Strong Turnout in Key Wisconsin Court Election

Wisconsin Voters Head to the Polls in Crucial Supreme Court Election

In a state where political campaigns often feel like a continuous event, Wisconsin voters once again made their way to the polls on Tuesday for a critical election, which has drawn nearly $100 million in funding for advertisements and outreach. The race, primarily focused on controlling the state’s Supreme Court, has become a focal point of local and state-wide politics, with implications that extend beyond the candidates themselves.

At a Lutheran church in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, voters expressed that their ballots encompassed much more than just the names of the candidates. Alongside the Supreme Court race, there were pressing local issues on the ballot, including a highly scrutinized referendum aimed at increasing funding for Racine County’s public schools. Additionally, voters were presented with a measure that sought to solidify a voter identification law within the state’s constitution.

The atmosphere surrounding the election was further complicated by the involvement of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has made a significant financial investment in the campaign. Musk’s influence on the election and his position as a White House adviser under President Trump has polarized public opinion in Wisconsin. Many residents, such as Lydia Vela, a 54-year-old banker, voiced concerns regarding Musk’s role in local politics. “Does my face say it all?” she remarked with visible disapproval. “He’s scary.”

Vela, a Democrat, articulated her hope that Judge Susan Crawford, the liberal candidate in the Supreme Court race, would defeat her conservative opponent, Brad Schimel. Her vote, she asserted, was more than just a choice between two judicial candidates; it was a stance against the interference of billionaires like Musk in local governance.

Election officials reported an impressive early voting turnout, which had already surpassed 600,000 votes, with projections suggesting that total participation could exceed two million. This is notable, as approximately 1.8 million voters participated in Wisconsin’s previous state Supreme Court election in 2023.

On the day of voting, both Judge Crawford and Judge Schimel cast their ballots. Crawford, taking part in the democratic process, opted for a sticker that read “Every Vote Counts”—forgoing the traditional “I Voted” sticker—and affixed it to her jacket, highlighting a campaign that emphasizes the significance of each individual’s voice in the electoral process.

The dissatisfaction with the current direction of the state’s Supreme Court was echoed by voters from both sides of the political spectrum. Many expressed concerns about the increasing politicization of the court, which currently holds a narrow liberal majority. Voter sentiments highlighted a desire for a judiciary that remains impartial and focused on legal integrity rather than ideological divides.

James Wampole, a 61-year-old truck driver, shared his thoughts on the election, revealing that while he initially supported Trump due to his immigration policies and economic promises, he chose to vote for Judge Crawford. “I like what she’s about,” Wampole stated, suggesting that Crawford resonates with him on a personal level.

On the flip side, Scott Korslin, a 47-year-old Navy veteran and business owner, expressed his commitment to casting votes for Republican candidates. Although he differs with Crawford on several issues, particularly concerning abortion rights, he felt compelled to support Schimel in this election. Korslin’s viewpoint reflected a broader concern over the Trump administration’s approach to government spending and oversight, leading him to wish for a more measured and efficient federal government.

“This political landscape has become too ideological for my taste,” Korslin commented, articulating a common sentiment among voters who feel increasingly disconnected from both major parties. “They just keep moving further from the middle,” he lamented.

Danny Christoforos, a 60-year-old kitchen manager, exited the polling station after voting for Judge Crawford, expressing frustration with the escalating financial stakes in political campaigns. Critical of Musk’s involvement, Christoforos commented, “He should stay out of it. He’s an outsider.” His decision to write in his own name for president in the past illustrated a growing sense of disenfranchisement with traditional electoral options.

As Wisconsin navigates this tumultuous election cycle, the stakes for local governance and the integrity of the judicial system remain high. The outcome of this Supreme Court election could significantly alter the political landscape, reinforcing the notion that every vote and every voice truly matters in shaping the future of the state.