Mailbag; Some info on August 14 Primary Election

Be Prepared and Vote in August 14 Election The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin urges citizens to be prepared for some changes before voting in the August 14 primary election. This is the election when political parties will choose their candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as state legislature and some county offices. “For many races, the likely winner of the November election will be chosen in the primary election. Your vote in August can really make a difference,” said Andrea Kaminski, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network. Many voters might be surprised to find they have a new polling place, and they might also be surprised by the names on the ballot. This is because of the new redistricting plan that has gone into effect since the June 5 recall elections. “We strongly encourage voters to check their polling place and a sample ballot using the Voter Public Access website or by contacting their municipal clerk. Spending a few minutes ahead of time to prepare might save you considerable time on Election Day,” Kaminski said. Absentee voting has already begun. You may cast a ballot at your municipal clerk’s office through August 9. Alternately, you may request a mailed absentee ballot, but be sure there is enough time for the clerk to process your request and send you a ballot, which must be mailed back and received by the clerk by August 17 in order to be counted. The League reminds voters you can register to vote either in person at your municipal clerk’s office by the Friday before the election (August 10) or at the polls on Election Day. You will need to provide the number from your Wisconsin driver’s license, if you have one. If not, you can provide the number from your Wisconsin ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have none of these, you will be assigned a unique voter number. You will also need to provide proof of residence. According to the Government Accountability Board this can be a current and valid Wisconsin driver license or state ID card, a tax bill, a lease, a utility or cell phone bill, or a paycheck. It cannot be a sales receipt or a piece of junk mail. For a list of acceptable documents, go to the GAB website (http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/voters/registration-voting) or contact your municipal clerk or election commission. To check your polling place, your registration or absentee ballot status, or to see a sample ballot, go to the Voter Public Access website (https://vpa.wi.gov/). The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network is nonpartisan citizen organization that promotes informed and active participation in government. There are 16 local Leagues in Wisconsin. Find the League on Facebook. 8/5 Sun 5 - 6 pm "PPACA - What is the impact on Wisconsin?" - Madison. EVP Coffee, 3809 Mineral Point Road. Please join PNHP Wisconsin - The Linda & Gene Farley Chapter for a discussion about the Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Speaker will be Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action. Last month we discussed the initial reaction and potential outcomes of the Supreme Court upholding the majority of the PPACA. This month we look at the direct impact on the state of Wisconsin. We are fortunate to have Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action - Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Wisconsin. Please join us! Our September forum will be with Dr. John Geyman. He will be delivering the Eugene Farley lecture at the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and has agreed to honor us with an event for the community-at-large as well. He is professor emeritus at the University of Washington Department of Family Medicine. He is past president of Physicians for a National Health Program and author of several books on the topic of health care. Light refreshments will be served. EVP will be closed to customers during our event. For more information or to join PNHP, contact: wisconsinpnhp@gmail.com ©2012 Wireman & Associates | 4001 Monona Dr, Madison WI 53717