'1 vote can make a difference': Thousands flock to the polls to early vote in SE Wisconsin

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Thursday, Oct. 31 marked Milwaukee's highest single-day turnout for early voting so far in this election, and the Milwaukee Election Commission expects to receive more than 100,000 ballots by Nov. 5.

Down in Racine County, the ballot boxes are also quickly filling up.

CBS 58 spoke with voters inside Racine City Hall on Nov. 1 about the importance of performing the civic responsibility.

"This is one of the most important elections ever," said Darice, a senior citizen voter. "It's very disheartening to hear at the end of the election cycle that 70% of eligible voters voted. Why isn't that 90%? There are people all over the country and all over the world who treasure our democracy."

That sentiment was echoed by Greg High, who said the upcoming election may be one of the most important in history.

"You know out of all the elections that I've voted for, this is really, really crucial," High said.

The Racine city clerk's office told CBS58 they've received more than 11,000 ballots so far and poll workers added they've been "unusually busy" with a high turnout of first-time voters.

"It is important that we get out there and vote for those that we believe in and have strong beliefs in," said first-time voter Anarosa Cordero, who came out to the polls with her sisters. "One vote can make a difference."

Cordero's pastor, Audrey Martinez, said she had worked to push them and other constituents to speak out.

"I took it upon myself to just say, I'll take you myself. I'll help you. I'll assist you. And that's the result," Martinez said. "So I think it's very important that as a community, we come together when it comes to this and encourage people to let their voices be heard."

As for Cordero's message to other first-time voters?

"It's easier than you think. I was pretty nervous, and I was like, 'oh, I don't want to deal with all what happens.' But it was really easy to come out and just do what you have to do, so I encourage everyone to come out for sure," Cordero said.

Meantime in Waukesha County, the city clerk says despite the long lines they've seen at the polls, things have run smoothly since early voting began. 

They say early voting turnout has been overwhelming and they won't have final numbers until Saturday morning. As of Friday afternoon, more than 11,000 ballots were cast early. 

Friday was the final day to vote early in-person for not just the city of Waukesha, but for most of Waukesha County. 

CBS 58 spoke with voters who said they were relieved to get their ballots in. 

"It's good, shows that people care. It's meaningful," said Linda Gourdoux, interim Waukesha city clerk. "Very happy today's the last day because everybody is really getting tired because it's been lines of people from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day." 

Click HERE to find your polling location, as well as if you have the opportunity to early vote ahead of Election Day, Nov. 5.