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Election Day Registration

Introduction

Election Day Registration, including permitting registered voters to update their address or name, has been a key feature of Wisconsin elections since 1976.

This page provides a clearinghouse for information about Election Day Registation (EDR) in Wisconsin, as well as current legislative proposals to change the law.

Final Report on the Impacts and Costs of Eliminating Election Day Registration in Wisconsin

Posted in
Date: 
February 18, 2013
AttachmentSize
Final EDR Report 02-18-2013.pdf1.82 MB

This Report analyzes the anticipated impacts on the administration of Wisconsin elections and the procedures of several State agencies if Wisconsin Statutes were amended to eliminate the opportunity for EDR. This Report also provides estimated costs related to additional responsibilities of the Government Accountability Board and partner State agencies which would result from the elimination of EDR.

Preliminary Report on the Impacts and Costs of Eliminating Election Day Registration

Posted in
Date: 
December 7, 2012
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Cover letter re EDR prelim report 12.7.12.pdf42.65 KB
Preliminary Report final.pdf810.74 KB

This Report analyzes the anticipated impacts on the administration of Wisconsin elections and the procedures of several State agencies if Wisconsin Statutes were amended to eliminate the opportunity for Election Day Registration (EDR). This Report also provides preliminary estimated costs related to additional responsibilities of the Government Accountability Board which would result from the elimination of EDR.

Election Day Registration Taskforce Charge Statement

Posted in
Date: 
November 19, 2012
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EDR Fact-Finding Taskforce Charge Statement final.pdf78.97 KB

An Inter-Organizational Fact-Finding Taskforce is appointed to gather the facts and analyze the impact of eliminating Election Day Registration (EDR) in Wisconsin and becoming subject to the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the provisional voting requirements of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA).

National Voter Registration Act Information

Posted in
Date: 
December 10, 2012
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FAQ-The National Voter Registration Act of 1993.pdf137.95 KB
2010 NVRA FINAL REPORT.pdf2.17 MB

Wisconsin has an exemption from the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, known as NVRA or "Motor Voter."

These documents provide information about NVRA. The FAQ is produced by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The NVRA Final Report is produced by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Kennedy discusses turnout and election changes on "Newsmakers"

On December 6, G.A.B. Director and General Counsel Kevin J. Kennedy discussed voter turnout in the November 2012 General Election, as well as possible changes to Election Day Registration law in the upcoming Legislative session, on Wisconsin Eye's "Newsmakers" program. Click to watch.

2011 G.A.B. Statement in Support of Election Day Registration

Posted in
Date: 
March 22, 2011
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The Case for Election Day Registration 03-22-2011.pdf57.15 KB

At its March 2011 meeting, the members of the Government Accountability Board passed the following motion after reviewing a document prepared by the staff titled "The Case for Election Day Registration" (attached below).

MOTION: That the Government Accountability Board go on record as supporting continuation of Election Day Registration in Wisconsin. Moved by Judge Deininger, seconded by Judge Brennan. Motion carried unanimously.

Wisconsin Voter Registration Statistics for Fall General Elections 1984-2012

Posted in
Date: 
December 13, 2012
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Wisconsin Voter Registration Statistics for Fall General Elections_1984-2012.pdf18.24 KB

This table summarizes voter registrations in statewide partisan elections from 1984 to 2012, including data on Election Day Registrations.

News Coverage of Election Day Registration

11/19/2012 -- Walker calls for changes to same-day voter registration rules -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

11/23/2012 -- Local clerks say eliminating same-day voter registration would create more difficulties -- Wisconsin State Journal

12/05/2012 -- GOP sends mixed messages on election-day registration -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

12/06/2012 -- Lawmakers float bill to end Election Day voter registration -- Wisconsin State Journal

12/11/2012 -- Ending same-day voter registration would cost $5.2 million, board finds -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

12/11/2012 -- Ending same-day registration would cost state $5.2M right away, report says -- Wisconsin State Journal

12/12/2012 -- Walker says ending same-day registration too costly -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel