The research is a little more subtle, in that it was exploring the combined effects of early voting (EV); same day registration (SDR); and election day registration (EDR). To increase turnout among more marginal voters, those who have moved, those less politically involved, etc., voting needs to be an easy process. Having the opportunity to cast a ballot before election day may make it slightly easier, but the greater barrier is getting registered, especially if it needs to be done a month or more in advance of an election.

For voters who are already registered, plus motivated to vote, election day voting is typically not such a hardship as to prevent voting. Early voting may simply be more convenient.

It may also be that early voting permits more targetted GOTV efforts. For example, in Texas, church-attending voters are often encouraged to go vote after church. It may be less effective or desirable to try and get people who answer the phone and respond, “Tuesday? When is that?” to vote.

The emphasis of the study was more on the use of EDR and SDR to increase turnout vs. a negative effect of EV alone.

Wisconsin does have “in-person absentee” (sic) voting in which a person may cast an absentee ballot earlier than election day in person at the city clerk’s office. On election day, the ballot envelope is sent to the polling place where it is added to the election day results.

NO lines on election days.