Absentee Voting


What is Absentee Voting?	Who can request an Absentee Ballot?	How do I request an Absentee Ballot?	How do I fill out my Absentee Ballot?	Where can I return my completed Absentee Ballot?

	How do I track my Absentee Ballot?




What is Absentee Voting?

Absentee voting allows registered voters to vote safely and securely by mail or in-person early before an election. Under Wisconsin law, voters do not need a reason or excuse, such as being out of town on Election Day, to vote absentee. Any voter who prefers to vote by absentee ballot may request one. Watch the video tutorial to learn more about absentee voting. If you are not already registered, you will need to register to vote before requesting an absentee ballot. A new voter registration is required any time you move (even minor changes such as changing apartment units), change in your name, or if you have not voted in the past four (4) years. In-Person Absentee Voting (also referred as Early Voting) is always held at City Hall (100 Main Street) two (2) weeks prior to any given election, ending at 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. After that, the next and only final opportunity to vote would be on the Election Day itself.



Who can request an Absentee Ballot?

The easy answer... Any registered Wisconsin voter! There are some restrictions associated with them, depending on the type of application requested:
1). Calendar Year

Starting every calendar year (January 1st), a voter may request to have all absentee ballots mailed to a desired address specified on the application for that given election year. If requested mid-year or later in the year, the voter will receive any ballots for any elections, which are still to occur for the remainder of the year. If a voter fails to return a ballot, the voter will still remain on the list to still receive ballots for the rest of that particular year. A voter will be required to re-register for subsequent calendar years, should the voter wish to receive the ballots in the future.

2). Specific Elections during a Calendar Year
A voter may request to complete an absentee ballot application for a particular year, which specifies which election dates the voter wishes to receive via absentee. For instance, some voters only wish to receive absentee ballots for major elections and not primaries (ex. the Spring Election in April, and the General Election in November).
3). Indefinitely Confined-Voter

The indefinitely confined category is fitting for voters who, for the foreseeable future, limit travel outside their home because of age, physical illness, or infirmity, or are disabled for an indefinite period. Each voter makes the decision of whether they are indefinitely confined based upon their current situation. Being indefinitely confined does not require permanent or total inability to travel outside of your home. No copy or picture of your voter ID is needed if you apply for an absentee ballot in the indefinitely confined category. As an indefinitely confined absentee voter, you will continue to receive ballots for every election until you do not return a ballot, or you request to be removed from the indefinitely confined absentee list.


How do I request an Absentee Ballot?

1. Online

Complete the form online by visiting the Wisconsin Elections Commission's voter website: MyVoteWi.gov If you do not have a photo ID on file with the Clerk's Office you may be asked to upload a photo ID (i.e. WI Driver’s License or ID). Tip: We recommend using a smartphone or tablet so you can take a photo of your ID and easily attach it to your online application. Need some help? Watch the video tutorial on how to request an absentee ballot online at MyVoteWI.wi.gov.


2. By Mail or E-mail
Contact the City Clerk's office to request an Absentee Ballot Request form be mailed or emailed to you. Once you receive the application by mail or email, complete all portions and return it to the City Clerk's office located 100 Main Street, Suite 200 by mail or place it in the City of Menasha drop box. Note: Per Wisconsin State Law, we are unable to accept an absentee ballot application in-person at our Clerk's Office window, unless it's within 14 days prior to a given election.
3. Complete a Paper Application
Visit the City Clerk's office to pick-up a printed copy of the Absentee Ballot Request form. All completed printed copies must be returned by mail or email, and must accompany a copy of your Photo ID (if not on file already). Per Wisconsin State Law, we are unable to accept an absentee ballot application in-person at our Clerk's Office window, unless it's within 14 days prior to a given election.
4. Vote Early through In-Person Absentee Voting (also known as Early Voting)
Visit the City Clerk's office to vote in-person two (2) weeks prior to the upcoming election. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (unless otherwise noted). City of Menasha - Menasha City Center, 100 Main Street (All Districts for Absentee Voting ONLY) First Week: Tuesday - Friday (8 AM to 4 PM) Second Week: Monday through Thursday (8 AM to 4 PM) Friday Before the Election (8 AM to 5 PM) DIRECTIONS Please Note: For Spring Primary, Spring Election and the Partisan Primary Elections, voting will be conducted at the Clerk's Office (which is the Second Floor of City Center), and for the General and Presidential Election, absentee voting will occur on the First Floor of the building as you walk into the building. Dates for In-Person Absentee Voting the Partisan Primary Election (August 13, 2024): Tuesday, July 30th, 8 AM to 4 PM Wednesday, July 31st, 8 AM to 4 PM Thursday, August 1st, 8 AM to 4 PM Friday, August 2nd, 8 AM to 4 PM Monday, August 5th, 8 AM to 4 PM Tuesday, August 6th, 8 AM to 4 PM Wednesday, August 7th, 8 AM to 4 PM Thursday, August 8th, 8 AM to 4 PM Extended Hours: Friday, August 9th, 8 AM to 5 PM
A few things to consider:
Photo ID Requirement: Unless you are a military voter, permanently overseas, or are indefinitely confined, you most provided the Wisconsin Elections Commission with a copy of your photo ID to keep on file. IF you are not sure if you have an ID on file already, please feel free to contact the Clerk's Office. The address on the ID does not need to be your current Menasha address. For a list of acceptable photo IDs, visit BringIt Wisconsin. Deadline: Applications for absentee ballots must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election. (For voters who are requesting a ballot within ten [10] days prior to an election, we strongly encourage you to visit us and vote in-person during Early Voting.)
How do I request my absentee ballot when I am a Military or Overseas Voter? Please refer to the Military and Overseas Voters (Permanent or Temporarily Overseas) section from the Wisconsin Elections Commission to assist in navigating the process and provide a further explanation on types and : Military & Overseas Voters - Wisconsin Elections Commission (External Link)


How do I complete my Absentee Ballot?

When completing your absentee ballot, sign the voter signature line and write the date you completed your absentee ballot and have a witness sign and write their address.


How do I return my completed Absentee Ballot?

1. By Mail

Note: The Clerk's Office already provides a postage-paid return envelope.

2. In-Person at the Clerk’s Office

Location: 100 Main Street, Suite 200 (2nd Floor - Clerk's Office Window) DIRECTIONS Please ensure you've placed your voted ballot in the certificate envelope, signed and dated the envelope, and have an adult U.S. citizen witness complete the signature line, print their name, and complete and the address field your certificate envelope (return envelope).
All returned absentee ballots will remain sealed and locked up at City Hall until Election Day.



How do I track my Absentee Ballot?

If you have an active absentee request, you can check the status of your ballot by visiting MyVoteWI: Track My Ballot