up at City Hall until Election Day.
 
How do I track my Absentee Ballot?
If you have an active absentee request, you can check the status of your ballot by visiting MyVoteWI.