SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Primary election rules are leaving some people without a voice in races that they want to make an impact in.
Six counties in the area have an all-Republican primary for Sheriff, meaning Democrats will not be able to have a say in who their next Sheriff is and who they want to represent the party in the race for Governor in November.
Shawano County is one of the counties with the dilemma. Karla Duchac, City of Shawano Clerk-Treasurer says those voters have to decide which race is more important.
“It is up to you if you want to stay with your normal political party or change it for the day for that selection.”
The one saving grace in Shawano County is that the race for Sheriff will not be decided with this election, the winner will have an Independent opponent in November.
The same can not be said in Outagamie County. With all the candidates that entered the race being Republican, barring a write-in candidate in November, that race will be decided on Tuesday and that leaves Dottie LeClair frustrated.
“When I weighed what we were up against, I could not see myself going over the Republican side.”
Duchac says simply put, this election is just to give people to make decisions within their own political parties.
“You are just selecting your candidate to move on over to the November election.”
The problem comes when the winner of the one party does not have any opposition from the other party in November, making the primary a general election for that position.”
Marinette, Oconto, Waupaca, Waushara, and Calumet counties are all in the same position that Outagamie County is in, with all candidates that are running for Sheriff all come from the same party.
Outagamie County Clerk Lori O’Bright says she understands the frustration, but voters need to look at this election different.
“I know it is confusing for voters, but they just have to think of it as five separate elections and they have to choose which election they are going to vote in.”
The five elections represent the five parties that are on the ballot.
Crossover voting will be allowed to take place in November.
