1. Am I allowed to vote in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you can register and vote if:
• You’re a U.S. citizen;
• You’ll be 18 or older on Election Day;
• You will have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 10 days on Election Day;
• A court hasn’t taken away your right to vote because you are incompetent; and.
• You’re not currently in jail or prison, or on probation, parole, or extended supervision, for a felony (or for any treason or bribery conviction).
2. I was convicted of a misdemeanor. Can I vote?
• If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor (except for misdemeanor treason or bribery), you do not lose your right to vote.
• This means you can vote even if you are in jail or prison, or “on paper” (on probation, parole or extended supervision) for a misdemeanor.
3. I’ve been charged with a felony, but I haven’t been convicted yet. Can I vote?
• If you have been charged with a felony but not yet convicted, you can vote.
• If you’ve been convicted of a felony but haven’t been sentenced, you cannot vote.
4. I am in jail. Can I vote?
• Maybe. If you’re in jail for a misdemeanor, or if you’re in jail because you’re waiting for your trial but haven’t been convicted yet, you can vote. (If you’re in jail and you’ve been convicted of a felony, you cannot vote.)
• Persons who are in jail and are eligible to vote, can apply to vote absentee by mail.
5. I was convicted of a felony. Can I vote?
• If you have been convicted of a felony (or any crime of treason or bribery), you can vote after you have finished your sentence and are “off paper” (off probation, parole or extended supervision).
• If you’re not sure if you are “off paper,” ask your parole/probation officer.
6. Do I have to get a pardon or permission from the government to vote, once I’m “off paper” for my felony?
• You do NOT have to get a pardon to get your voting rights back. Your voting rights are automatically restored as soon as you complete your felony sentence and are “off paper.”
7. Is there anything else I have to do to vote in Wisconsin?
• You have to register to vote. Even if you were registered before you were convicted of a felony, you have to register again.
• You have to get “photo ID” to vote.
If you have other questions or concerns about your voting rights, “Like” Wisconsin Election Protection on Facebook or follow @EPWisco on Twitter and post your questions or concerns there. If you do not have access to Facebook or Twitter, you can email questions or concerns to vote@aclu-wi.org and we will respond as soon as we can. You can also call the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB) at 1-866-VOTE-WIS (1-866-868-3947) or check out their website, http://bringit.wi.gov/