Plan ahead, be flexible for Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 and polls will be open in Madison from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Record high voter turnout is predicted, which could lead to long lines, particularly for those who choose to register at their polling place.

UW-Madison officials encourage everyone to vote, but also to plan ahead to make sure a visit to the polls doesn’t conflict with classes, assignments or other important duties, if at all possible.

“We want everyone to vote and hope that people will be patient and flexible, as turnout could be off the charts,” says Aaron Brower, vice provost for teaching and learning. “If you have important commitments on Nov. 4, consider voting early or visiting your polling place when it opens.”

To help meet additional demand, the Madison City Clerk has extended its hours for absentee voting and in-person voter registration from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday leading up to the election.

Should students miss a class meeting, faculty members and instructors are encouraged to be flexible and accommodating whenever possible. However, since students have had ample opportunity to register and vote early, commitments to deadlines for papers, exams and quizzes should be honored. Students who have questions should contact their instructor in advance.

Employees are encouraged to vote during non-work hours. Those who cannot vote during non-work hours need to contact their supervisors in advance to make scheduling arrangements. Supervisors are asked to be flexible regarding Election Day voting.

An additional set of guidelines applies to employees who are serving as a registered election official. Contact your supervisor or human resources representative.