Voter Registration: A How-to for Students

As the November 6 midterm elections approach, it is important for students to know how to register to vote; that way they can arrive on election day, ready to cast their votes and have their voices heard.

In order to legally vote in Wisconsin, you need the following: be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old on election day, have resided in your election district for at least 10 days, not be currently serving a felony prison sentence, and not be serving probation or be on parole for a felony conviction.

First, if you live in the dorms, you will have to decide to register under your home address or the university address. It’s your choice, but you have to declare your residency for voting in only one location.

If you are already registered with your home address in another city or state, you can vote via an absentee ballot, but you must review home state’s rules on absentee-ballot voting and request your ballot.

In Wisconsin, If you want to register to vote through the mail, you can go to www.myvote.wi.gov, follow the instructions carefully when you complete the form, sign it, and mail it with proof of residency to the municipal clerk at least 20 days before the election.

You can also register in person. You need to go to the City Clerk’s Office during business hours, but no later than the Friday before an election. Again, you will need proof of residency.

Proof of residency is a document with your name and address, like a phone or utility bill, that proves you live in the district.

Viterbo students can get a proof of residency document by logging on to VitNet and clicking on “Financial Information.” There, students will find the “Student Tuition Statement—Proof of Residency.” Near the top of that document will be your name and address. You can print it and use it when you register.

You may also register to vote at your assigned polling place the day of the election, but it is highly recommended that you register in advance.

Students who live on campus in Bonaventure Hall, Marian Hall, McDonald Terrace, Rose Terrace, or Treacy House vote at St. Paul's Lutheran, 420 West Avenue South, in La Crosse. Use the Division Street entrance.

Students who live on campus in Canticle House or Clare Apartments vote at the Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th Street South.

If you’ve registered before and are unsure if you’re still eligible to vote, you can check your status at https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/.

Remember, though, once you have registered to vote in Wisconsin, you still need to bring a Wisconsin driver’s license or other valid form of identification, such as a passport or state-issued identification card, with you to the polls.