Why is WEC sending a mailing? The 6-member, bi-partisan Elections Commission voted unanimously in May of 2020, directing WEC staff to send an informational mailer to voters about their options to cast a ballot in November. The Commission further directed that the mailer should include an absentee ballot request form. Many people suggested a mailing after the April 2020 election when the WEC staff and Wisconsin clerks fielded thousands of questions from people asking how they could vote during the pandemic. As you know, clerks around the state were swamped with absentee ballot requests, many containing errors or missing essential information. The mailing is designed to explain to voters all three options to vote in the November General Election. Put simply, the main objectives of the mailing are to:
- Explain how registered voters can cast a ballot for the November General Election.
- Encourage voters to use Myvote.wi.gov
- Encourage voters who choose to request absentee ballots to act early and return the ballot promptly.
What is in the mailing? In total, voters will receive three pieces:
- Voter information mailer
- Absentee Application designed specifically for this mailer
- A pre-addressed, business reply return envelope to the WEC (no postage required by voter).
While the mailing encourages voters to use Myvote.wi.gov, a paper absentee application is included so that individuals without internet access have an option to easily request a ballot.
Who is receiving the mailing? Not all voters will receive the mailing. The mailing is only going to voters who are registered to vote in Wisconsin, not in Active Mover’s status, and did not already have a General Election absentee request on file at the end of June.
Where is it going? The mailing will reach voters in all 1,850 Wisconsin municipalities.
When is it going? All pieces will be mailed on September 1, 2020, and should arrive in a few days, although corners of the state may take longer to reach.
