National Voter Registration Day And How To Work New Berlin Polls

NEW BERLIN, WI — While the 2020 presidential election saw record voter turnout in the United States, nearly 1 in 4 eligible Americans still aren’t registered to vote. A single day in September hopes to change that in Wisconsin.

National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 28 this year. Observed since 2012, this nonpartisan civic holiday helps reach tens of thousands of voters who may not otherwise register.

In 2020 and with the help of more than 5,000 community partners, more than 1.5 million eligible voters registered on National Voter Registration Day.

This year’s voter registration drive comes during a crucial period in American democracy.

Nearly 1 in 5 states passed restrictive election laws following the 2020 presidential election that tighten absentee voting windows and impose new rules around casting ballots and running elections.

Still, with the right knowledge and a bit of preparation and planning, registering to vote can still be an easy, seamless process.

Here’s what you need to know about National Voter Registration Day and how to register in New Berlin. Alongside registering to vote, New Berlin is looking for new poll workers. These people work seasonally for the City to ensure elections run smoothly.

What Is National Voter Registration Day?

National Voter Registration Day is a coordinated effort by communities, workplaces, libraries, college campuses and other entities across the country, all of which share a common goal — to raise awareness of voter registration opportunities in their communities.

Does National Voter Registration Day actually work?

Nearly 4.5 million voters have registered since the event’s inception, according to the campaign’s website. More than 300,000 Americans registered to vote on the inaugural National Voter Registration Day in 2012. In 2019, 473,725 people registered to vote before that number skyrocketed to 1.5 million in 2020.

How have election laws changed in Wisconsin?

Following the 2020 election, nine states passed legislation that sponsors say improves election security. Critics, however, say the legislation makes it harder for people to vote.

While some legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin, no major laws have been passed. In Wisconsin, voting laws remain much the same as they have in years past. An ID is required to vote in our state, though.

In Kansas, one law effectively shuts down voter registration drives by making it a felony to impersonate an election official, according to a National Public Radio report, a standard that could depend entirely on impressions. In Montana, state lawmakers eliminated Election Day voter registration.

How do I register to vote in New Berlin?

Registering to vote in Wisconsin is simple. If you have registered in the past, check with this website to ensure you are still registered ahead of voting days. New registrations can be made through the same website.

Registration can also be completed in person with the New Berlin city clerk up to the Friday before an election, according to the City website.

You can also register to vote directly on National Voter Registration Day’s website.

Register to work New Berlin polls.

The City of New Berlin is looking for people to work polls during future elections. The job helps to ensure smooth elections. Workers are paid $10.50 per hour to work and help out. It's a seasonal gig. Learn more about the job here.

Know election deadlines in Wisconsin.

Less than one-third of people who voted in the 2020 presidential election did so in person after states expanded mail-in balloting and early voting due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

In fact, 2020 was the first time in the history of the survey that a majority of voters did not cast their ballots in person on Election Day.

While new laws may have changed the landscape of mail-in voting, it’s important to know when you need to register by, as well as other key election deadlines in Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, people can register to vote the same day they vote. So long as it is at the correct polling place, you bring ID and proof of address, you can register right before you vote.

Registration must otherwise be completed the Friday of the week before an election in Wisconsin.