Where do I vote?

Wisconsin voters can look up their polling place and other election-related information using a new function of the state's voter registration system. Voter Public Access gives the public a new means of getting information about voter registration, voting history, normal polling place locations, current office holders, and sample ballots for upcoming elections.

Access the state's Voter Public Access system here:

• Look up your voter registration and polling place location
• Look up polling place location for an address

You must vote in the ward in which you live. You must cast your ballot at the voting location for your neighborhood. If you know your ward number, go to the List of Voting Locations chart below to find the address of the voting site for your ward. If you don't know where you need to go to vote, click here to see full City of Eau Claire map of voting wards (1.19 Mb PDF) You can enlarge areas of the map to see a specific neighborhood.  Once you have determined your ward, go to the Voting Locations chart to find you voting site. If you still have questions about your voting site, contact the City Election's office at 839 - 4913.

How do I vote?

There are two types of voting equipment available at each voting site in the City.

One system uses a computerized optical scan ballot. Voters receive a paper ballot and a marking pen. Voters simply connect the two parts of the arrow pointing to the candidate(s) of their choice. After marking their ballot, the voter places the ballot in a counter, which scans the ballot and tabulates the votes. The counted ballot is then dropped into a locked compartment.

The second type of voting equipment uses a touch screen. Voters work through the ballot by touching the different offices shown on the screen. The size of the print can be increased for easier reading. These machines are also equipped with braille controls and an audio headset for the visually impaired.

State it.  Show it.  Sign it. 

Voters will notice changes when they go to vote beginning in 2012.

First, voters will have to STATE their name and address.

Second, voters will have to SHOW Acceptable Proof of Identity - Voter Photo ID.

Third, voters will have to SIGN one copy of the poll books. 

What is Acceptable Proof of Identity - Voter Photo ID?

There are eight types of Acceptable Proof of Identity - Voter Photo ID.

The first four types can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election (currently, the November 2, 2010 election):

     > Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
     > Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card
     > Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
     > U.S. passport

The other four types of photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired.

     > Certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is
        presented
     > Driving receipt or Identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
     > Identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
     > Photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, signature of
        student, and an  expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance.  The university or college ID must be
        accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment.

For more information on Voter Photo ID, or to see if you qualify for a FREE Wisconsin ID and how to apply for one, go to the Bring It To The Ballot website.  http://bringit.wisconsin.gov/

Absentee Voting
State Statues allow anyone who is unwilling or unable to go to the polls on election day to vote by absentee ballot. Voters no longer need to give a reason when requesting an absentee ballot. You can cast an absentee ballot in person or by mail.

Absentee Voting in Person
Absentee ballots can be cast for the two weeks prior to Election Day.  You must bring Acceptable Proof of Identity / Voter Photo ID with you.

* Where: Elections Office, City Hall, 203 S Farwell Street.
* When: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday
* Call 839 - 4913 to make sure the ballots are available.

Absentee voting by mail
You can vote by absentee ballot by mail. You must submit a written request containing the following information:

1. Your name
2. Your address
3. The address the absentee ballot should be mailed to
4. Your signature.
5. You must include Acceptable Proof of Identity / Voter Photo

You may include this information in a letter or complete an Absentee Ballot Request form.  Click here for a request form.

Mail the letter or completed form to:
City Elections Office, 203 S. Farwell Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Written applications must be received by the Thursday before Election Day.

*Ward 16 consists of that portion of the City located in Chippewa County, east of the Chippewa River. Wards 40 & 41 consist of those portions of the City located in Chippewa County, west of the Chippewa River. All other wards are in Eau Claire County.

For more information contact the City Election Office at 839-4913