SNC Gets Out the Vote

Most people are well aware there’s a U.S. presidential election this Nov. 5, among other important races. Here at SNC, we encourage all eligible students, faculty and staff to vote so they have a voice in our democratic process. And our efforts work. Thanks to SNC and many other groups, Wisconsin led the nation in youth voter turnout during the November 2022 midterm elections, with nearly half of those under age 25 casting a ballot.

This year will be no different, as the college will be hard at work to facilitate the voting process for all. For your student, the main question about the 2024 fall election may be whether to vote in their home district or on campus.

Voting at home allows students to have a say in local contests and issues that may be important to them, such as a local referendum or Congressional race. Or they may be more familiar with candidates and issues in the De Pere area and prefer to vote here. To learn what’s on the ballot in De Pere versus at home, students can check out voting guides at sites like Vote 411.

No matter which option they choose, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

To be eligible to cast a ballot, you must be a U.S. citizen and 18 years of age or older on or before Election Day.

Full-time SNC students who are eligible to vote may vote in Wisconsin, even if they’re from another state.
Wisconsin requires someone to live in the state at least 28 consecutive days before an election in order to vote. Full-time SNC students will have met that requirement by Election Day.

All eligible voters have three ways to vote: absentee, early at the city clerk’s office or at the polling place on Election Day.

Absentee. Your student can request an absentee ballot to vote at their home precinct or in De Pere. While the deadline to request a ballot is 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the election (Oct. 31), it’s best if they request a ballot as soon as the ballots are available to ensure there’s enough time to mail it back. To request an absentee ballot in Wisconsin, students can go to My Vote Wisconsin. Out-of-state students can find their state’s absentee ballot information at Campus Vote Project.

Early at the city clerk’s office. Voting early, aka in-person absentee voting, is available at the De Pere city clerk’s office at 335 S. Broadway, just across the bridge from campus. Students will need to bring a photo ID that meets state requirements and, if they live off campus, some proof of residence, such as a utility bill showing their name and local address.

At the polling place on Election Day. De Pere’s polling site is 600 Grant St., a few blocks from campus. Students not yet registered to vote may register ahead of time at My Vote Wisconsin. They may also register at the polls on Election Day. If they elect to do this, they should bring their driver’s license, voting ID if they’re from another state and their SNC student ID. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Last updated Sept. 11, 2024