With the presidential election less than two months away, the City Clerk's Office is sponsoring a Voter Registration Month in an effort to get Madison voters through the polls more quickly on Election Day.
Voter Registration Month will run until Oct. 10 and aims to register first-time voters and update information of residents who have moved. According to City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl, over 32,000 voter registration applications have been processed this year and more than 800 people are deputized to register voters in Madison.
We expect a large turnout, and if you register in advance you don't need to stand in line on Election Day,"" she said.
Witzel-Behl said early registrants only need a driver's license number, whereas on Election Day proof of residency is also required. Long lines at polling places can be especially frustrating for students, who have limited time between classes.
""Students are notorious for running late, yet their vote is extremely important, so early registration is a really good idea,"" Kyle Richmond, public information officer for the Government Accountability Board said. ""It's easier and faster to register ahead of time, and then on Election Day you state your name and address, cast your ballot and are on your way.""
Within the city, eligible voters can register at any Madison Public Library, Madison Fire station or the City Clerk's Office. An online registration form can also be mailed to the City Clerk's Office before Oct. 15.
Out-of-state students can vote in Madison as residents, or by absentee ballot as a resident of their home state, but if voting absentee they must be registered to vote before requesting a ballot. Beginning 20 days before the election, residents can register and cast an absentee ballot at the City Clerk's Office.
According to Witzel-Behl, the 2008 election turnout is expected to exceed that of previous years, so the city is looking for more staff to work the polls.
""You can choose to be paid, volunteer, or if you are a state or municipal employee you can choose to work at a polling place on the day of elections instead of your job,"" she said.
On campus, Wisconsin Union President Jeff Rolling said the Union will be working with groups conducting voter registration.
""Voter registration for students is incredibly important - especially for this upcoming election,"" Rolling said. ""There are so many new voters out there and students have to be a part of that, otherwise the politicians just aren't going to listen to them.""
More information on voter registration or working the polls in Madison can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/election.
