Though low turnout expected, here’s what’s riding on the spring primary

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Voter turnout was on the minds of poll workers and advocates during Tuesday's primary election. 

At Bradley Tech High School, polling was open to voters all day but despite the importance of this election, turnout was not as steady as workers say they would have hoped.

"It's been steady but lighter than I had thought. I look back at February of 2020 during a similar type of primary and only about 460 voters showed up, today we have about 170," said William Koller.

Koller says he hopes more people show up towards the end of the day before polls close.

"I see things on the news where people aren't even aware there's an election today and I don't know how that's possible," he said.

The Milwaukee Election Commision is hoping for at least 15% voter turnout in this primary. Lower turnout is typical for spring primaries, but advocates want residents to know that while this is a smaller election, it's still an important one.

"If you're worried about things like education, your local schools, getting your trash picked up on time or things like reproductive freedom, those are all things that are decided at the state and local level. With these common council seats, we have here in Milwaukee, those people are making the real everyday decisions about our lives and the state Supreme Court is the same thing," said Jaime Crofts, policy director with local nonprofit Wisconsin Voices.

Crofts says this election couldn't be more important.

"The state Supreme Court race which is of course at the top of the ticket, but so many other races as well. Here in Milwaukee, we have three open aldermanic seats that people are vying for. Just north of the city there's an open senate seat," she said.

Crofts says it's important to not only encourage people to vote, but to also educate them on why it's important, especially in smaller elections like this primary. 

"It can be really hard to reach people who live in communities that have been underserved by their government for so long when people in the Black and Brown communities in Milwaukee have reasons to think that the government doesn't care about them. It's really important to reach people and remind them that their vote is their voice."

Polls are open until 8 p.m. and voters can register on site. Track incoming election totals here.