Tuesday’s Election Breaks Voter Turnout Records

While voter turnout on Tuesday was lower than what it was for the 2012 recall election, it was nevertheless record-setting for a November gubernatorial election.

The Government Accountability Board’s unofficial reports show that 2.4 million voters cast ballots in this election. That means 54 percent of Wisconsin voters turned out, compared to nearly 58 percent in the recall election of 2012.

Reid Magney, spokesman for the Government Accountability Board, said that overall the election ran very smoothly, albeit with a few issues.

“There was nothing serious. There was long lines in places. There were occasionally some issues with voter ID — misunderstanding that the law was blocked by the Supreme Court. But nothing major,” said Magney.

Magney said there is the possibility of recounts in two close Assembly races — District 85 in central Wisconsin and District 51 in southwest Wisconsin. Two Democrats — Reps. Mandy Wright and Dick Cates — are trailing in those races.