A Badger’s Guide to Voting
By Sammie Garrity l October 5, 2026
Many Badgers believe they know all there is to know about being a student at UW–Madison. However, some forget one of the most important opportunities you get as a student: voting.
Voting on a college campus can seem tricky and elicit some specific questions. Can I vote on campus if I’m from a different state? Does my Wiscard count as a valid form of ID? What happens if I’m registered, but changed my address? Where do I even go to vote?
In honor of National Voter Education Week, we are going to answer those questions and more, so that when Election Day arrives, you know exactly what to do.
1. First things first: Are you voting here or at home?
If you moved to Madison for college, you have a choice to make: vote using your Madison address or vote using your permanent home address. You can’t vote in both places in the same election.
Not sure what that actually means? Here’s what you need to do for each option.
You can vote in Wisconsin even if you came to UW–Madison from another state. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old by Election Day, have lived in Wisconsin for at least 28 consecutive days before Election Day and not currently be serving a felony sentence, including probation or parole.
Step 1: Register using your current Madison address.
If you’re registering for the first time in Wisconsin, you’ll need proof of residence showing your current Madison address. We’ll get into exactly what documents work in the next section.
Step 2: Make sure you have a Wisconsin-approved voter ID.
If you have a Wisconsin driver’s license, Wisconsin state ID or U.S. passport, you’re covered. If you don’t, UW–Madison offers students a free campus-issued voter ID. Your Wiscard or an out-of-state driver’s license do not count as Wisconsin voter IDs.
Step 3: Choose how you want to vote.
Once you’re registered at your current address, you can vote early in-person, request an absentee ballot by mail or vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day.
Remember: Being from California, Illinois, Minnesota or anywhere else doesn’t prevent you from registering in Wisconsin if you meet Wisconsin’s eligibility requirements.
If you want to register to vote at your permanent address, that’s an option too. However, if your permanent address is out of state, Wisconsin’s voting rules no longer apply to you. You’ll follow the requirements of your home state instead, which vary by state. Learn more about the voting rules by state here.
Step 1: Check or complete your voter registration in your home state.
Registration deadlines and requirements vary by state, so make sure you’re registered at your permanent address and that your information is current.
Step 2: Check your state’s voter ID requirements.
Remember that not every state has the same ID rules as Wisconsin. Find out what you’ll need to show when voting in your home state.
Step 3: Decide how you’ll cast your ballot.
If you’ll be in your home state during the election, you may be able to vote early or at your assigned polling place on Election Day. If you’ll be back in Madison, you can request an absentee or mail ballot from your home state. Pay attention to your state’s request and return deadlines—they aren’t all the same as Wisconsin’s.
Whichever route you choose, remember the big rule: Madison or home—not both.
2. Have you moved? PSA: Moving matters
If you decide to vote in Wisconsin, you must make sure you’re registered at the correct address.
Many Madison students move every year. If you have moved since the last time you registered to vote, you need to re-register using your new address. This applies even if you moved to another apartment in the same building. To register in Wisconsin, you’ll need proof of residence showing your current name and address.
For UW students, that can be:
- An electronically displayed or printed Voter Enrollment Verification Letter from the Office of the Registrar
- A current residential lease if you’re registering in person
- Your UW–Madison ID with your photo AND a fee statement for the current semester
- A printed current bursar’s statement
- A qualifying utility bill, paycheck or bank/credit card statement showing your current name and address
- A Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID with your current address
If you don’t have a Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID you’ll also need the last four digits of your social security number when registering.
How you register depends on when you’re doing it.
- Online if you meet the Wisconsin ID requirements
- At a voter registration event
- Student orgs like BadgersVote hold multiple throughout the semester/year
- At the Madison City Clerk’s Office
- At any Madison Public Library
You can register in person through the Friday before the election at locations including BadgersVote registration events, the City Clerk’s Office and Madison Public Libraries.
You’re not out of luck! Wisconsin allows you to register at your assigned polling place. Bring your proof of residence with you.
One important distinction: Proof of residence and a voter ID are NOT the same thing. Proof of residence shows where you live and is used to register. A voter ID proves your identity and is used to receive your ballot.
3. All love to Wiscards, but not for voting
Your Wiscard can do a lot for you around campus. Voting is not one of those things meaning a regular Wiscard is not an acceptable form of voter ID in Wisconsin.
Don’t fret! If you already have one of the following, you wouldn’t need the Wiscard anyway:
For UW students, that can be:
- A valid Wisconsin driver’s license or Wisconsin state ID
- A U.S. passport
- A U.S. Uniformed Services card
- A Veterans Affairs ID
- A tribal ID
- A Certificate of Naturalization
Don’t have one? Again, don’t fret!
Step 1: Get a FREE campus-issued voter ID. You can download one online or get a physical card from the Wiscard Office in Union South or at the Morgridge Center for Public Service.
Step 1.5: If you download the paper version, print and sign it before using it to vote.
Step 2: Keep it handy for when you vote. Campus-issued voter IDs can be used for early voting, Election Day voting, and when requesting an absentee ballot.
Remember: Getting a campus-issued voter ID does not register you to vote. Registration is a separate step.
4. Know before you go
By now, you’ve figured out where you’re voting, checked your registration and made sure you have the right ID. Now it’s time to figure out what you’re actually voting on and who you’re voting for.
You wouldn’t walk into an exam without knowing what’s on it, your ballot is no different.
Before casting your vote, look up a sample ballot for your registered address. This will show the races and questions that will appear on your actual ballot, allowing you to research your choices beforehand.
5. You don’t have to wait until Election Day
Have a busy schedule? Don’t like waiting in lines? Want to vote before you forget? If you’re registered in Wisconsin, you have three options for casting your ballot.
Option 1: Vote early in person.
Early voting — also known as in-person absentee voting (IPAV) in Wisconsin—begins before Election Day. Campus voting locations will be available, meaning you can vote between classes without ever leaving campus.
Option 2: Vote absentee by mail.
Request your absentee ballot. When it arrives, complete it with an adult U.S. citizen who is not a candidate in the election serving as your witness. Your witness doesn’t see your choices, but they must sign the certified envelope and provide their full address. Then return your ballot as soon as possible.
Option 3: Vote on Election Day.
Head to your assigned polling place with your voter ID—and proof of residence if you still need to register.
6. Okay you waited until election day… Now what?
Election day has arrived, but there are a few things to check before heading out the door.
- Find your assigned polling place.
- Check your voter registration and make sure you have an acceptable photo ID. If you still need to register or re-register, bring the necessary proof of residence with you to the polls.
- Bring your sample ballot or notes if you want something to reference while you vote.
- GO VOTE!
Wisconsin polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you have to wait until later in the day and you’re standing in line when the clock hits 8 p.m., stay there—you are still allowed to vote.
All polling places are also required to be accessible and provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact the Madison City Clerk’s office at voting@cityofmadison.com if you have questions about which accessibility features are available at your polling site.
7. Save the dates now, thank yourself later
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – Sunday, Nov 1: Early voting without same-day voter registration for the fall election. Learn more about early voting in Wisconsin.
Fall 2026 UW–Madison early voting information:
| Dates and Times | Locations |
| Oct. 20–30, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (weekdays) | School of Nursing (Atrium) School of Human Ecology (Main Entrance) Union South (Governance & Alumni Rooms) |
| Oct. 20–30, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (weekdays) | Memorial Union (Main Lounge) |
| Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Memorial Union (Main Lounge) |
Tuesday, Nov. 3: General Election: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you vote on election day, you must cast your ballot at your assigned polling place.