VOTE ABSENTEE

I’m long past the age when I make New Year’s resolutions. I won’t try to lose 10 pounds or start a Pilates class or learn to speak French fluently. But I do undertake a few tasks at the beginning of each year to get off to a good start.

First among them is to register to vote absentee. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it guarantees I won’t miss an election.

Almost as fast as my computer’s web browser brought up myvote.wi.gov, I entered my name, birthdate and address and received confirmation — in under two minutes. Now, I’m all set for the Feb. 18 primary election. I needn’t worry about weather and road conditions or memorizing who’s who on the ballot, especially because this is a nonpartisan election. So’s the one after that — the April 1 General Spring Election.

Every Wisconsin voter can request an absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot for one election or the entire

year.   When the ballot arrives, I can fill it out without feeling rushed, and do any research on candidates or issues. While I won’t lose a pound by voting absentee, it’s nice to get that weight off my mind.

Don’t hesitate. Wisconsin’s first elections are right around the corner.