Absentee Voting

ABSENTEE VOTING

Absentee voting by mail is a convenient way to cast your ballot if you are unable to get to your polling place on Election Day.

Any registered voter in the City of Onalaska may apply for an absentee ballot. Registered voters can cast absentee ballots by mail or in person before Election Day.

ABSENTEE VOTING BY MAIL

To obtain an absentee application, registered City of Onalaska residents can download and print the application by using the link at the bottom of the page.  A copy of your Photo-ID must be included with your absentee ballot request.  An absentee ballot request can also be made on-line:  Go to www.myvote.wi.gov and request your ballot to be mailed to you.  A copy of your Photo ID can be uploaded in this process.

Once we receive your application, copy of your Photo-ID and verify your registration, we will send you a ballot to the address you designate on your application.  After making your selections and completing the form on the back of the envelope with the proper signatures and addresses, mail or deliver your ballot back to City Hall, 415 Main Street, Onalaska, WI.

All requests for absentee ballots to be mailed out must be received by 5pm on the Thursday prior to each election.  Absentee ballots must be received in the City Clerk's Office by Election Day.  Those ballots not mailed back but hand delivered must be received in the City Clerk's Office by 5pm on Election Day to be delivered to the polls by 8pm Election Day.

RETURNING YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT

Due to a 2022 WI Supreme Court decision regarding absentee ballot drop boxes, voters are no longer allowed to return their absentee ballots via the use of drop boxes. 

Options for returning your absentee ballot:

• Mail it back: The United States Postal Service recommends mailing your ballot at least one week before Election Day.  Returning a ballot from overseas may take longer.
• Hand deliver: Personally deliver it to your Municipal Clerk by no later than 4:00 PM on Election Day.  
• Drop your absentee ballot off at your polling place:  This can be done on Election Day by no later than 8:00 PM.

You may only return your own ballot to the Clerk’s office or the polling place.  The only exception to this rule is if you are returning a ballot on behalf of a disabled voter.

Absentee ballots may not be returned by email or fax.

BALLOTS RECEIVED AFTER 8:00 PM ON ELECTION DAY WILL NOT BE COUNTED!!

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING

In-person absentee voting is handled at the City Clerk's office located at 415 Main Street, Onalaska.   This process of absentee voting helps save the taxpayers money by avoiding postage costs of mailing ballots. 

Absentee voting beings 14 days before an election. Hours vary by election and will be posted approximately 3 weeks before each election.  In-person absentee voting takes place at the Clerk's office located at 415 Main Street, Onalaska.   All voters must provide Photo-ID.

In-Person Absentee Hours for the 2024 Spring General Election are as follows: