Voting Procedures

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for every election. You do not need any type of voter registration card. If you have previously registered to vote in your district, your name is automatically entered into the Badger Book that will be used by the poll workers on Election Day. If you have not yet registered, you may do so at the polls. If you have moved since the last time you voted, you will need to re-register with the correct information.

Please bring the appropriate paperwork to verify your current address. When you arrive at your polling place, give your name and address to the election official seated at the check-in table. They will find your name in the Badger Book.

Badger Book (e-Poll Book) 

In 2017, Wisconsin Elections Commission staff developed an electronic poll book system to be used in polling places in Wisconsin on Election Day. The "Badger Book" is electronic poll book software that is specific to Wisconsin elections practices and statutes. The Badger Book is the only electronic poll book software created with direct WisVote integration. Badger Books do not use an internet connection.

The Badger Book is primarily used to check in voters, process absentee ballots, and register a voters on Election Day. The Badger Book maintains the voter number and count independent of poll worker input. Each process was chosen and designed based on feedback provided by clerks and poll workers from across the state. After Election Day, a data file generated from the Badger Book is used to upload election participation and Election Day Registration information into WisVote.

Voter Identification (ID)

A photo ID is now required to vote. The following links have great brochures with information to help you learn what you need to know in order to vote: http://bringit.wisconsin.gov

Using the Voting Machines

The City of Sun Prairie uses optical scanning voting machines, called the DS200. To vote for the candidate(s) of your choice, complete the oval next to the candidate’s name. Likewise, to vote for or against a referendum question, complete the oval to the right of "Yes" or "No." To vote for a write-in candidate, write the person’s name on the line provided and complete the oval next to the name you have written in.

Handicap Accessible Voting Machines

In addition to the optical scanning machines, the City of Sun Prairie has handicap accessible voting machines. Section 301(3) of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires that every voting system used in a federal election be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including non-visual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provided the same for access and participation (privacy and independence) as for other voters - through the use of at least 1 direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities at each polling place. The particular machines we use at our facilities are the ExpressVote.

The ExpressVote is a universal voting system designed for use by all voters. Voters can use the touchscreen to make their ballot choices. Headphones and a tactile keypad are available for voters who require an audio ballot. When a voter has finished their ballot, the machine will print their marked ballot card which can then be placed in the tabulator or ballot box. The ExpressVote will be placed on an ADA-compliant table or stand so that a voter in a wheelchair can use a forward or side approach to access the machine.

Correcting Your Ballot

If you make a mistake on your ballot, you may ask for a new ballot. You will be asked to destroy your invalid ballot. You are allowed up to three ballots due to errors you made in marking the ballot. If you need assistance, please ask. Election workers have been trained to help all voters.

Questions

Call the City Clerk’s office at 608-837-2511, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email us.