Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: Early Voting Surges Amid National Attention

Record Early Turnout in Wisconsin Judicial Race

• 🗳️ Over 644,000 ballots have been cast early in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race as of Monday afternoon, indicating a significant surge in voter engagement.
• 📈 This early voting figure represents a 40% growth compared to the same period two years ago, suggesting potentially high overall turnout.

Historical Context of Judicial Elections

• 😴 Historically, Wisconsin Supreme Court races have been low-engagement "snoozefests," with turnout in the teens as recently as 2017.
• 🌍 Over the years, these campaigns have become increasingly nationalized, divisive, and partisan, attracting national issues and political figures.
• 📊 Two years ago, a record 40% statewide turnout occurred, resulting in 1.8 million votes and a landslide victory for the liberal candidate.

Geographic Turnout Trends

• 🔵 In deep blue counties like Milwaukee and Dane, early turnout is tracking similarly to the high levels seen two years ago.
• 🔴 In contrast, Republican-leaning Milwaukee suburbs are slightly above their previous levels, but the overall trend suggests the Democratic candidate may be benefiting from similar geographic turnout.

Key Factors for Election Day

• 🧐 The crucial question for election day is whether election day turnout in deep red rural counties can overcome the early vote advantage conservatives may have.
• 🏠 These rural areas are home to many white working-class voters, whose participation on election day will be a key indicator.