MILWAUKEE – As Wisconsin’s partisan primary approached on Tuesday, Aug. 13, voters across the state took advantage of their last weekend opportunity to cast early in-person voting.
The familiar mantra “Every vote counts” resonated strongly. Voter Terry Puhek-Sandberg said she was aware of the impact her vote had on the democratic process.
“I think we all have the right to vote as citizens,” said Puhek-Sandberg. “We need to use our right to vote. It’s important that we stand up as adults and say what we want.”
For some, voting is a lifelong commitment. Casimir Zalewski said he has voted in every election throughout his life.
“I’m 87 years old and I want to make sure I get my vote,” Zalewski said.
Paulina Gutierrez, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, noted a decent turnout.
“In terms of trends, it’s pretty stable,” Gutierrez said. “Not as high as other elections.”
Gutierrez attributed the low voter turnout to the fact that – apart from two referendums – an “important” item was missing from the ballot.
She urged voters to prepare and inform themselves before casting their vote.
“Prepare yourself,” she said. “You can go to our website, enter your address and look at the sample ballot. You can also go to one of our polling places and request a sample ballot or talk to our poll workers so you understand how the process works.”
This year, voters will vote on two key referendums that could determine who in state government controls federal spending. The people Spectrum News spoke with said they are determined to fulfill their civic duty.
“I’m doing my duty,” said Zalewski. “My right to vote.”
When voters go to the polls on Tuesday, many will have already raised their voices.
“Thomas Jefferson said we don’t have majority rule, we have the rule of the participating majority,” Puhek-Sandberg said.
Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can register at their polling place and find their polling location at MyVote.WI.gov.
