It's Voting Time: Do You Know Where To Go?

There are plenty of changes to the voting system that residents need to be aware of before Tuesday's primary elections: not only are new Voter ID Laws in place, but both Port Washington and Saukville underwent redistricting last year.

This means voting wards have changed and residents will also have to carry more forms of identification with them than when voting in the past.

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In Port Washington, there are now seven wards instead of 11, with voting taking place at three different polling places. Click on the links below to see a map of each ward. Also, see the city's website for more information about voting in Port.

• Ward 1: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
• Ward 2: Port Washington City Hall
• Ward 3: Port Washington City Hall
• Ward 4: Dunwiddie Elementary School
• Ward 5: Dunwiddie Elementary School
• Ward 6: Dunwiddie Elementary School
• Ward 7: Thomas Jefferson Middle School

In Saukville, there are also seven districts (map), but all residents vote at the American Legion Post 470, 601 W. Dekora St. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

As part of the new Voter ID law, the Government Accountability Board is promoting a "State It, Show It, Sign It," theory to help residents comply.

According to a press release from the GAB:

"State It" means stating their name and address to the poll workers, said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B. "This is something Wisconsin voters have always needed to do to vote. It doesn’t matter if the poll workers know you."

"Show It" means show your photo ID card. Poll workers will check to make sure you are who you say you are, and that your photo ID is valid for voting, Kennedy said. "The address on your ID does not have to be current, and your name does not have to match your name on the poll list exactly. Your ID is acceptable even if it expired after November 2010," he said.

"Sign It" means signing the poll book — another new requirement this year. "Having you sign the poll book helps ensure your voter participation records are accurate, and will also provide evidence in case of suspected voter fraud," Kennedy said.

These photo IDs are acceptable for voting purposes, and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election (currently, the November 2, 2010 election):

• A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
• A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card
• A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption
• Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
• A U.S. passport book or card.

These photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:

• A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
• A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
• An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
• An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
• A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university, college or technical college that contains date of issuance, signature of student, and an  expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance.  Also, the university or college ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment.
• A citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend a Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license that is dated within 60 days of the date of the election.

Voters who do not have one of these acceptable photo IDs can cast a provisional ballot on Election Day. However, for that vote to be counted, a provisional voter must bring back an acceptable photo ID — to either the polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day, or the municipal clerk’s office by 4 p.m. the Friday after the election.