Early Voters Stream Into Waukesha City Hall

More than 21 percent of registered voters in Waukesha have already cast their ballot for Tuesday's presidential election.

Almost 9,000 absentee votes have been cast in person and via the mail as of 1:15 p.m. Thursday, according to the clerk's office. There are 41,884 active registered voters.

Early voting ends Friday in Waukesha.

Larger percentage of voters using early options

Early voting has become increasingly popular over the years, and that trend is expected to continue.

Across the country, the percentage of early voters increased from 16 percent in 2000 to 33 percent in 2008, according to CBS News, which said the number could go as high as 40 percent this year.

Residents can register in advance of the election at City Hall until Nov. 2. Voters can also register at the polls on Election Day, though that may mean waiting in line.

To register to vote, residents should bring a document showing proof of residence — such as a utility bill or bank statement showing complete name and current address — as well as a Wisconsin driver's license or state-issued ID. If someone does not have an ID, they can provide the last four digits of their Social Security number.

State courts and lawmakers have gone back and forth on voter ID over the last several months, but for this election, an ID is not required to vote at the polls.

To vote in Waukesha, people must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old on or before Election Day, and reside in Waukesha (and nowhere else!) for at least 28 days prior to Election Day.

Residents may register to vote, view voter information or change information through the Government Accountability Board website.