Don Boots Jensen - In Perception is Reality

With an expected 300,000 people flocking to the polls in Milwaukee this November 4th, one cannot help but ask, “When is the best time to vote to avoid the long lines?’ 

This election has created allot of excitement and voters are anxious to get to the polls and vote for their candidate. As of Friday, October 30th, the Milwaukee Election Commission has received nearly 30,000 absentee ballots. That is 10% of the city’s eligible voters. The other 90% will brave the weather and lines to cast their ballot. 

Everyone should expect to wait in line this year. If you want to avoid the long lines, and I know because I work the polls, try not to vote between the following hours:   

• 7 am – 9 am
• 12 noon – 1:30 pm 
•  5 pm – 6:30 pm 

If you have not registered to vote, try to follow these steps to help you speed up the process:

• Check what ward you live in and go to the appropriate ward to register. You will not be allowed to register in a ward you do not reside in. 
• All Election Day registrants must have proof of residence. An acceptable form of proof of residence, when voting on Election Day, must include a current and complete name, including both the first and last name, a current and complete residential address, including a numbered street address and the name of a municipality. 
• In order to register to vote, an individual must provide proof that he or she has been a resident at their registration address for at least 10 days preceding the election.

There are a number of acceptable proof of residence documents a person can use. To name a few:

• A current and valid Wisconsin Driver’s License or Wisconsin ID card.
• A residential lease effective for the period that includes Election Day.
• A bank statement or a paycheck.
•  A check or other document issued by a unit of government.
• A utility bill including cable television, gas, electric, or telephone for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before Election Day.

 These are just a few items and to get a complete listing you can log into the City of Milwaukee Election web page for additional information .

 Every inspector at the polling locations has received training to assist you in the registration process. If you have not registered to vote, I urge you to register at your ward on Election Day. Your vote does make a difference.