Wisconsin voters get more time to return ballots

Wisconsin voters will have six extra days for their ballots to be received by clerks after the November 3 election. This is thanks to a ruling by a federal judge in Wisconsin

What the Ruling Says:

  • Absentee ballots will be counted if they are postmarked by November 3 — Election Day.
  • And received by Nov. 9.
  • Previously ballots had to be received by Election Day.
  • Oct. 21 is the new deadline to register online or through the mail to vote. A one week extension.
  • Poll workers can work in any county thanks to the ruling. Old rules kept workers from working outside the county where they reside, but this move will address worker shortages.

However, a preemptive stay is in effect on this ruling because the judge expects appeals.

Wisconsin voters have until Oct. 29 to request an absentee ballot, but the judge noted that the old guidelines would make it impossible for those who requested ballots on that date to have them returned by Nov. 3. A request to strike down certain ID laws and remove the requirement for a witness signature on ballots was not granted.

Judge gives Wisconsin voters more time to return absentee ballots
The ruling means the nation may have to wait for a week after Election Day to get results in a crucial swing state.