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Voter Information

Viterbo University encourages all students to register to vote and to actively participate in the political process by voting in all local, state, and federal elections. To assist you in registering to vote, the university provides this information which applies only to Viterbo University students who are citizens of the United States.

All Viterbo student IDs printed after Fall 2019 that contain your legal name can serve as a photo ID for voting purposes! Please continue reading so you know what else you'll need to bring to the polls.

Voter Information for All 50 States

These links provide voter registration forms, absentee ballot forms, and election information. All states differ, but absentee ballots must be requested at least a week and sometimes 10 days in advance of Election Day if you prefer voting in your home community. Check your home state's policies and the other important documents linked below (particularly the Viterbo Student Voting 101 document):

To assist you with voter registration, we have created a link with the Federal Election Commission’s National Voter Registration information – www.eac.gov. If you would like to register to vote, click on Register to Vote. Then, click on the National Voter Registration Form. Review the appropriate State’s instructions and eligibility requirements. Complete the form according to instructions and mail it to the address provided. Links to voter information and registration deadlines in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa are provided below.

What location do I vote at: home or school?

  • It is your choice, but you must declare your residency for voting in only one location.
  • If you are registered at your home address in another city or state, you may choose to request a ballot from that municipal clerk. Allow at least two weeks (preferably closer to four) for processing and mailing.
  • If you decide to register in La Crosse, you may register and vote using your City of La Crosse residence address while you are enrolled at the University. **On-campus residents: 702 Franciscan Way is your mailing address, not your residence address/where you live.**  Residence addresses vary by building, and can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the Proof of Residency/Tuition Statement that you're required to submit as part of your application.  Please note: the Proof of Residency requirement is only met with both a signed Viterbo University student ID and the Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency.  On-campus residents can access or print your Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency off Viterbo Self Service, follow these steps (as indicated on the graphic that follows):
    • Scroll down and click “Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency”.
    • Once on Self Service, click on “Academics” located on side drop-down menu.
    • Print all pages of your Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency.

Voter Information for Wisconsin

Wisconsin Registration Requirements

  • You must be a U. S. Citizen.
  • You must be at least 18 years old on Election Day.
  • You must have resided in your election district at least 10 days.
  • You must have acceptable photo ID. Go to https://www.bringitwisconsin.com/ for acceptable forms. NOTE:  The Viterbo Student IDs issued after October 2019 are voter-compliant. 
  • You are not currently serving a sentence including probation or parole for a felony conviction.
  • You are not otherwise disqualified from voting.

How do I register to vote or change my address?

  • By mail:  https://www.myvote.wi.gov. Follow the instructions carefully when completing the form. You must provide a copy of one of the forms of POR specified on the instructions. Print the form, sign it and mail it with POR to the municipal clerk at least 20 days before the election.
  • In Person:  In the City Clerk's Office between 8:30a.m. and 5:00p.m., but no later than the Friday before an election. Proof of residence is required.
  • On Election Day: You may register to vote at your assigned polling place the day of the election although it is recommended that you register in advance.  Information on polling place, election times, documents needed for voter registration are available at https://www.myvote.wi.gov.  

How do I obtain an absentee ballot?

  • The Application for Absentee Ballot (EL-121) is available on-line under the City Clerk’s Elections and Voting page at www.cityoflacrosse.org/elections. Or, you may send a signed letter or email request, indicating your name, residence address, the address the ballot should be mailed, and a contact number.
  • Acceptable Photo ID must also accompany the Absentee Ballot request.  Go to www.bringitwisconsin.com for acceptable forms.
  • Mail the application or letter to the municipal clerk serving the municipality where you are registered to vote. The last day a municipal clerk may honor written requests for an absentee ballot is five days before an election.
  • In the office of the City Clerk (400 La Crosse Street) between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Where do I vote?

  • Go to https://www.myvote.wi.gov
  • Viterbo University students who live on campus in Bonaventure Hall, Marian Hall, McDonald Terrace, Rose Terrace, Treacy House, or La Verna Apartments vote at Coulee Recovery Center, 933 Ferry St., La Crosse, WI, 54601.
  • Viterbo University students who live on campus in Canticle House or Clare Apartments vote at the Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th Street South, La Crosse, WI, 54601.

Election day voting hours - The polls are open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

If you have any questions, call the City Clerk’s office at 789-7510.

Wisconsin voter information is available at http://www.gab.wi.gov/ Wisconsin voter registration deadlines are provided here: By mail, 20 days before the election (or completed in the local voter registration office up to 5 p.m. the Friday before the election, or completed at the polling place on Election Day). 

Voter Information for Minnesota

Minnesota voter information is available at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting

Unlike many states, one can wait until Election Day to register to vote in Minnesota. However, voters are encouraged to register before Election Day as it will save you time at the polling place. The deadline to register online is 21 days before Election Day at 11:59 p.m. The deadline to register on paper is 21 days before Election Day at 5 p.m. Otherwise, you can register on Election Day at your polling place.

Voter Information for Illinois

Illinois voter information is available at www.sos.state.il.us/elections

Registration is open year round except during the 27-day period prior to an election and during the two-day period after each election (one day after in Chicago).  Grace period registration is an extension of the regular registration deadline from the 27th day prior to an election through Election Day. Grace period registration is only available “in-person” at sites authorized by each election authority.

Voter Information for Iowa

Iowa voter information is available at www.sos.state.ia.us/elections 

Iowa pre-registration deadlines are 10 days before general elections and 11 days before all other elections. You may register and vote on election day. To do so, you first must go to the correct polling place for your current address on election day. At the polling place, you must prove both who you are and where you live. The best way to do this is with your valid Iowa driver’s license with your current address printed on it.