The provided source material focuses on two distinct topics relevant to Wisconsin voters: a free transportation program for accessing polling locations and a legal dispute regarding voter registration verification procedures. The information does not pertain to consumer freebies, product samples, or promotional offers. Instead, it details community-based election support services and administrative challenges concerning voter eligibility. Specifically, the sources describe a program offering free round-trip rides to the polls in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine, and a lawsuit involving the Wisconsin Elections Commission regarding the verification of citizenship for registered voters.
Free Rides to the Polls Program
A program operated by Souls to the Polls WI, titled "Free Rides to the Polls," provides free round-trip transportation to voting locations. This service is available for the 2025 Spring General Election on April 1, 2025, and during the early voting period. The program serves voters in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine.
Schedule and Availability
The transportation schedule is divided into early voting and election day operations: * Early Voting: Rides are available from March 18 through March 29. * Weekdays (Monday through Friday): 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. * Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. * Election Day: Rides are available on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., corresponding with polling hours.
How to Request a Ride
To schedule transportation, voters must call the dedicated hotline at 414-742-1060. The hotline opens on Monday, March 10. Callers are encouraged to schedule rides in advance by leaving a message on the voicemail system. If a call is made outside of regular hotline hours, a message can be left, and a representative will return the call. For questions regarding the program that do not involve scheduling a ride, Norma Balentine can be contacted at 917-501-1922 or via email at [email protected].
Service Details
The program offers door-to-door service. Rides are provided to: * Assigned polling places. * Early voting sites. * Locations to drop off absentee ballots.
The service includes round-trip transportation. The organization relies on volunteers to operate the program, including drivers and Virtual Call Center volunteers. Individuals interested in volunteering are directed to fill out a volunteer interest survey. The program also accepts donations to help expand services for future elections.
Voter Requirements
The source material emphasizes that voters must bring proper Photo ID to cast their ballot. If a voter plans to register to vote at the polls, they must also bring proof of address. On-site voter registration is available at polling places on Election Day and at early voting sites up until the Friday preceding the election.
Voter Citizenship Verification and Legal Proceedings
The source material details a legal conflict regarding the verification of voter citizenship in Wisconsin. This involves the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Wisconsin Elections Commission, and a Waukesha County Circuit Judge.
The Lawsuit and Initial Ruling
In August 2024, a lawsuit was filed by two suburban Milwaukee voters against the Wisconsin Elections Commission and the state Department of Transportation. The plaintiffs sought a court order requiring these agencies to verify the citizenship of all applicants registering to vote.
On a Friday ruling (date unspecified in the context but reported in October 2025), Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Maxwell ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The judge determined that the Wisconsin Elections Commission is "violating state and federal statutes by maintaining an election system that potentially allows individuals on to the voter rolls who may not be lawfully entitled to cast a vote in Wisconsin." Judge Maxwell stated that the Commission is "failing in the most basic task of ensuring that only lawful voters make it to the voter roll."
The Judge's Orders
Judge Maxwell issued specific orders to address these perceived violations: 1. Review of Voter Rolls: The Wisconsin Elections Commission is ordered to review the voter rolls before the Feb. 18 spring primary election to determine if any non-U.S. citizens are registered to vote. 2. Registration Verification: The Commission is prohibited from accepting any new voter registration request "without verification that the applicant is a U.S."
The Department of Justice's Response
The Wisconsin Department of Justice, representing the Wisconsin Elections Commission, filed a request on Monday asking the judge to immediately put his order on hold. They are seeking a stay of the ruling pending an appeal. The DOJ argues that under Wisconsin law, there is no requirement or duty for the elections commission and transportation department to share and match data to remove non-citizens from the statewide voter list.
Context of Wisconsin Voting Law
Wisconsin law requires voters to certify that they are U.S. citizens when registering. However, the law does not require election officials to obtain proof of citizenship, nor does it require voters to present proof of citizenship at the time of registration. The lawsuit and subsequent ruling challenge the adequacy of the current system which relies on self-certification.
Federal Involvement
This state-level legal battle occurs alongside federal actions. The President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has sought voter records from at least 19 states, including Wisconsin, to crack down on voter fraud and noncitizen voting. The source material notes that while these issues are the subject of claims by the President and his allies, noncitizen voting is statistically rare.
Additional Voting Resources in Waukesha County
While the primary focus of the provided material is the ride program and the legal dispute, one source mentions an organization in Waukesha County called Blue Sky Waukesha. Founded in 2019, this organization aims to inform, engage, and empower Waukesha County voters. They provide clear election information, share candidate endorsements, host community events, and offer nonpartisan civic programs. Their advisory board represents communities across the county. The organization is preparing for the 2026 election year, tracking races including State Supreme Court, Governor, and local legislative seats.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers specific, actionable information regarding voting logistics and administrative challenges in Wisconsin. Voters in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine have access to a free, volunteer-driven transportation service for the Spring 2025 election, requiring advance scheduling via a dedicated hotline. Simultaneously, the state is embroiled in significant legal proceedings regarding the verification of voter citizenship, with a judge ordering stricter verification measures that the state is appealing. These events highlight the operational and legal complexities surrounding election administration in the state.