State election officials say turnout at polling places statewide appears to be going strong so far, while no major issues have been reported.
The polls have been open since seven this morning, and state Elections Division Administrator Michael Haas says most clerks have seen a steady stream of voters through the day. “It sounds like we’ve had a lot of activity at the polls,” Haas says. “Our phones are ringing like its a general election.”
Many of those calls have been questions about the state’s voter ID requirement, with today marking the first major implementation of the law in a heavy turnout election. Still, Haas says most clerks and poll workers have become more proficient in verifying IDs as people arrive at the polls. He says there have been long lines experienced at some polling places, which the GAB has been checking on as reports come in.
Haas says another question being asked a lot is about a space on the ballot in the presidential primary for “uninstructed delegate.” Those who choose to mark that area are asking for their vote to go towards a delegate who will go to their respective party’s national convention without being bound by specific instructions about who to vote for.
The GAB has also fielded numerous questions about whether 17-year-olds, who will turn 18 before November, can vote in the primary. While that is allowed in some other states, it is not permitted in Wisconsin.
Haas says anyone who runs into trouble while voting should be sure to ask questions at their polling place, contact their local clerk or call the GAB directly at 1-866-VOTE-WIS. Polling places statewide close at 8 p.m.
