× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Early voting began Monday in Madison for the Aug. 12 primary, but voters should note a change in hours since the last election.

This year, in-person absentee voting can be done only between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For the first time, no weekend hours are allowed after the Legislature banned the practice.

Early voting is now in effect statewide.

Kevin Kennedy, director of the Government Accountability Board, said he’s interested to see how this will affect voter turnout. “There are concerns it will have an impact on people who live in urban areas who might be working during those

hours.”

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said he had similar concerns about the change.

“I think it’s a mistake to limit voting, but I hesitate to try to get into the mind of the Republican legislators,” McDonell said. “For a lot of folks, the weekend is the only time they have.”

Rep. Kathy Bernier, R-Chippewa Falls, chairwoman of the Assembly elections committee, couldn’t be reached Tuesday .

McDonell said anyone can vote early.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.