PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
(WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s been the most expensive supreme court race in U.S. history, and it’s led to huge early voter turnout.
“The Supreme Court,” said early voter Daniel Netzer, “I wanted to make sure I got my vote in for that one.”
The numbers are staggering. In Oshkosh, they’ve more than tripled last year’s count.
“So far it has been good,” said Oshkosh City Clerk Diane Bartlett. “We’ve seen approximately 1900 voters come through there for the last 10 days, which is up from the 635 we saw last April.”
Early voter turnout has gradually increased in Winnebago County.
“Today we’re having more significant lines,” said Menasha City Clerk Kaija Snyder. “It’s a higher turnout than we expected, but we’re definitely seeing a trend upwards in absentee voters in the last few elections.”
And it looks to continue with younger voters.
“I’m super excited,” said early voter Dawn Prickett. “My son turns 18 today, so I’m bringing him to register and to vote, and taking him so he understands the process.”
Early voting is up nearly 48% compared to 2023, the most recent state supreme court election.
“There are a lot of people early voting,” said Prickett. “It’s a lot easier to early vote than it is to go out on the day of the poll.”
Some say, even too easy.
“I think you should vote on the day you’re supposed to vote,” said Netzer, who added he only voted because of a scheduling conflict on Tuesday.
City officials expect that the increased turnout will continue on Tuesday’s Election Day – not only on the two big state races.
The supreme court race brought out voters – as did some key local races in Winnebago County – for county executive, city councils and an Oshkosh school referendum.
To register and find what’s on your ballot, visit myvote.wi.gov.
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