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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 and signature can serve as a photo ID for voting purposes (unless it has expired)!  If the voter expiration date on your Viterbo ID has passed, you can stop by the Physical Plant office at the junction of 8th and Winnebago Streets to exchange your expired ID for a new one.  See the instructions below that require both ID and proof of residency. Please continue reading so you know what else you'll need to bring to the polls. Additionally, if you're interested in In-Person Absentee Voting and avoiding Election Day lines, please see the linked document below for more information. 
 

Student Voter Checklist

  1. Valid Student ID
    • Check that your student ID has not expired.
    • If it has, Physical Plant (corner of Winnebago and 8th Streets) can print you a new one.
    • Sign your student ID.
  2. Proof of Residency (if registering day-of)
    • If you plan to register to vote at your polling location, bring your proof of residency documentation.

    • On-campus housing documentation:  “Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency”

      • Sign into Self Service

      • Select the Academics icon on the left-hand side 

      • Scroll to “Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency”, click to page, click on link at the bottom, and print 

    • Off-campus housing documentation: gas, electric, phone, or utility bill with WI address listed 

  3. Polling Location
    • Find your polling location. This website may help.
    • Additionally, Viterbo students and employees will assist in walking students to their polling locations on election day. Groups will leave from the clock tower on the hour every hour from 8am-6pm. All are welcome to join.

 

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 links below:

Register to Vote

You cannot vote in an election unless you have registered to vote. Registration may happen when voting in person, but many people register in advance of voting. Please note that the latest date you can register to vote is the Friday before the election you would like to vote in.

At what location should I vote: 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.
  • Proof of Residency Requirement: 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: 900 Viterbo Drive 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.  On-campus residents: the Proof of Residency requirement is only met with both a signed Viterbo University student ID and the Proof of Residency/Student Tuition Statement.
    • On-campus residents can access or print your Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency off Viterbo Self Service following these steps (as indicated on the graphic that follows):
      • Once on Self Service, click on “Academics” located on side drop-down menu.
      • Scroll down and click “Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency”.
      • Print all pages of your Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency.
    • Off-campus students must provide a bank statement, phone bill, credit card statement, utility bill, or residential lease that bears your name and local address instead of the Student Tuition Statement for Proof of Residency. A full list of documents that can illustrate proof of residence can be found here.
  • Students without a WI Driver's License will also need to know the last four digits of their Social Security number.
  • If you choose to vote in Wisconsin, you can look at this map to identify your polling place: 
     

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 an acceptable photo ID. Go to Bring It to the Ballot for acceptable forms. NOTE:  The Viterbo Student IDs issued after October 2019 that contain a student's legal name are voter-compliant unless expired. If your Viterbo student ID has expired, bring proof of enrollment by linking to "Viterbo Self-service." 
  • 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. Print the form you find online and follow the instructions carefully when completing the form. You must provide a copy of one Proof of Residency (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:  All students may register to vote at La Crosse City Hall (400 La Crosse Street) in the City Clerk's Office between 8am and 4pm no later than the Friday before an election. POR is required. This may be a great option as there won’t be lines and staff can assist you! City Hall is a 20-minute walk or free 14-minute bus ride (w/VU ID); plan your bus trip at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/mtu.
  • 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?

  • If you are already registered to vote in Wisconsin, go online to www.myvote.wi.gov to request an absentee ballot.  
  • The Application for Absentee Ballot (EL-121) is available online 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 phone number.
  • An acceptable Photo ID must also accompany the Absentee Ballot request.  Go to Bring It to the Ballot for acceptable forms. If your Viterbo Student ID has expiree, bring proof of enrollment by linking to "Viterbo Self-service".
  • 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.
  • Apply in the office of the City Clerk (400 La Crosse Street) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Where do I vote?

  • Go to https://www.myvote.wi.gov to find your polling place.
  • 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 La Crosse City Clerk’s office at 608-789-7510.

Voter Information for Minnesota

Minnesota voter information is available at https://mn.gov/portal/government/voting-elections/.

Unlike many states, you 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 https://www.elections.il.gov/

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 https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/

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.

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