When does wisconsin count mail in ballots

In Wisconsin, mail-in ballots are counted on Election Day, which is typically the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. However, the process of counting mail-in ballots is a bit more complex and involves several steps.

Here's a general outline of when and how Wisconsin counts mail-in ballots:

1. Deadline for submitting mail-in ballots: The deadline for submitting mail-in ballots in Wisconsin is 8:00 PM on Election Day. Ballots received after this time will not be counted.
2. Processing and sorting: On Election Day, local election officials begin processing and sorting mail-in ballots. This involves verifying the voter's identity, checking the ballot for errors or irregularities, and separating the ballots by ward or precinct.
3. Counting: Once the ballots are sorted, they are counted using a combination of manual and machine counting methods. This process typically begins in the late afternoon or early evening on Election Day.
4. Tabulation: The counted ballots are then tabulated, which involves adding up the votes for each candidate and issue. This process is typically completed by the end of Election Day.
5. Certification: After the tabulation is complete, the results are certified by the local election officials and reported to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

It's worth noting that Wisconsin has a "postmark" rule, which means that mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted. However, the state also allows voters to drop off their ballots at designated locations, such as polling stations or election offices, on Election Day.

Overall, while mail-in ballots are counted on Election Day in Wisconsin, the process of processing, sorting, and counting these ballots can take several hours or even days to complete.