I voted sticker. MWC file photo
LITTLE CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — We’re just shy of one week away from the spring election, and early voter turnout has already been high throughout the state.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) said when it comes to early ballots, nearly 48% more have been cast compared to two years ago.
Little Chute Municipal Clerk Laurie Decker said much of what’s driving voters to come out early is the race for justice on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court.
In a typical spring election, Little Chute averages around 10 absentee ballots per day, but this year they’re averaging close to 150 absentee voters coming in every day.
“It definitely is a higher turnout than expected, so last week I did order some more ballots. We had originally ordered 50% of ballots, so I went ahead and increased that just for peace of mind on election day to make sure we can accommodate all the voters,” Decker said.
This time last spring election, Little Chute received about 6% of ballots back. Now, they’re already at about a 15% turnout. Decker expects the number of voters to keep going up as we near election day, and she thinks turnout will be high come April 1.
“It is exciting to see this many people come out to vote in April, so we’re ready and people just keep on coming out to vote,” Decker said.
The WEC said more than 345,000 Wisconsinites have already cast ballots. Two years ago, that number was just 233,000.
This year’s election determines if the Wisconsin Supreme Court will remain under liberal control or flip to a conservative majority.
“I’m surprised in a very good way that so many people are taking advantage of the early voting and voting their choice,” voter Gary Kegel said.
Total spending on the Supreme Court race is currently more than $81 million.
Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and her supporters, including billionaire George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, have spent about $36 million.
Her opponent, Brad Schimel, and his supporters — including groups backed by President Donald Trump’s billionaire advisor Elon Musk — have spent around $46 million.
“Everybody has their own ideas of what it should be and we have ours, so we wanted to make sure we got it done and now we don’t have to worry about a deadline,” Kegel said.
Absentee ballots, including ones by mail, need to be returned to the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. April 1.
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