'We looked at the storm': Election officials prepare for the worst as threatening weather lingers

WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Tuesday, April 4, voters in Walworth County endured challenging weather as they made their way to the polls.

The county was hit with heavy rain, pockets of lighting, and pea-sized hail.

Despite the weather, voters still made their way out to vote.

"We looked at the storm and we opened the app, and we saw there were clouds coming, and we said we are going to go right now, before we get another big dump," said Jen Springer of Lake Geneva.

Election officials told CBS 58 News they have had several training sessions leading up to this election, about what to do should an emergency strike.

"We, the workers, would gather up all the unused ballots and make sure they were put in a secure place -- the ballots that have been voted on, are put in a secure device over here that’s read, and that will withstand most weather that it could possible throw at it," said John Bryant, an election official.

Some voters said this election will have a big impact on their way of life.

"This (election) is what happens in your local town, where you live, it’s the biggest influence on the schools, on the boards, and things like that," said Springer.

The polls were scheduled to remain open until 8 p.m.