Khary Penebaker is a nationally recognized advocate for gun reform and a dedicated leader within the Democratic Party. His journey, marked by personal tragedy and unwavering commitment to public service, has made him a prominent figure in Wisconsin and across the United States. Early Life and Personal Tragedy Born on October 22, 1977, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Khary experienced a profound personal loss at a young age. His mother, Joyce Penebaker, tragically took her own life when he was just 20 months old. This event has deeply influenced his lifelong mission to prevent gun violence and support …
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REGISTER TO VOTE!
Voter Registration Information
Alabama
To register to vote in Alabama, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Alabama, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot have been convicted of a disqualifying felony or be declared mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. You must register at least 15 days before Election Day.
Alaska
You must be a U.S. citizen, an Alaska resident, and at least 18 years old within 90 days of your registration. You cannot be a convicted felon unless your voting rights have been restored.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 30 days before Election Day.
Arizona
To register in Arizona, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Arizona resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You must not be a convicted felon unless your rights have been restored.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration deadline is 29 days before Election Day.
Arkansas
You must be a U.S. citizen, an Arkansas resident, and at least 18 years old before the next election. You must not have been convicted of a felony without your rights being restored.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. You must register at least 30 days before Election Day.
California
To register in California, you must be a U.S. citizen, a California resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be currently imprisoned or on parole for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote conditionally up to and on Election Day at your county elections office or vote center.
Colorado
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Colorado resident for at least 22 days before the election, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You must not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day at voter service and polling centers.
Connecticut
Connecticut Voter Registration
To register in Connecticut, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Connecticut, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a disfranchising felony.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on Election Day at designated Election Day registration locations.
Delaware
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Delaware resident, and at least 18 years old on or before the next General Election. You cannot be a felon without restored voting rights.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration closes 24 days before Election Day.
Florida
To register in Florida, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without having your rights restored.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. You must register at least 29 days before Election Day.
Georgia
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Georgia resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be serving a sentence for a felony conviction or adjudicated mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration deadline is 28 days before Election Day.
Hawaii
To register in Hawaii, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Hawaii, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be adjudicated mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony without your rights restored.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day at voter service centers.
Idaho
You must be a U.S. citizen, an Idaho resident, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without your rights being restored.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register at your polling place on Election Day with proper identification and proof of residence.
Illinois
To register in Illinois, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Illinois, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day at early voting sites and Election Day registration locations.
Indiana
You must be a U.S. citizen, an Indiana resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be imprisoned following a criminal conviction.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 29 days before Election Day.
Iowa
To register in Iowa, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Iowa resident, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be judged mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony without your rights restored.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register on Election Day at your polling place with proof of identification and residence.
Kansas
You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Kansas, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be convicted of a felony without your rights restored or judged mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 21 days before Election Day.
Kentucky
To register in Kentucky, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Kentucky resident, and at least 18 years old by the next General Election. You cannot be a convicted felon without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration deadline is 29 days before Election Day.
Louisiana
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Louisiana resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony or declared mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. You must register at least 30 days before Election Day if registering by mail or 20 days before if registering online.
Maine
To register in Maine, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Maine, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be under guardianship due to mental illness or convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on Election Day at your polling place.
Maryland
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Maryland resident, and at least 18 years old by the next General Election. You cannot be under guardianship for mental disability or convicted of buying or selling votes.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day during early voting and on Election Day.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Voter Registration
To register in Massachusetts, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Massachusetts, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 20 days before Election Day.
Michigan
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Michigan resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be confined in a jail after being convicted and sentenced.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day at your city or township clerk's office up to and including Election Day.
Minnesota
To register in Minnesota, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on Election Day at your polling place with proof of residence.
Mississippi
Mississippi Voter Registration
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Mississippi resident, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be convicted of a disenfranchising crime or adjudicated as mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 30 days before Election Day.
Missouri
To register in Missouri, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Missouri resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 27 days before Election Day.
Montana
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Montana resident for at least 30 days, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be incarcerated for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day at your county election office.
Nebraska
To register in Nebraska, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Nebraska resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights or judged mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed by the second Friday before Election Day.
Nevada
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Nevada resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be declared mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day during early voting and on Election Day with proper identification.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Voter Registration
To register in New Hampshire, you must be a U.S. citizen, a New Hampshire resident, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights or declared mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register on Election Day at your polling place with proof of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile.
New Jersey
You must be a U.S. citizen, a New Jersey resident, and at least 18 years old by the next election. You cannot be on parole, probation, or serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 21 days before Election Day.
New Mexico
To register in New Mexico, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of New Mexico, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be a felon without restored rights or declared mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day during early voting and on Election Day at your county clerk's office or polling place.
New York
You must be a U.S. citizen, a New York resident for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 25 days before Election Day.
North Carolina
North Carolina Voter Registration
To register in North Carolina, you must be a U.S. citizen, a North Carolina resident, and at least 18 years old by the next General Election. You cannot be serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day during the early voting period with proof of residency.
North Dakota
North Dakota Voter Information
North Dakota does not require voter registration. To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and a resident of North Dakota.
Same-day registration: Not applicable. Voters provide identification and proof of residency at the polling place.
Ohio
You must be a U.S. citizen, an Ohio resident for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be incarcerated for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 30 days before Election Day.
Oklahoma
To register in Oklahoma, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Oklahoma resident, and at least 18 years old. You cannot be a convicted felon without restored rights or declared mentally incapacitated.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 25 days before Election Day.
Oregon
You must be a U.S. citizen, an Oregon resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be serving a felony sentence.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 21 days before Election Day.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Voter Registration
To register in Pennsylvania, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Pennsylvania resident for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be incarcerated for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 15 days before Election Day.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Voter Registration
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Rhode Island resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be currently incarcerated in a correctional facility for a felony conviction.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 30 days before Election Day.
South Carolina
South Carolina Voter Registration
To register in South Carolina, you must be a U.S. citizen, a South Carolina resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights or declared mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 30 days before Election Day.
South Dakota
South Dakota Voter Registration
You must be a U.S. citizen, a South Dakota resident, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights or declared mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 15 days before Election Day.
Tennessee
To register in Tennessee, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Tennessee resident, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 30 days before Election Day.
Texas
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Texas resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 30 days before Election Day.
Utah
To register in Utah, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Utah resident for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day during early voting and on Election Day with proper identification.
Vermont
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Vermont resident, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on Election Day at your polling place.
Virginia
To register in Virginia, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Virginia resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights or declared mentally incompetent.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 22 days before Election Day.
Washington
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Washington resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be disqualified from voting due to a court order.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on the same day up to and including Election Day.
West Virginia
West Virginia Voter Registration
To register in West Virginia, you must be a U.S. citizen, a West Virginia resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Not allowed. Registration must be completed 21 days before Election Day.
Wisconsin
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Wisconsin resident for at least 28 days, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights or declared incompetent to vote.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on Election Day at your polling place with proof of residence.
Wyoming
To register in Wyoming, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Wyoming resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be convicted of a felony without restored rights.
Same-day registration: Allowed. You can register and vote on Election Day at your polling place.
I want to thank Congresswoman Gwen Moore for nominating me & MASH President, Peter Rickman, for seconding that nomination.
I was elected to my first term as your DNC representative in 2017. Before I ask you to vote for me again, I want to tell you how we’ve done and what we’re up against.
I was elected as the first Wisconsinite to be the DNC’s Black Caucus treasurer. As your DNC rep, I have co-sponsored 13 resolutions that were passed by the DNC’s full voting body including the Resolution Establishing the DNC Environmental and Climate Crisis Council. Last summer, I joined and assisted the organizing effort in favor of a presidential primary debate dedicated to the climate crisis.
Together, we were able to re-elect Senator Tammy Baldwin & Congresswoman Gwen Moore, elect Governor Tony Evers, & LT Governor Mandela Barnes & we were able to bring the DNC Convention to Milwaukee!
To everyone out there, to everyone running whether it’s for one of these DNC seats or for legislative office, to everyone trying to make a difference in the world, thank you. You are needed more now than ever. Standing up for what you believe in makes our party better. Being loud, using our voices, and including everyone makes our party better.
As a father of three, I understand the impact our party has on their future. Especially when it comes to gun violence, which is the fight of my life.
I was 20-months old the moment my mom held that gun instead of me, but my life didn’t officially begin until hers ended. From that tragedy, my life was set on a course of service to others because nobody should have to go through my pain.
At the time I am saying this to you, 115,000+ Americans have died due to Covid-19. We have watched the atrocities of black men & women, LGBTQ, nonbinary, and so many in our black community murdered and beaten in our streets. We watched in horror as George Floyd was murdered. We know that Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by police who used a "no-knock warrant". And we can’t forget Dontre Hamilton was shot & killed here in Milwaukee by a former officer in 2014.
Look, I know you’re scared & so am I. But, that’s why we have to keep fighting and refuse to be silent. As in all things, it is a long-united climb together to reach the summit. But we will reach that place when we all realize we are all human beings. We all have souls and we all worthy of decency and respect.
We are currently in an unsustainable situation no matter which way you look at it. We must commit ourselves to not turning a blind eye to this. We must resolve ourselves to say, we aren’t allowing hate & brutality like this to exist anymore. We are done. This ugliness, inescapable trauma, the living embodiment of racism - we are not going to accept this as normal.
We desperately need more black voices, we need more black leaders, mentors, representatives, and friends. We need to see members of the black community in positions of power and not viewed as enemy combatants. Proclaiming that BLACK LIVES MATTER isn't a controversial statement, but sadly some in our society have tried to turn that simple - yet powerful - phrase into something that it isn't.
I will continue to fight for gun violence prevention, for environmental justice, for healthcare for all, for police reform, for civil rights, for voting rights and for equality & fairness.
I will use my voice to lift yours, to find common ground, and to build trust. I am asking for your trust, your voice, and your vote once more for myself, Khary Penebaker, and Martha Love, Janet Bewley & Andrew Werthmann.
I will never forget your support, so I ask you humbly for your vote. I am grateful to be part of such an amazing community, and I am excited to continue to do the crucial work needed in our state to not only win but to change our perceptions of what is possible.
In solidarity,
Khary Penebaker
“Khary doesn’t back down from a tough fight and sticks to his values, which I admire. Now, more than ever, we need bold leaders in the DNC to fight for well-thought out, forward thinking strategies to advance our progressive values of shared prosperity, civil rights and economic justice. Khary is exactly who we need fighting for our progressive traditions at the DNC and beyond.”
-State Senator Chris Larson
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“Coming from a progressive, rural, part of Wisconsin, our needs here are often different than progressive, urban areas. Khary understands that just because someone isn’t from a big city, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have important perspectives that need to be shared. At the national level, though Wisconsin is not the largest or bluest state, I know Khary will make sure the national party knows that we are a strong state with an important perspective and role on our party’s platform. I am happy and proud to endorse Khary Penebaker for the DNC.”
-State Representative Beth Meyers
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1“In Wisconsin, we believe no one should be left out because of where they are from, who they love, or how much money they have. Khary will build a grassroots DNC platform that reflects our shared values of justice, compassion, responsibility and equality, and I support him for the DNC.”
-State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa
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“Khary is an unwavering progressive, just like me. I know he will fight for Wisconsin’s shared progressive values at the DNC, working to shape the national party to reflect our ideals. I am proud to support him for the DNC and I look forward to what he brings back to Wisconsin.”
-State Representative Jonathan Brostoff
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“Our party is seeing an overwhelming and wonderful influx in young people and people of color. That change needs a champion at the DNC who can ensure our party’s platform reflects the values of our changing demographics. I believe Khary Penebaker is that champion, and I encourage you to support him for the open DNC position.”
-State Representative David Crowley
1
"As the District Attorney in a very red area, I know how challenging running races in these areas can be. I applaud Khary for having the courage to stand up to Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, and I am encouraged that Khary continues to fight for our values. He will bring that great work at the DNC, so every race and candidate has the support needed to run in these tough districts."
-Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ
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“The 5th CD is a hard place to organize – an area so red it’s nearly maroon, with a Congressman who stopped listening to constituents’ needs years ago. Against all odds, Khary Penebaker had the courage and tenacity to take this challenge head on and put Rep. Sensenbrenner on notice: we will not be ignored any longer. We know he’ll take that same courage to the DNC to fight for all of Wisconsin, and we are proud to support him in his race for the DNC. “
-Colleen Robson, Chair Walworth County Democratic Party
1
“As Chair in Waukesha, I understand the struggles and opportunities of organizing in a “red” county. Few people understand this better than Khary and I am proud to support Khary in his efforts to bring the work ethic and view of growing in a “red county” to the DNC.”
-Matt Lowe, Chair Waukesha County Democratic Party
1
“Khary has the vision and the commitment to lead Democrats into a new era of progressivism.”
-Tanya Lohr, Chair Washington County Democratic Party; President, West Bend Education Association; Executive Board Member, Wisconsin Progress
1
“Khary Penebaker is my choice for Wisconsin’s representative to the DNC. Khary is passionate and courageous in his pursuit of progressive change. His work on curbing gun violence is noteworthy as is his all-out campaign against Jim Sensenbrenner for U.S. Congress last year. He is a compelling speaker and talented organizer.”
Marlene Ott, Fmr. Chair 1st Congressional District
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“Khary Penebaker is the proven progressive leader Wisconsin needs in Washington. I’m proud to support Khary for DNC and urge my fellow delegates to join me.”
-Justin Koestler, Chair 5th Congressional District
1
“Khary’s depth of knowledge, passion for justice and fair representation and personal character made me quickly respect this man. He can relate to issues in both urban and rural areas, and knows the struggle of being a Democrat in a red district. I support Khary for DNC – our party needs his passion and his voice for change.”
-Christine Welcher, Chair 2nd Congressional District
1
“I am so proud to endorse Khary for DNC. He is a strong leader who will represent Wisconsin and our Democratic values. With his worth ethic, messaging skills, and aptitude for public speaking, he will exceed all expectations. I urge you to vote for Khary on June 3rd!”
-Clint Anderson, Beloit City Councilman
1
“Khary has shown the he is a person of integrity who is passionate about progressive values and causes. He cares about the people of this state, and will fight for us over special interests. I would be proud to have him representing Wisconsin in the DNC”
-Mason T. Becker, Fort Atkinson City Councilman
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"I've known Khary for five years and his passion for working for what's right, and ability to motivate others would be a great asset on the DNC."
-Scott Trindl Former Chair of Waukesha County Democratic Party
1
“Even before running for Congress, Khary spent his life advocating for issues affecting our communities. He has fought for gun safety, diversity, and women’s rights as an active member of the Democratic Party. With Khary representing Wisconsin in the DNC, I know that we will be on the right track to winning in 2018 and beyond”
-Nick Truog, Activist
1
“Khary Penebaker represents the progressive tradition of Wisconsin – a tradition we must reinvigorate!”
-Harvey J. Kaye, Professor, Labor Unionist, Writer
1
“Khary has made it his life’s work to fight for progressive causes. He has the energy and passion to represent Wisconsin Democrats in the DNC. Khary will provide bold leadership driven by a true conviction to make a positive difference”
-Trevor Jung, Racine Democrat
1
“Khary Penebaker works on issues that are important to me and to other Democrats. He fights every day for sensible gun laws, Planned Parenthood, and will provide a needed voice to the DNC about helping candidates running in red districts. Wisconsin needs Khary to represent them to the DNC. Vote for Khary on June 3!”
-Lauren Young, Former Campaign Manager for Ryan Solen for Congress
1
“I endorse Khary because wherever or whenever work is needed, Khary is there. In the DNC he will work harder than anyone to reach out to all parts of Wisconsin and find out what is needed to make Wisconsin blue again! Khary exemplifies the creed to "Do All the Good You Can in all the ways, means, places, times, to all the people, as long as you can."
-Jill Huennekens, Milwaukee Democrat of the Year
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