In-Person Absentee Voting (IPAV)

What is in-person absentee voting (IPAV)?

In-person absentee voting (IPAV) is the process where a voter requests their absentee ballot from the municipal clerk,  receives and votes their ballot in person as witnessed by the clerk, and then returns their voted ballot in a sealed absentee certificate envelope to the clerk.  The municipal clerk then securely stores the certificate envelope and the ballot within it until it is processed and counted on Election Day at the polling place. 

When can IPAV occur?

IPAV can begin no earlier than Oct. 20, 2026. Wis. Stat. § 6.86(1)(b). Village of Hawkins voters should contact their Municipal clerk to make an appointment to receive an in-person absentee ballot. 

There are zero scheduled office hours for this designated IPAV site. Voters seeking accommodation to use this site may do so by appointment only. At least 24 hours’ notice will be provided after a voter requests an appointment at this designated alternate site.

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, is the last day a clerk can offer in-person absentee voting.

The deadline to register in person before Election Day for most voters is 5 PM on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.

Do voters going through the IPAV process need to show photo ID?

Yes, all voters who wish to receive their ballot through in-person absentee voting need to show acceptable photo ID in order to receive their ballot.

Who witnesses the absentee ballot certificate envelope during IPAV?

Wis. Stat. §6.86(1)(b) requires that the municipal clerk serve as the witness for a ballot that is voted during IPAV. The clerk should sign and print their name and provide the address of the clerk’s office.

How are absentee ballots voted at IPAV processed on Election Day?

IPAV ballots are processed at the polling place on Election Day along with all other absentee ballots.