Wisconsin: Do you need an ID to vote?
Wisconsin requires photo ID to vote; without it, the vote counts only if ID is shown by 4 p.m. the Friday after the election.
A voter without accepted photo ID may cast a provisional ballot. It counts only if the voter brings ID to the polling place before polls close, or to the municipal clerk by 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election. Since April 2025 the state constitution also requires photo ID, after voters approved an amendment; it did not change the rules at the polls.
Conditions
- Accepted photo ID
- Without ID: provisional ballot, then show ID by 4 p.m. the Friday after the election
What the law says
If proof of identification under sub. (2) is not presented by the elector, if the name appearing on the document presented does not conform to the name on the poll list or separate list, or if any photograph appearing on the document does not reasonably resemble the elector, the elector shall not be permitted to vote, except as authorized under sub. (6) or (7), but if the elector is entitled to cast a provisional ballot under s. 6.97, the officials shall offer the opportunity for the elector to vote under s. 6.97. ... [§ 6.97(3)(b):] the elector bears the burden of correcting the omission by providing the proof of identification at the polling place before the closing hour or at the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners no later than 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election.
Sources
- Wis. Stat. § 6.79 (FindLaw) Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
- Wis. Stat. § 6.97 (FindLaw) Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
- Wisconsin Legislature, 2025 AJR 1 (photo ID constitutional amendment) Official · docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
- Ballotpedia News, Wisconsin voters approve voter photo ID amendment Secondary · news.ballotpedia.org
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Wisconsin Elections Commission
- Phone
- 608-266-8005
- Website
- elections.wi.gov
How bordering states compare
- Illinois No ID document requiredIllinois does not require most voters to show ID. Election judges compare the voter's signature with the registration record.
- Iowa ID required, non-photo acceptedIowa requires ID at the polls. A free non-photo Voter ID card counts, and a voter with no ID may vote provisionally.
- Michigan Photo ID requestedMichigan asks in-person voters for photo ID. A voter without one can sign an affidavit and vote a regular ballot.
- Minnesota No ID document requiredMinnesota voters who are already registered don't show ID. They sign the polling place roster.