Last-minute reminders before you vote in Tuesday's spring election
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — If you are heading to the polls on Tuesday, April 1, there are a couple of things you need to remember.
You will need your Wisconsin driver's license or ID. To help ensure you have a valid ID, the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles is extending its customer service hours until 6 p.m. on Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1. Make sure you bring proof of identity documents like a birth certificate and proof of Wisconsin residency.
You have to be registered to vote. You can register online here or at your polling place on Election Day.
Click here to find your polling location.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. You must be in line by 8 p.m. to vote.
Milwaukee County Elections Director Michelle Hawley says spring elections often see lower turnout.
"I don't know that people always realize how important local elections really are," said Hawley.
However, this election, she says more people want to make their voices heard.
"We certainly see a lot more people participating in in-person absentee voting this time around," said Hawley.
According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, as of Monday, more than 644,000 people have already voted in-person absentee statewide.
That's compared to only 450,000 in-person absentee voters in 2023.
There are a number of big races, including the Wisconsin Supreme Court, on the ballot.
"In addition to the Supreme Court, we have the state superintendent of public instruction, so that's the top educational officer in the state of Wisconsin. There is also a constitutional amendment on the ballot for everyone in the state that has to do with photo ID at the polling place. In addition, there are county judges that are on the ballot, and municipal governments will have village presidents and alderpersons on the ballot. All of the 18 or 19 school boards we have in Milwaukee County, there are school board races going on," Hawley explained.
Here's why this Supreme Court election matters: if Susan Crawford wins, the court will keep its liberal majority. If Brad Schimel wins, the court will shift to conservative control.