Early voting begins in Wisconsin for April 1 election

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Early voting began Tuesday, March 18, in Wisconsin for the April 1 election, which includes races for the state Supreme Court, state superintendent of public instruction and various local offices.

Many local organizations and advocacy groups are boosting their efforts to get more people to the polls. The ACLU of Wisconsin is encouraging voters to make a plan for their voices to be heard this election.

"Seats on the Wisconsin Supreme Court are for a term of 10 years, which means whoever is elected this April will serve the state well into the next decade. That could have long-lasting impacts for everyone living in Wisconsin," said Ryan Cox, legal director at ACLU of Wisconsin.

Several voters casting their ballots early at the Capitol Drive Voting Center said the Supreme Court race was why this election was important for them to show up to. Advocates say they recognize the challenges of getting voters to show up during a non-presidential election.

"Not many people know there's an election on April 1. Even with all the commercials and all the bickering between the candidates, they still don't know," said Rev. Gregory Lewis, executive director of Souls to the Polls. 

Rev. Lewis is stressing the importance of this election. "If you are concerned about Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, housing, education, jobs, veterans' rights, civil rights, voting rights or just being treated right...you ought to be ready and willing to vote every time there's an election," he said.

Early voting runs through Saturday, March 30. Voters can get information about polling locations, as well as whether their municipal clerk offers in-person absentee voting, by clicking here.