Absentee Ballot FAQ

How can I submit my absentee ballot to the City of Oshkosh?

Absentee ballots must be submitted directly by the voter. Absentee ballots may be submitted:

  • directly to the City Clerk’s Office on the first floor of City Hall, 215 Church Avenue, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday;
  • through the United States mail, allowing sufficient time to be received by the City Clerk by Election Day.

Why can’t I use the City Hall Drop Box?

The use of election drop boxes under current statutes in Wisconsin was challenged. A court in Waukesha County issued a decision that significantly restricts the ability of local governments to use drop boxes for return of ballots. Based on that decision and advice from the Wisconsin Counties Association, the City of Oshkosh will not accept ballots submitted through the City Hall drop box.

What happens if I put my ballot in the City Hall Drop Box?

If you do not properly submit your ballot your vote may not be counted.

The City Clerk’s office may contact you if you incorrectly submit your vote, but if they are not able to reach you or time does not permit reaching out to you, your vote may not be counted.

To assure that your vote counts it is important that you return your ballot in person to the City Clerk’s office or mail your ballot allowing enough time for it to be received by the City Clerk’s office prior to Election Day.

If I want to mail my ballot, when do I need to mail it?

Ballots need to be received at the City Clerk’s Office by Election Day. Electors choosing to mail their ballots should make sure to mail the ballot allowing enough time for it to be delivered to the City Clerk’s Office by Election Day.

Can my spouse or someone else drop off my ballot for me?

No. You must personally drop off your own ballot. The use of election drop boxes under current statutes in Wisconsin was challenged. A court in Waukesha County issued a decision that interpreted Wisconsin Statutes to require that the Voter personally drop off their ballot. Based on that decision and advice from the Wisconsin Counties Association, the City of Oshkosh will not accept ballots submitted to the City Clerk’s office from anyone but the individual voter.

If I want to personally drop off my ballot, where is the City Clerk’s Office and when is it open?

The City Clerk’s Office is located on the first floor of City Hall, 215 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.