Wisconsin Spring Primary | Student Voting

This year’s Spring Primary election is on April 7. Every vote counts and every voice matters, and we want to make sure you feel prepared to vote in the 2020 Spring Primary. We heard your questions and we have answers…

How do I register to vote?

If you haven’t done so already, you can still register to vote online until March 30. Search for your name to check if you are already registered or fill out the information required as a new registrant. You will need documentation to prove that you live at your current residence. You can find a list of accepted proof of residence documents on the UWM student voting website.

Note: If you are leaving the residence halls, you will need to update your voter registration with your new address.

Can I vote if I’m from out of state?

Yes. If you are from another state, but live in Milwaukee to attend UWM or any other college institution, you can request a Voter ID Enrollment Letter in PAWS. On your PAWS homepage, under the Personal Information section click the link ‘Voter ID Enrollment Letter’ and follow the instructions. You will need to print the form and bring it to your polling place, where you can register to vote prior to completing your ballot.

Can I vote in my home state if I’m in Milwaukee?

If you would like to vote in your home state instead of Wisconsin (you can only vote once), start by checking the deadlines and information for voting in your state.

If you still have time to vote in your home state, you can request an absentee ballot. Note: some states have different rules on absentee voting.

Can I vote before the election?

Yes! If you want or need to vote before April 7, your best option is to vote absentee. Once you are registered to vote, you can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. Absentee ballots must be requested by April 2 and can be returned any time between now and April 7.

Where do I vote?

Visit the My Vote website and enter your address to find your polling place.

If you prefer to vote by mail, or you will be away from Milwaukee but want to vote as a Milwaukee resident, you can request and complete and absentee ballot. Make sure you allow time to receive and return your ballot by mail.

What is the purpose of primaries?

The primary election takes place to determine which candidate will appear on the ballot for a given political party in the nationwide presidential election taking place this fall. Political parties generally hold national conventions to decide upon which candidate they will run for the presidency. This year the Democratic National Convention will take place in Milwaukee from July 13–16.

What are we voting for?

This election is the presidential primary election where you will be voting for the democratic and republican nominees to run in the fall presidential election. You also will be voting for the supreme court justice, District 1 court of appeals judge, and various Milwaukee roles.

When you enter your address, you can see a sample ballot here.

For more information on upcoming elections and the voting process, check out UWM’s student voting website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. We want to encourage everyone to register and make their voice heard because #UWMVotesMatter.