When Does Early Voting Start in Oak Creek?

While Election Day isn't until Nov. 6, voters in Oak Creek — and the rest of Wisconsin — can begin casting their ballots Monday.

In-person absentee voting, more commonly referred to as "early voting," begins Monday and continues through Friday, Nov. 2. Oak Creek residents can cast their ballot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 8640 S. Howell Ave.

Early voting has become increasingly popular over the years, and City Clerk Catherine Roeske said she expects that trend to continue.

About 17 percent of Oak Creek voters cast a ballot in the June 5 gubernatioral recall race prior to Election Day. Roeske said she expects that number to be upwards of 20 percent this time around.

"Absentee and early voting has skyrocketed," she said.

The same holds true across the country. The percentage of early voters increased from 16 percent in 2000 to 33 percent in 2008, according to CBS News, which said the number could go as high as 40 percent this year.

Residents can register in advance of the election at City Hall until Nov. 2. Voters can also register at the polls on Election Day, though that may mean waiting in line.

To register to vote, residents should bring a document showing proof of residence — such as a utility bill or bank statement showing complete name and current address — as well as a Wisconsin driver's license or state-issued ID. If someone does not have an ID, they can provide the last four digits of their Social Security number.

State courts and lawmakers have gone back and forth on voter ID over the last several months, but for this election, an ID is not required to vote at the polls.

To vote in Oak Creek, people must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old on or before Election Day, and reside in Oak Creek for at least 28 days prior to Election Day.

Residents may register to vote, view voter information or change information through the Government Accountability Board website.

For more information on voting in Oak Creek and a rundown of what's on the ballot, check out Patch's Oak Creek Election Guide.