BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – The non-partisan spring election is coming up next Tuesday.
That gives those headed to the polls just enough time to do their homework beforehand.
“A lot of times they need to read up on the candidates that are out there,” explains Brown County Clerk Sandy Juno. “A lot of people probably haven’t done that yet.”
She says voter turnout should be pretty good for a spring election.
“When we have Brown County Executive, Green Bay Mayor, and then [Wisconsin] Supreme Court, especially this one again there’s no incumbent,” says Juno. “I would expect that we will have an increase in voter activity.”
For an idea on what voter turnout could look like, it’s a valuable exercise to first look back before predicting the future.
“In 2011, when we had a county executive, a mayor, and [state] supreme court race all on the spring ballot there was a thirty-three percent voter turnout,” she says. “And that’s pretty high.”
Another good indicator of voter turnout is the number of individuals taking the time to fill out and submit an early vote.
“From a few of the clerks we have heard that we are getting a number of early voters,” she explains.
While for those still feeling a little uneducated about the spring election, there’s time to visit the resources available prior to next Tuesday.
“If people are unaware who is on the ballot or would like to see their ballot before they go and vote, they could go to the counties website, we do have our legal notices out there that will show the ballots and also list all the candidates,” explains Juno.
The Green Bay mayoral race does not feature an incumbent, as long-time mayor Jim Schmitt decided not to seek re-election.
Following the primary election in February, the race is down to Eric Genrich, a former state representative, and Pat Buckle, a Brown County Supervisor.
Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach is running for re-election against Mark Berndt.
At the state level, Judge Brian Hagedorn and Judge Lisa Neubauer are vying for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
The polls are open next Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
