Panthers Vote | UWM Student Voting Guide

Elections are coming up this fall, Panthers! We want to give you the tools and encouragement to be heard with your vote. From practical tips on how to vote, to why your vote even matters, here’s everything you need to know about voting this year →

Why is voting important, especially for students?

We asked you this question on Instagram and here is what you said:

“To make my voice heard and stand up for what I believe in.” — Megan

“To hopefully make a positive impact on future generations.” — Paola

“Every vote matters.” — Allison

“To be a voice for change.” — Ahmasi

“Young people are the largest & most diverse group of voters.” — WISPIRG Students

Voting is the most important way you can affect the future of our country — and your future. We want to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make an informed vote. As America’s largest generation, students have the ability to make a huge impact in elections this year.

How does my vote affect me?

The more people who vote in each election, the more people and communities are represented in office. Your vote can affect your community, the funding it gets, your taxes, your healthcare, your job, the use of federal money and policies, and more. Sometimes an election can come down to a small number of votes and your vote can help tip the vote one way or another other.

What am I voting for?

Fall Primary Election: The Fall Primary Election is on August 11. Wisconsin has open primaries, so any registered voter can vote in this election, no matter their political party. As this is a partisan primary election, so you may only vote within one political party, in addition to non-partisan contests. Check out this resource to find out what’s on your ballot for this election.

Fall General Election: In the Fall General Election on November 3. We will be voting for the President, U.S. Representative, even-numbered Wisconsin State Senate seats, all Wisconsin Assembly seats, and all District Attorneys.

How do I get informed politically and stay up to date on current topics?

One of the best ways to be informed politically is to listen to the things your candidates are saying and doing, and learning what their values are. You can do this by following them in the media, where various news sites cover those candidates as well as keep you updated on current issues in the country and around the world. Some media sites can be biased, so be careful to hear from each side and seek out neutral sources. Another great resource for informing your vote is to tune into the political debates when they occur this fall. Candidates will address their stances on current issues, their values, and things they hope to accomplish if they are elected.

Where and when can I vote?

First, make sure you are registered! If you haven’t done this yet, check out this voter registration resource. You can also register to vote at the polls on Election Day, but we would recommend registering online beforehand. Being registered to vote prior to the election also makes you eligible to receive an absentee ballot if you don’t want to vote in-person at the polls.

If you are from out of state but would like to vote in Wisconsin (you can only vote in one location) you will need a Student Voting ID that you can get through the UWM PantherCard office. Check out the instructions for getting a Student Voting ID.

Interested in voting absentee? Absentee ballots allow you to vote from home and mail in your ballot, rather than physically going to your polling place on Election Day. Find out how to request your absentee ballot here. We recommend mailing in your absentee ballot early and allowing extra time for it to arrive in time to be counted.

Want to vote in-person at the polls? You can find your polling place by entering your current address. There are also early voting polling places if you’d like to vote in-person but avoid long lines.

Important Dates Election Dates:

- Early Voting Date — Primary Election: August 5

- Fall Primary Election: August 11

- Early Voting Date — General Election: October 24

- Fall General Election: November 3

Visit uwm.edu/vote for all the information you will need to prepare to vote in upcoming elections, along with other helpful resources. Your vote and your voice matter, Panthers. Get out there and make a change!