http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voter-primaries-s5.jpgThe COVID-19 outbreak and the Governor's 'Safer at Home' order are likely to disrupt participation in the spring election. Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk’s office by 8:00 pm on Election Day.

MADISON - State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) urged voters to request an absentee ballot now so they can vote safely in the upcoming election.

“It is important that we protect both our people and our democracy in moments of crisis.  We can do both if people request an absentee ballot and vote by mail,” said Hansen.

As concerns grow about the potential harm that could be caused to voters and poll workers by conducting in-person voting on April 7th, there is a growing bi-partisan call for people to vote absentee by mail.

“Voting absentee by mail is easy and safe.  And there is still plenty of time to get your ballot and return it in time to be counted.”

Voters can request an absentee ballot in a number of ways including by going online to myvotewi.gov, writing, faxing or emailing their request to their local clerk.  Votes can find contact information for their local clerk here:  https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/directory.

“You can request an absentee ballot until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2nd.  Don’t let the pandemic stop your voice from being heard.  Vote absentee by mail.”

Absentee ballot requests made by fax or email must be sent by 5:00 p.m. on April 2nd while requests made by mail must be received by 5:00 on the 2nd.

Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk’s office by 8:00 pm on Election Day.  They can be returned only in person or by mail.