Last Chance to Vote Early for President

While Election Day isn't until Nov. 6, voters in in the villages — and the rest of Wisconsin — can begin casting their ballots Monday.

In-person absentee voting, more commonly referred to as "early voting," begins Monday and continues through Friday, Nov. 2. Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant residents can cast their ballot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at village hall.

Mount Pleasant is at 8811 Campus Drive. Sturtevant is located at 2801 89th Street.

Early voting has become increasingly popular over the years, and the village clerks in both municipalities said they expects that trend to continue.

Sturtevant saw about 30 percent of total ballots cast in the June recall election done early or by absentee ballot.

"We have our list of regulars, but a lot more people came in early," said Sturtevant Village Clerk/Interim Administrator Mary Cole.

Mount Pleasant, too, saw a high percentage of early voters for the summer recall election. Village Clerk/Treasurer Veronica Rudychev is anticipating a steady stream of voter traffic starting Monday.

"Turnout for a presidential election historically has the highest level of voter turnout, and we're prepared for a lot of residents to cast ballots before Nov. 6," she said.

The same holds true across the country. The percentage of early voters increased from 16 percent in 2000 to 33 percent in 2008, according to CBS News, which said the number could go as high as 40 percent this year.

Residents can register in advance of the election at both village halls. Voters can also register at the polls on Election Day, though that may mean waiting in line.

To register to vote, residents should bring a document showing proof of residence — such as a utility bill or bank statement showing complete name and current address — as well as a Wisconsin driver's license or state-issued ID. If someone does not have an ID, they can provide the last four digits of their Social Security number.

State courts and lawmakers have gone back and forth on voter ID over the last several months, but for this election, an ID is not required to vote at the polls.

To vote in Oak Creek, people must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old on or before Election Day, and reside in Oak Creek for at least 28 days prior to Election Day.

Residents may register to vote, view voter information or change information through the Government Accountability Board website.

For more information on voting in Oak Creek and a rundown of what's on the ballot, check out Patch's Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant Election Guide.