A basic ideal in America is that people control their own destiny. An important way to take control of your future is to vote. Voting is a simple way to shape your neighborhood, county and country. The following will explain how simple it is to vote in Vernon County.
Who can vote?
The requirements to vote are:
- You must be a U. S. citizen
- You must be at least 18 years old on election day
- You must have resided in your election district for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the election, and
- You must not have lost your right to vote through a felony conviction.
- You must be registered to vote.
- You must sign the poll book.
- You must have photo ID. (More information on photo IDs here)
Where do I vote?
You vote at your "polling place", which is in a building in your neighborhood, usually a community center or town hall. You can find out the polling place by calling your town clerk, village clerk or city clerk.
When do I vote?
Election Day is always on a Tuesday.
Spring: Primary: 3rd Tuesday in February
Spring Election: 1st Tuesday in April
Partisan: Primary: 2nd Tuesday in August of even-numbered years.
General: 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November of even-numbered years.
Polling place opening hour is 7:00 am all polls close at 8:00 p.m. If you are unable to get to your polling place or will be out of town on Election Day, you may vote by "absentee ballot". You can receive your absentee ballot by mail; you can go to your village, city or town clerk's office prior to 5:00 p.m. the Friday before election or by contacting your municipal clerk for their procedure. If you are requesting by mail, the request must be received by 5:00 p.m. the 5th day before the election with copy of photo ID. If you are requesting in person, the request must be received by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before the election. You must be registered.
How do I cast a vote?
1. Check in at the Polling Place. Voting is easy. Simply walk into your polling place and tell the election officials your name and address. You will have to sign the poll book and then they will distribute ballots to you and briefly explain the procedure. You must be registered and have photo ID. (More information on photo IDs here)
2. Enter the Voting Booth and Vote.
What if I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake, return your ballot to the election officials. Tell them you made a mistake and ask for a new ballot. They will void your old ballot and give you a new one. They are allowed to give you up to three (3) ballots. If you need assistance, please ask. They have been trained to help all voters.