The November election is approaching fast! Residents have a right to participate as much - or as little as - they want to in the voting process. If a resident does not want to vote, that is okay. Here are some helpful tips and deadlines to be aware of as residents exercise their right to vote.

According to the Wisconsin Election Commission, Early In-Person voting begins October 20th.

Benefits of Early In-Person Voting for Residents Include:

• Access to trained and knowledgeable election officials who can answer questions accurately and provide appropriate assistance at the request of a qualified disabled voter
• Curbside voting (as a courtesy, call ahead to arrange)
• Priority access to the front of the line for voters who are 75 years or older and/or disabled
• Seated and wheelchair-accessible voting booths
• Accessible voting machines for voters with visual or hearing impairments

If a resident wishes to vote but is unable to attend early in-person voting, please contact your local county election office immediately to request a visit from the Special Voting Deputies (SVDs). The use of bipartisan SVDs is recommended by CMS.

Please note that SVDs can only be sent to facilities designated by the municipal clerk as a care facility, which may not include facilities like independent living senior communities or senior apartments where residents do not receive services.

State law sets the last day for SVDs to arrange voting with facility administrators as the 6th working day before the election. This year, that is Monday, October 26. 

Identify interested residents now. Make sure accommodating ballots are obtained ASAP for all interested residents.

Know the final cutoffs. Mailed ballot requests must be in by Thursday, October 29. SVDs must finish voting with residents by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the election. 

It is important to remember that some residents may not wish to participate - or are unable to participate - in the voter registration or absentee ballot request due to cognitive impairment. It is unlawful for anyone to fill out a ballot request for such residents. A Texas social worker was arrested for submitting voter registration applications without voter consent and an employee at a care facility in Michigan was sentenced to jail for forging signatures on absentee ballot requests.

It is important for directors to evaluate their role carefully. Reviewing your current use of official election services—such as Special Voting Deputies—helps ensure that you are fully supporting your residents. Only with continued strong leadership can care facilities safeguard their most vulnerable residents.

Because election rules and laws may change, it is important to always verify information with your local county election office. You may locate your county or municipal election office at:  https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/My-Municipal-Clerk

For questions or to request your complimentary Wisconsin Voting Assistance Legal Guide, please contact Laura.Williams@centerforvulnerablevoters.org.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. You should always consult an attorney before taking action to ensure that recent changes in law have not altered your obligations.