Voting and Elections
According to a 2022 survey by CIRCLE, the Center for Information and Research on Civil Learning and Engagement, “3 in 4 youth say they have the power to change the country, but just 2 in 5 say they feel well-qualified to participate in politics. Just under 1 in 4 cast a ballot.”
While voting is just one type of civic engagement, it represents a crucial form of participation and is the avenue for youth to have their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
The Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition is committed to supporting Wisconsin youth in becoming regular voters.
- Providing students and teachers with high-quality resources about voter registration and election administration
- Connecting teachers and schools to resources for school-based voter registration
- Advocate for policies and practices that increase trust in our elections, remove barriers to voting, and increase students interest in voting, as well as their sense of political efficacy.
Election and Voter Registration Details
Next Elections: August 11, 2026 (Partisan Primary), Novmeber 3, 2026 (GenerAL ELECTION)
Wisconsin Youth Registration Rules: In Wisconsin teens can register to vote if they will be 18 on or before the date of the next election. But 17 year-olds cannot register online, they must use a paper form. Wisconsin also has same-day registration, but to register at the polls you need proof of residence. A state issued photo ID can serve as both a proof of residence, and a photo ID to vote.
- What’s on the ballot? Where do I vote? www.myvote.wi.gov
- Voter Registration flier (PDF with QR code)
- LWV Detailed Instructions for youth voter registration (different scenario based on age, residency, ID etc).
- Acceptable government issued photo ID or other approved ID needed to vote.
- Proof of residence for registration.
- High School Poll Worker information
High School Voter Registrations
Commit to providing information and support for students registering and voting in their first election when they turn 18. Individual teachers, schools, and districts are all welcome to take the pledge! Join the movement and help Wisconsin support our young voters in one of their first acts of civic engagement.
Run a Drive in Your School
The Civics Center has all the resources you need to host a student-run, adult-supported voter registration drive in your school. Check out their toolkit to support student-led voter registration drives.
Resources for Teaching about Elections
Resources Specific to Wisconsin Elections
- Wisconsin How to Rock the Vote: Step-by-step guidance for preparing to vote in Wisconsin.
- Vote 411 Wisconsin: Information on Wisconsin election dates, voter registration deadlines, and voting resources.
- Common Cause Student Voting Guide and Students ID Requirements: Overview of the key requirements and steps college students need to vote in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Elections Commission: Elections 101 videos and lesson plans
- League of Wisconsin Municipalities: Election information (role of clerks, counting votes, your ballot)
- UW Madison Teaching About the Elections
Resources Specific to Election Integrity
- Election Integrity Toolkit
- ACE Political Campaign & Voting Guidance (ACE): Guidance for campuses on protecting civic engagement and navigating political campaign activities during the 2026 election cycle.
- Promoting Democracy in Election Season (UC Free Speech Center): Expert perspectives on supporting democracy, civic dialogue, and free speech in higher education.
More Teaching Resources and Lesson Plans
- Elections as Teachable Moments (AAC&U): Resources connecting election-related topics to student learning outcomes and civic engagement.
- Election Lab Resource Hub (MIT): Evidence-based research, tools, and policy recommendations for election administrators, policymakers, and educators.
- Election Resources (National Constitution Center): Collection of civic education resources, videos, primary documents, and educational exhibits. Includes the Classroom Toolkit: Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue
- Street Law resources for teaching about elections
- Civics Renewal Network: Teaching about Voting and Elections (lesson plans from national civics orgs)
- Deliberation on Lowering the Voting Age (deliberation instructions, graphic organizer)
- NEA resources for teaching about elections and democracy