Free voter IDs available to UW-Madison students
Recent changes in state law make it necessary for all Wisconsin voters to present a photo ID at the polls.
Starting Monday, students who need a photo ID to can obtain a free UW–Madison voter ID card at the Wiscard office in Union South.
Regular hours for the Wiscard office are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office will have extended on the first day of spring semester classes, Monday, Jan. 23, and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Students must present their current Wiscard to receive the supplemental card.
The UW-Madison voter ID card will be clearly marked “VOTER IDENTIFICATION.” The IDs include the student’s signature and expire two years from the issuance date in compliance with a new state voting law. The UW–Madison voter ID cards will not be valid for any other purpose or service on the campus.
Students who are Wisconsin residents and have a state-issued driver’s license or identification cards or a passport are able to vote using those forms of identification and do not need the UW–Madison voter ID.
Students attending UW–Madison are eligible to vote in Wisconsin provided they are a U.S. citizen, will be 18 years of age on or before the date of the election, and have been a resident of Wisconsin for at least 28 consecutive days prior to election day.
Students using the UW–Madison issued voter IDs are also required to present proof of enrollment at the polls. The university has prepared a self-service Enrollment Verification letter which is accessible from the Student Center at MyUW. Students may also use the form as proof of residence for voter registration.
The first election in which the new requirements will be enforced is the Feb. 21 spring primary. Other scheduled election dates this year include the spring general election on April 3, the fall primary election on Aug. 14, and the fall general election on Nov. 6.
