Tracking legislation by alert

In our current news cycle, information written just last week may already be out of date. How do you stay on top of updates to legislation?

The Library of Congress has put out a research guide on how to use alerts on Congress.gov, the website used to track Federal legislation.

Congress.gov Keeps You Up To Date With Email Alerts explains the different types of alerts you can set up on that website to get the most recent updates.

You can also simply do a keyword search and use the RSS and share features at the top of the results page to stay on top of general topics.

Presidential proclamations can be tracked on the WhiteHouse.gov website.

For Wisconsin legislation, create an account on the Legislature's website to set up keyword or bill alerts. From the home page, look for the notification service link. On many pages, look for the RSS symbol near the top of the page to get RSS updates on particular bills or the current legislative session.

For Wisconsin Executive Orders, get to the most recent orders on the Governor's website. You can also sign up to get emailed press releases from this site.  

Ask a librarian if you need help tracking down information! We're happy to help. Contact us using our online form, or send an email to wsll.ref@wicourts.gov.

Libraries Closed March 17 - April 3

The David T. Prosser Jr. State Law Library, Milwaukee County Law Library, and Dane County Law Library will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17 and going through Friday, April 3rd. During this time, we will temporarily transition to providing online and remote services only.

During efforts to contain COVID-19, our three libraries may be reached by email. Our goal is to respond within 48 hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Send research requests to: 

wsll.ref@wicourts.gov or use our online form 

Both county law libraries may be reached by email: 

Milwaukee County Law Library: mcll.ref@wicourts.gov
Dane County Law Library: dcll.ref@wicourts.gov 

We wish you health and safety, and will do our best to help you while we are closed.

Milwaukee County Law Library Closed to Visitors

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Milwaukee County Clerk of Court has closed the Milwaukee County Law Library and Milwaukee Justice Center to the public for three weeks, from Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3.

The Milwaukee County Law Library will still be answering phone calls and emails during this time and will be able to send information to users through email. The library will be staffed during its regular business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Users can contact Milwaukee County Law Library staff for help:

Call us: 414-278-4900
Email us: mcll.ref@wicourts.gov

During this disruption of in-person services, we are ready to help you remotely!

(Updated March 16 to reflect no phone access.)

Absentee Voting in Wisconsin

Did you know that registered Wisconsin voters can request an absentee ballot? An absentee ballot is an option a registered voter may use to vote if they cannot appear at their polling place on election day.

The next statewide election is the 2020 spring election and presidential preference vote, on Tuesday, April 7.

According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission,

"Any qualified elector (U.S. citizen, 18 years of age, who has resided in the district in which he or she intends to vote for at least 10 days) who registers to vote is eligible to request an absentee ballot.  Under Wisconsin law, voters do not need a reason or excuse, such as being out of town on Election Day, to vote absentee. Any voter who prefers to vote by absentee ballot may request one. You have several options for requesting an absentee ballot and casting your vote."

You may request an absentee ballot by mail, e-mail, or fax to your municipal clerk. "Your application must be received by the clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be SENT to you."

Early voting (in-person absentee ballot) may also be available at your local municipal clerk's office. Contact your municipal clerk's office to learn more about availability and hours, or check their website. If you're not sure who your municipal clerk is, check this complete directory of Wisconsin Municipal Clerks. We're happy to help as well! Call us at 608-267-9696 or toll free at 800-322-9755 with questions.

You can also check your voting status and start the process to request an absentee ballot through the MyVote Wisconsin (myvote.wi.gov) website.