State Statutes allow anyone who is unable or unwilling to go to the polls on Election Day to vote by absentee ballot. Voters no longer need to give a reason when requesting an absentee ballot. You can cast an absentee ballot in person or by mail.
Please Note: If you are not already registered, you will need to register to vote before an absentee ballot can be sent to you.
Absentee Voting in Person
In person absentee voting begins on the Monday, two weeks before an election, and ends the Friday before the election.
- Where: City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 400 La Crosse Street (2nd Floor)
- When: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday
- Call (608) 789-7510 (press 5) with questions.
Request by Mail
Absentee ballots will be mailed to registered voters if a written request is submitted.
Or submit a written request containing the following information:
- Date(s) of Election(s) Please be precise; see 2012 Election Dates.
- Name
- Date of Birth
- La Crosse Address
- Address to which the ballot should be mailed (if different)
- Phone number
- Signature
Mail the request to City Clerk's Office, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse WI 54601.
The request must be received by the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the fifth day (Thursday) before Election Day in order for an absentee ballot to be mailed.
An elector may apply for an absentee ballot by facsimile or email. The faxed or emailed application must contain a signature.
Only military and overseas electors are allowed to receive an absentee ballot by electronic mail or facsimile transmission. However, the voted ballot must be returned by postal mail.
To Receive an absentee ballot on a permanent basis
If you are indefinitely confined because of age, illness, infirmity or disability, you can receive an absentee ballot on a permanent basis. To remain on the permanent absentee list, you must return your ballot for each election.
Electors who are indefinitely confined and are receiving absentee ballots on a permanent basis by mail are exempt from providing proof of identification.
Note: Special procedures apply to nursing home residents. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (608) 789-7510.
To Receive an Absentee Ballot in the Hospital
If you are in the hospital and unable to go to the polls on Election Day, you can receive an absentee ballot by appointing an agent to deliver and return your completed ballot. The elector and assigned agent need to complete the absentee request form.
Deadline for Returning Ballot
The completed ballot must be received by the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election so that it can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 p.m. However, a ballot that is received by mail, and that is postmarked no later than Election Day, shall be counted if received by the municipal clerk no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Friday after the election.
Military/ Overseas Voters
U.S. citizens residing abroad (intent to return is uncertain) and members of the military, spouses and children are covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. A request can be made for a ballot by completing a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). FPCA's may be obtained by eligible voters from voting assistance officers within their branch of service, from a U.S. consulate or embassy or from the Federal Voting Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.
More Information
Federal Voting Assistance Program
Tel: (800) 438-VOTE (8683) - Toll Free
www.fvap.gov
Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (608) 789-7510 if you have any questions.