HOBART (NBC 26) — With just seven days to go until the 2022 Spring Election in Wisconsin, there are a few changes people should know before they head to the polls.
Early and absentee voting is already underway for the April 5 Election.
"We always encourage people to participate in the democratic process, so we just want everybody out there at the polls," said Erica Berger, Village of Hobart clerk-treasurer.
Berger said the clerk's office has mailed out 850 absentee ballots so far and has received 370 to date.
"It's actually right on par," Berger said. "In 2021, we sent out 880 absentee ballots."
Drop boxes aren't allowed for this year's Spring Election, following a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling in February.
The Village of Hobart has a yellow notice on its drop box, located outside the building, which warns voters that ballots placed in the drop box won't be counted.
"We have to have them in hand by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Hard cut-off time," Berger said.
Berger said voters can send absentee ballots in the mail or give it to their municipal clerk in-person. Only the voter can deliver their absentee ballot.
"That's a new law," Berger said. "So you can't deliver your spouse's ballot for them. Each individual voter has to deliver their own ballot."
Friday is the last day for in-person absentee voting. People can cast their ballots from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village of Hobart Business Office, 2990 S. Pine Tree Rd.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 5. Berger said people will need to bring a photo ID to vote. People can also register to vote on Election Day at their polling site by showing proof of residence.
People can find polling locations, sample ballots, and can update name and address changes online at My Vote Wisconsin.
