As the spring election approaches with judicial, county, municipal and other seats on the line, the Milwaukee Election Commission is encouraging residents to participate in early voting.
Early voting for residents began Tuesday, March 24 and will run through Sunday, April 5. Voters can go in person or use a drop-off box at any in-person absentee voting location.
The spring election takes place on April 7.
Paulina Gutierrez, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, said she looks forward to seeing the early-voting turnout. Milwaukee has experienced an increase in early voting since the 2024 presidential election, she said.
“I think people are more motivated to vote and there’s just a lot happening in our country,” Gutierrez said. “And Wisconsin is a battleground state.”
This year voters will receive a custom “I Voted Early” sticker made by an MPS student for the 2026-27 elections.
Here’s what you need to know about the spring election early-voting process.
Requesting and dropping off an absentee ballot
If you are requesting an absentee ballot via mail, voters must send a copy of their ID, their voting and mailing address if they’re both different, and the name of which election you’d like a ballot for.
Another way to request an absentee ballot is by visiting MyVote.wi.gov to receive an application.
After the application is filled out, you must mail it to the Milwaukee Election Commission, 200 E. Wells St. Room 501 or email absenteeballot@milwaukee.gov
All absentee ballot requests must be submitted before the last Thursday before that election.
There are various ways residents can return an absentee ballot as long as it’s turned in by 8 p.m. on election day.
You can mail your absentee ballot to the City of Milwaukee Election Commission, 200 E. Wells St. Room 501 , Milwaukee, WI 53202 at least eight days before the election so it arrives on time.
Voters can also return absentee ballots to drop boxes across Milwaukee starting at noon on March 23. The drop boxes will close at 6 p.m. on election day, otherwise you will need to drop off the absentee ballot at the Central Count Processing Center, 1901 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Voters can also drop off their ballot at any in-person absentee voting site during designated hours.
The Milwaukee Election Commission said you can only drop off a ballot in person if it’s your own or if it’s for someone who can’t do it on their own due to disability, physical illness or age.
Navigating in-person early voting
Voters who are voting in person, don’t forget to bring your ID. If you are a new Wisconsin voter or changed addresses, you will also need to bring proof of residence.
For those in need of accommodations, curbside voting is an option. Curbside voters will park in a designated spot at your chosen site and call 414-286-3963 to get assistance.
Ballot marking devices will be available for voters with hearing, visual or physical disabilities. If in need of one at the site, ask for the chief inspector, according to the Milwaukee Election Commission.
Making the voting process feel easy
For individuals who are hesitant about voting or going through the process, the Milwaukee Election Commission wants to ensure that everyone feels at ease in getting their voice heard.
“We are here to help demystify the voting process,” Gutierrez said. “It’s really simple.”
How do residents feel about early voting?
Layton Park resident Deborah Montano Luna said she loves the convenience of early voting, especially the fact that it lasts for more than one day.
“It’s nice to just be able to stop and vote,” she said. “Helps you avoid the crowds on election day.”
Montano Luna said she’s been voting early for the past seven years.
Retired teacher Jessie Peters said she cast her votes early the last two years at the Good Hope Branch library.
“It’s been so easy,” she said. “Don’t have to stand in long lines on voting day, or worry about getting there right away when they open so you aren’t late for work.”
Interested in poll working?
Gutierrez said the Milwaukee Election Commission is always looking to recruit poll workers who are willing to work long periods of time.
To become a poll worker, you must be a U.S. citizen who is 18 or older, a Milwaukee resident, not serving a sentence, able to read and write fluently in English, hold no public office and not be running for an elected position.
After you fill out an application and it’s accepted, the Milwaukee Election Commission will offer you paid training and assign you to a polling site.
“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you will have,” Gutierrez said.
Individuals who work a full shift will receive a $220 stipend; half-day shifts are $117.33.
The Milwaukee Election Commission is also in need of bilingual workers who can speak fluent Spanish or Hmong.
“People who are bilingual will receive an extra $15,” Gutierrez said.
Click here to submit an application.
If you are a returning poll worker, click here to access your portal.
For more information on the Milwaukee spring election, click here.
