Registering to Vote: a Guide for of Age High School Seniors

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Sienna Kenney

Now that another election season has rolled around, it is crucial to understand the importance of voting, and how to properly register yourself before November 5, 2024. Our democracy is built upon the concept of a social contract, which essentially means that citizens agree to follow laws set in place in exchange for the protection of their rights. So who voters decide to put in office reflects the issues they care about, the changes they have in mind to address pressing societal issues, and much more. If you think of voting less as a chore and more as an aide to your fellow voters and country, it makes more sense as to why voting is so important. For all 18-year-old seniors, or soon to be 18-year-olds, voting is certainly an unfamiliar privilege that you now have in the United States Government, which is why understanding how to do so is extremely important. 

Who Can Vote?

If you are still 17 and wondering if you will be able to vote in this year’s presidential election, keep in mind that you may register to vote if you will be 18 on or before November 5, 2024. For Wisconsin specifically, you must also be a resident and have resided at your registration address for at least 28 days prior to the election.

How Can I Register to Vote? 

To register using the Wisconsin online voter registration system, you are required to provide the number from your unexpired Wisconsin driver's license or Wisconsin identification card issued by the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles. On MyVote Wisconsin voters can search if they are registered yet, and if not, can register online quick and easy. The website will walk you through the steps to register such as what you need, and how to do it by mail/delivery if necessary. It will make sure you are eligible to register based on your age and if you have any outstanding warrants or felony convictions, and then move you to type in your name, address, certify your registration, and save it as well. 

How and Where Do I Vote?

On MyVote Wisconsin, there is a tab on the upper left titled “Find My Polling Place” where you can type in an address to find where your voting location is based on your district. For Hamilton High School and those who live nearby, the voting location is Redeemer United Church of Christ, which can be found at W220N4915 Town Line Road, Lisbon, WI 53059. Also importantly mentioned is the polling place hours, which for Redeemer United Church of Christ is November 5 from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you scroll down on this page on their website, you will see a sample 2024 General Election Ballot with nominees for President, Senator, Representatives for our district, Waukesha county district attorney, Waukesha county clerk, Waukesha county treasurer, and Waukesha county register of deeds. 

How to Vote with an Absentee Ballot

If you are unable to vote in person on the day of election, registered Wisconsin voters are able to request an absentee ballot in order to vote by mail. MyVote Wisconsin also has a tab at the top of the website labeled “Vote Absentee By Mail” where you must check to see if you are registered to vote before putting in your request. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be able to put in a request for the absentee ballot to be sent to your home address. It can take up to 7 days for a voter in Wisconsin to receive their ballot by mail, and also 7 days for the voted ballot to be received by your municipal clerk. 

Common Questions about Absentee Voting

How can I return my absentee ballot I received by mail?

You can return your ballot by mail or in-person at your municipal clerk's office. The municipal clerk for Sussex is Elisa Cappozzo located at W234N8676 Woodside Rd, Lisbon, WI 53089-1545, which is also her mailing address. 

Can I cancel my by-mail absentee ballot/I requested a ballot but now I would prefer to vote in-person; can I do this?

If you need to change or cancel your ballot, you can do so by contacting your municipal clerk. The last day to do so is the Thursday before election day for most voters. If you would prefer to vote in person and have NOT yet mailed in your ballot, you may choose to as long as you do not return your ballot. If you HAVE mailed your ballot, you cannot vote in person. 

Congratulations on coming of age to be able to participate in this important process that helps maintain and let our democracy prosper; happy voting!