‘If you don’t vote, there’s no possibility of change’: Milwaukee rally urges early voting
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Milwaukee on Saturday to encourage Wisconsinites to make voting a priority ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.
Protesters filled the streets after gathering at Cathedral Square Park for the “No Kings: Vote Early” event, holding signs and chanting to spread the message that every vote matters.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, encouraged voters to make a plan to cast their ballots.
“It’s a matter of really trying to lift up the muscle of voting, of early voting and of making a plan,” Weingarten said.
Wisconsin voters will decide several key issues in the upcoming election, including who will become the state’s next governor, the balance of power in the state Legislature and referendum questions that could change the state constitution.
Serena Weits, who attended the rally, said researching candidates and ballot questions ahead of time is an important part of preparing to vote.
“I always look at the ballot before I go and make sure I know everything on there. I do research on my phone or look up interviews. That’s a good way to be ready,” Weits said.
Weingarten’s organization has mobilized protests against the Trump administration across the country for more than a year. She said voting creates an opportunity for change, even if it does not guarantee it.
“We say if you vote everything’s going to change. No, that’s not true. If you vote, there’s a possibility of change. If you don’t vote, there’s no possibility of change,” Weingarten said.
Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Milwaukee, said voting gives people a say in issues affecting their communities.
“We have concerns around AI safety, Flock and data centers,” Hong said.
She said voters can also help protect communities and support investments in jobs, wages and public resources.
“Instead, we can vote to make sure we protect communities and protect the people of Wisconsin, invest in good jobs, higher wages, and good public schools and parks,” Hong said.
William Walter, executive director of Our Wisconsin Revolution, said voting gives people an equal voice regardless of their position in the community.
“Your boss votes, your landlord votes, the people who control different aspects of your life are going out and voting. You should be going out and voting too because it’s the only time we’re equal in power to everyone around you. We all have one vote,” Walter said.
As Election Day approaches, rally attendees urged Wisconsinites to prepare, make a plan and ensure their voices are heard at the polls on Nov. 3.