Out-of-state voter registrations lead to confusion

Voters head to the polls again in about a month, and election officials are urging the public to think twice before filling out registration cards from out-of-state organizations.

It may be that they don't need to, according to City Clerk Terri Kalan.

Some Wisconsin residents may receive forms or postcards from state and national organizations asking them to register to vote or update their voter records, but it may not be necessary.

In February, national mass mailings generated more than 6,000 voter registration forms arriving at the Wisconsin Election Division for the presidential primary.

Mailings that do not come from local election officials -- such as the municipal clerk or the Wisconsin Elections Division, usually do not use the Wisconsin voter registration forms and their data may include people who are already registered.

"If you think you're registered to vote, check with us before you fill out another form," said Superior City Clerk Terri Kalan. "Extra registration forms from already-registered voters create confusion for voters and unneeded work for us."

Voters may check their registration status by calling their municipal clerk or checking the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board's Web site http://gab.wi.gov/ . Follow the links to the Election Division, then voter information. You can look up your voting/registration record.

In Superior, call 395-7383.

"The clerk's office is responsible for voter registration in Wisconsin," Kalan said. "Check with us or the State Elections Division if you have questions."

Residents can register to vote in the Sept. 9 partisan primary with their municipal or county clerk's office by Aug. 20.

Registration by mail or by special registration deputy -- often used in voter registration drives -- is not possible after the deadline. After that, residents must register in their clerk's office or at their polling place election day.

Voters who can't make it to the polls Sept. 9 are encouraged to seek an absentee ballot.

Written requests must by received by 5 p.m. Sept. 4. Ballots should be available in the city clerk's office Aug. 12.

For more information, call the City Clerk's Office at 395-7200.