More Milwaukee Co. residents registered to vote than in 2018 partisan primary, but turnout was down

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Many eyes across the country were on Wisconsin's partisan primary election Tuesday. But did more people show up to the polls?

According to the Milwaukee County Election Commission, more Milwaukee County residents were registered to vote in this partisan primary than the last, but it didn't translate to voters.

"Overall turnout is about 5% less than it was in 2018 during the partisan primary," said Michelle Hawley, the director of the Milwaukee County Election Commission. 

But when it came to the Republican ballot, more votes were cast statewide.

In 2018, about 456,000 people voted on the Republican ballot. In this election, 692,000 votes have already been counted. 

The increased interest could have to do with endorsements from former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. The endorsements certainly drew eyes from around the country to Wisconsin's election, or it could be the fact that, uncommonly, two strong candidates were on the final ballot vying for the position. 

"I'm not terribly surprised that people are engaged right now, and that's a great thing," said Hawley. 

The race for Milwaukee County sheriff stayed mostly consistent, with Denita Ball receiving just over 50% of the votes. In 2018, Earnell Lucas also received just over 50% of the votes.  

Hawley says based on this partisan primary, they're expecting a big turnout for the general election across Wisconsin.