For those who plan to vote in Illinois, Marquette has provided an informational flow chart to assist you through the process.
Those who are voting in Wisconsin should get a voter ID now and make sure you are aware of the various deadlines for registering/voting.
Due to COVID-19, both the Wisconsin Election Commission and Illinois Election Commission encourage absentee voting for the 2020 Presidential General Election. You must already be a registered voter to request an absentee ballot.
Important dates:
- Oct. 18: Last day to register online to vote in Illinois
- Oct. 20: The U.S. Postal Service recommends all absentee voting requests are completed by this day to ensure your vote is counted.
- Voting absentee can take up to two weeks to process, this includes processing your request, the time it takes your ballot to arrive and the time it takes your ballot to travel to your election clerk.
- Oct. 26: A week before Election Day.
- If you mail in your absentee ballot after this day, it might not reach your election clerk in time. If it’s after Oct. 26, you should drop off your ballot at an approved site (rather than mailing your ballot) to ensure your ballot is received on time. Find an approved site by contacting your municipal clerk.
- Oct. 29: Last day to request a ballot by mail in Wisconsin and Illinois.
- Remember that absentee ballots must be returned to a municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day — therefore, requesting an absentee ballot on this day risks not having your vote counted.
- If you make your request on this day, you should plan to drop off your absentee ballot at an approved site.
- Oct. 30: In Wisconsin, this is the last day to register in person at an election office. You can still register in person on Election Day.
- Nov. 3: Election Day.
- In Wisconsin, eligible voters can register to vote on Election Day by bringing an acceptable proof of residence and an ID to the polls.
- In Illinois, you can also register to vote in person at your polling location on Election Day. Visit the Illinois Election Commission website and select “Voting on Election Day” for more info.
Visit marquette.edu/vote for more information.
How to get a Marquette voter ID card:
Current Marquette students who meet the eligibility requirements to vote in Wisconsin can apply for their Marquette voter ID card at Union Station, located in the lower level of the AMU. Students must present their current valid Marquette student ID to obtain a voter ID card.
Union Station hours for fall 2020:
- Monday — Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Election Day: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Notary public: Missouri, Oklahoma and Mississippi require the signature of a notary to complete your absentee ballot in those states, while Alaska, North Carolina and Rhode Island accept a notary in place of two witnesses. If you require the signature of a notary to complete your absentee ballot, contact Union Station in the AMU at (414) 288-7213.