Frequently Asked Questions

A Photo I.D. is now required to vote.  The following link has great brochures with information to help you learn what you need to know in order to vote:  http://bringit.wisconsin.gov

Acceptable Proof of Picture I.D.:

• Wisconsin DOT-Issued Driver's License
• Wisconsin DOT-Issued Identification Card
• Military I.D. card issued by a U.S. Uniformed Service
• U.S. Passport

To vote in Wisconsin you must first register to vote.  You can register to vote online at My Vote Wisconsin myvote.wi.gov.  You can also register in-person at the Clerk's Office during regular business hours, at the polling place on Election Day or by mail.  You must complete a Voter Registration Form (EL-131).  The registration form must be completed accurately and completely.  Additionally, you must submit acceptable proof of residency documentation.  Be aware that there may be time restrictions that registration by mail is accepted.  The application must be postmarked no later than the 20th day (third Wednesday) before the election.  Registration is NOT permitted on Saturday, Sunday, or the Monday before the Election.  You must reside at your address for 10 consecutive days to be eligible to vote, you may no longer use a corroborating witness as proof of residence.  Acceptable proof of residence is required when registering.   Forms that constitute acceptable Proof-of-Residence can be found on the Wisconsin Election Commission website at:  elections.wi.gov.

Registered at a Different Address/Changed Name.  A new registration form needs to be completed in the City of Amery.  You will be asked to fill out form (EL-131) so that your prior registration can be cancelled and your voter history transferred to the new address or name in the City of Amery.

Voter I.D.  A Photo I.D. is now required to vote.  The following link has great brochures with information to help you learn what you need to know in order to vote:  http://bringit.wisconsin.gov.

Acceptable Proof of Picture I.D.:

• Wisconsin DOT-Issued Driver's License
• Wisconsin DOT-Issued Identification Card
• Military I.D. card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
• U.S. Passport

Acceptable Proof of Residence:

• Wisconsin DOT-Issued Driver's License with current address
• Utility Bill
• Paycheck
• Residential Lease
• Conceal & Carry License
• Student I.D.
• Bank Statement
• A Hunting License

If you are a registered Wisconsin voter, you can access My Vote Wisconsin at:  myvote.wi.gov to request an absentee ballot, you can also check the status of your absentee request.  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.  You will also need to provide a copy of your acceptable photo ID with your request.  If you have not previously provided a copy of the photo ID, photo ID must accompany your first application by mail.  If you are not already registered, you will need to register to vote before an absentee ballot can be sent to yo.  Voters who are indefinitely confined, meaning they have a difficult time getting to the polls due to age, illness, infirmity, or disability, may request that a ballot be automatically sent to them for each election.  Indefinitely confined voters do not need to provide a photo ID with their absentee ballot request.  More information on the exceptions to the photo ID law can be found at:  http://bringit.wi.gov/are-there-exceptions-new-law.  

The absentee ballot request is made to the city clerk in writing using the Application for Absentee Ballot (EL-121) or by letter or email to the city clerk requesting an absentee ballot which provides substantially the same information required on the application form.  

Deadline for Returning Your Absentee Ballot.  Your completed absentee ballot must be delivered to the municipal clerk no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Voter I.D. Law.  Please note that Wisconsin Law requires Photo I.D. to vote.  You must submit a copy of your Photo I.D. to us before we can mail you an absentee ballot.  If you have not previously provided a copy of your Photo I.D., a copy of your Photo I.D. must accompany your absentee application.  Absentee voters listed below are exempt from the Photo I.D. requirement by the following means:

1. Electors who are definitely confined
2. Electors residing in care facilities served by a Special Voting Deputy
3. Military, Permanent Overseas Voters

Remember, you can only vote once!  Please note:  In 2011 the Legislature passed Act 227, which prohibits a voter who has returned a completed absentee ballot from voting at the polling place on Election Day.  Previously, voters who cast an absentee ballot and changed their minds could go to the polling place and vote on Election Day, and their absentee ballot would not be counted. This is no longer an option.  

You will need to provide a copy of your acceptable Photo I.D. with your absentee ballot request.  Most information about the Photo I.D. requirement can be found at:  www.bringit.wi.gov.

Useful Links

Contact the Government Accountability Board at:  1-866-Vote-Wis  or at:  gab.wi.gov.  Access absentee ballots online at:  MyVote WI:  myvote.wi.gov.  Photo I.D. Information: www.bringit.wi.gov. Wisconsin Elections Commission:  elections.wi.gov   

All citizens within the Amery City limits vote at Municipal Council Chambers in City Hall, located at 104 Maple St W, Suite A. Please use the south entrance.

Election Dates 

February 17, 2026                   Spring Primary (if needed)
April 7, 2026                            Spring Election
August 11, 2026                      Partisan Primary
November 3, 2026                  General Election

Spring & Fall Election Information

Spring elections are non-partisan. If a primary is necessary, it is held on the third Tuesday in February, and the spring election is held on the first Tuesday in April. The April election also includes the presidential preference primary in a presidential election year.  

Fall elections are partisan. If a primary is necessary, it is held on the second Tuesday in August, and the general election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Partisan offices include President and Vice-President of the United States; Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Attorney General; Secretary of State; State Treasurer; United States Senator; Representative in Congress; State Senator; Representative to the Assembly; County District Attorney; County Clerk; County Treasurer; County Sheriff; County Clerk of Circuit Court; County Register of Deeds; and Referendum, if applicable.

The Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.  

All city residents of the City of Amery vote at the Amery City Hall, 104 Maple St W, Suite A, Amery, WI  54001.  Any resident who would like to register to vote must come into the Amery City Hall and fill out a voter's registration.  Bring with you a valid Picture I.D. and proof of residency.  You do not need any type of voter registration card.  If your name is automatically entered into a poll list that is distributed to the Poll Workers in your ward on Election Day, you do not need to register.  The only exception is if you have moved since the last time you voted or your name has changed.  If you have not registered, you may do so at the polls.  

Please bring the appropriate paperwork to verify your current address.  When you arrive at the polling place, give your name and address to the election official seated at the check-in table. He/She will find your name on the list of generated voters.

Nomination Papers must be filed by January 1st or the next day if that Tuesday is a holiday.  When filing nomination papers, you should keep the following in mind:

Pick up copies of your Nomination Papers (EL-169), Declaration of Candidacy (EL-162) and Campaign Registration Statement (CF-1L) from the Clerk's office at any time.  Fillable forms are also available on the Wisconsin Ethics Commission's website.  The Candidate's Handbook for Local Elections (Your handbook if you want to get on the ballot as a candidate) can be obtained at the Clerk's Office.

The City of Amery encourages all private citizens to vote and to become involved in the Election Process.  One of the most rewarding ways to do this is to become an Election Day Poll Worker (Or "Election Inspector" as the position is formally called).  The Chief Election Inspector is in charge of the polling place, and has additional training requirements.

Citizen involvement is essential to conduct open, accurate and fair elections in Wisconsin.  We hope that you will consider participation in one of these positions.

What are the responsibilities of a Poll Worker?  Poll Workers (Election Inspectors) conduct assigned duties at a polling site on Election Day.  Duties can include organizing the polling place before the polls are open, greeting voters, issuing ballots to registered voters, assigning voters numbers in the poll books, registering voters, monitoring the voting equipment, explaining how to mark the ballot or use the voting equipment or counting votes.

What are the hours of work?  Polling places are open statewide from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.  Poll Workers can work a split shift generally from 6:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to close.  Breaks and lunch/dinner hours are allowed and determined by the Chief Election Inspector and/or the City Clerk.

Are Poll Workers (Election Inspectors) compensated?  Election Inspectors are compensated for working at the polling places and for attending training sessions.  Chief Election Inspectors have additional responsibilities and are compensated based on those duties.

What are training requirements for Poll Workers?  The City of Amery provides training to all poll workers.  This training provides all of the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful Poll Worker.  Training sessions last approximately 1 hour.  Chief  Election Inspectors are required to attend a paid 4-Hour Training Session.

What are the requirements to be a Poll Worker?  To be a Poll Worker, a person must:

• Be a qualified elector of the county in which the municipality is located (i.e., an adult citizen of the United States who has resided in the election district for 10 consecutive days and is not otherwise disqualified to vote).
• Be able to speak, read, and write fluently in the  English Language.
• Have strong Clerical Skills.
• Be able to solve problems.
• Be an effective communicator.
• NOT be a candidate for any office voted on at the polling place at that election.

How are poll workers selected?  According to State Statutes 7.40(4)(a).  Except in cities where there is a board of election commissioners, the mayor, president or board chairperson of each municipality shall nominate to the governing body no later than their last regular meeting in December of each odd-numbered year the necessary election officials for each polling place and any election officials required under s. 7.52 (1) (b). If no regular meeting is scheduled, the mayor, president or chairperson shall call a special meeting for the purpose of considering nominations no later than December 31. The governing body of the city appoints the Poll Workers for a two-year term.

If interested, please call Taylor Larson, City Clerk/Treasurer at (715) 268-3410, or stop in at the Amery City Hall (104 Maple St. W, Suite A) during normal business hours which are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Fridays).

All voters now sign in electronically at the polls.  After you have checked in, you will be given a ballot and will be directed to the booth.

Correcting the ballot.  If you make a mistake on your ballot, you may ask for a new ballot.  You will be asked to destroy your invalid ballot.  You are allowed up to 3 ballots due to errors you made in marking the ballot.  If you need assistance, please ask.  Election workers have been trained to help all voters.

A new registration form needs to be completed in the City of Amery if you moved to a different address or changed your name.  You will be asked to fill out form (EL-131) so that your prior registration can be cancelled and your voter history transferred to the new address or name is recorded in the City of Amery.

Acceptable Proof of Residence:

• Wisconsin DOT-Issued Driver's License with current address
• Utility Bill
• Paycheck
• Residential Lease
• Conceal & Carry License
• Student I.D.
• Bank Statement
• A Hunting License

Yes. The City of Amery uses a company called allpaid. There is a fee involved so the taxpayers are not charged for this service. The fee is stated on the website that you will be linked to. You will need your account number which is located in the upper right hand corner of your bill. Please use the pay location code number of 5214. For online payments please use Allpaid.

Gas

WE Energies: 800-242-9137

Electric

XCEL Energy: 800-895-4999

Phone / Cable / Internet

Northwest Communications: 715-268-7101

Large Item Waste Disposal

Waterman Sanitation (848-68th Avenue / F): 715-268-6471

Water / Sewer / Weekly Garbage 

City of Amery (104 Maple St W, Suite A): 715-268-7486

Zoning maps are available at City Hall to view. Zoning and regulations questions can be answered by Taylor Larson, Zoning Administrator by calling City Hall at 715-268-7486. You can also find zoning information and forms on the City Website.

The Police Department phone number is 715-268-7411. In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Yes, if you live in the City of Amery, you must purchase a garage sale permit at City Hall, 104 Maple St W, Suite A, for a cost of $5. You can have 3 garage sales per year.  The first two will be at a cost of $5 each and the third will be at a cost of $15.

The Amery Wisconsin Department of Transportation is located at 950 Elden Ave, Amery WI 54001 and the office is open from 7am to 5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Drivers License road tests will need to be scheduled through the state website ahead of time.

Yes, reservations for parks are done at City Hall for a fee. You can call 715-268-7486 or stop in at 104 Maple St W, Suite A.

The city landfill is open on the first and third Saturday of the month from 9 AM to 12 PM, starting in May and ending in November.

Click on this link to see the map.

If you want copies of the police reports to prepare for the trial, you should request those reports in writing from the Police Department on the date of your initial appearance or pretrial hearing.

You may also request in writing from the City/Village Attorney's office a list of the witnesses the City/Village intends to call at the trial.

Usually the names listed on the police reports are the witnesses who may appear at the trial. Refer to Wisconsin State Statute 800.07 for more information on discovery in Municipal Court.

The Judge will not read the police report before the trial and cannot read the report unless either party properly submits it at the trial. In some cases it may not be admitted because of hearsay problems.

If you have any questions about police reports call the City/Village Attorney's office.

Photos, maps and drawings:

If the items are relevant to the case, you may bring them to court. However, the person who drew the drawing(s) or took the photograph(s) must testify as to when, where and how the items were created.

City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Fridays. Please remember that City Hall is closed on federal holidays or maybe closed occasionally for inclement weather or for short periods of time due to short staffing levels during the noon hour or for a city sponsored event.  

It means that the City of Amery will make a present day, full market assessment of your property. In other words, if your property would sell for $100,000 at the present time, this amount would approximate your new assessment.

State Statutes require municipalities to be within 10% of full market value at least once within a five-year period. The City of Amery has been outside that range and out of compliance for the last 5 years. A revaluation is done to bring assessments closer to 100% of full market value. The last time there was a village wide revaluation was in 2011.

Not necessarily. Only the property owners who are not presently paying their fair share of the tax burden will pay more taxes. Property owners paying more than their full share of taxes at this time will pay less.

No. Several factors can affect the rate of change such as location, style of property, age, condition, undocumented updates, ect.

No, this will not raise the total amount of taxes levied on property in the City of Amery. With the total of all the assessments in the City increasing, the tax rate will be reduced by the same percentage to generate the same tax dollars.

The revaluation program is based on the sales approach. The value of properties in the community are compared to actual sale prices supplied to the City of Amery by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. These are actual property sales, and they are then compared to the assessed value of like properties using a computer model.

Assessors consider information from many sources to determine your assessment including: • Comparable property sales, including recent arm’s length sale(s) of comparable properties; • Current construction costs; • Improvements to property; • Location; • Depreciation; • Legal restrictions (ie. zoning ordinances); • General economic changes in the community.

This is a full exterior revaluation. This means the Assessor will review recent sales, existing property records and view each property exterior to calculate assessments. An appraiser will not need to view the interior of your home in most cases. If they do need to view the interior, you will receive a letter from Bowmar Appraisal, Inc.

The appraiser will leave a door tag indicating they were there and whether they have any additional questions for the property owner.

No, the field representative gathers data only. The actual assessment will be calculated at a later date.

Yes, you may refuse information and entry to your home or business.

Yes and No, if you refuse entry to your home you still have the right to appeal. State law allows a property owner to refuse entry into the home and does not prohibit the owner from objecting to their assessment under Section 70.05 (4m) State Statues. If you refuse entry on your property for an exterior view, after written request from assessor, you are not allowed to appeal under Section 70.47 (7)(aa) State Statutes.

Each property owner will be mailed a notice of their property’s assessment, called the Notice of Assessment. The notice will list your current property value and your new property value. The Notice of Assessment will be sent as soon as the figures are available.

Yes, on the same notice you receive informing you of your new assessment, a date and time will be indicated when you will be able to appear at an informal hearing (Open Book) to discuss whatever questions you may have regarding your property.

Yes, all conferences will be in private.

Yes, we encourage this comparison. It is one of the basic criteria used to arrive at a fair assessment. The assessment roll is always open for inspection.

The formal Board of Review will be held shortly after these conferences. After filing a written petition of objection with the Municipal Clerk at least 48 hours in advance of the Board of Review, you can appear before the Board of Review. In addition, you must complete the Objection to Real Property Assessment and file it with the Municipal Clerk prior to or within the first two hours of the Board of Review’s first scheduled hearing. At the Board of Review you will give testimony and have the Board decide whether or not your assessment is fair.

You can then appeal the decision to the Circuit Court.

The tax bill you receive in December 2022 will be based on the new assessment.

Nothing out of the ordinary will happen as your new home will be appraised as of January 1, 2022. If the new home is started after January 1, 2022, it will not be assessed until January 1, 2023. If it is partially complete on January 1, 2022, it will receive a partial assessment as of that date.