MADISON, Wis. — Ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections, the Wisconsin Election Commission has issued guidance for voters planning to vote absentee.
Wisconsin has “no excuse” absentee voting, meaning a reason or excuse is not needed to vote by absentee ballot. Any voter may do so by submitting an absentee ballot request.
How to request an absentee ballot
- Online by visiting MyVote.Wi.gov.
- By mail. Registered Wisconsin voters can download the Application for Absentee ballots from the Wisconsin Election Commission website, complete it and mail it to their municipal clerk’s office.
- By email or fax to your municipal clerk that includes your full name, voting address, mailing address, election in which you’re voting in and a copy of your photo ID if you have not provided it with a previous absentee ballot request.
Absentee ballot requests must be received by your clerk by 5pm on the Thursday before Election Day.
How to return your Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots can be mailed back to your municipal clerk, but they must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, or else it will not be counted. The Wisconsin Elections Commission recommends putting your ballot in the mail at least ten days before Election Day to ensure it is received on time.
The Wisconsin Election Commission also notes that you can hand-deliver your absentee ballot directly to your municipal clerk. On Election Day, you may hand-deliver your absentee ballot to your polling place. If your municipal clerk has established drop boxes for absentee ballot return, you may also return the ballot using a drop box.
How to check if your ballot was received
The Wisconsin Election Commission notes that you can track your ballot status online at MyVote.Wi.gov. If you returned your ballot but the website does not show your ballot was returned, you can call your municipal clerk.
What else should you know?
Once an absentee ballot has been returned to the municipal clerk, it cannot be spoiled and reissued for any reason. If your ballot has been returned, you cannot change your mind and vote in person on Election Day.
Military or overseas voters should use the Federal Voting Assistance Program as a resource. Military voters at sea or at overseas facilities should return their ballot at least 30 calendar days before the election.
