Polls Are Open In Wisconsin’s Spring Election

State Superintendent Tony Evers faces challenger Lowell Holtz in the race to head Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction.

The contest is the only statewide race on the ballot in Tuesday’s spring election. State Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler is on the ballot for re-election but has no opponent.

There are also a myriad of local races, as well as 65 referendums to raise local property taxes to pay for school construction projects and other needs.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. The state Elections Commission predicts turnout will be between 13 and 18 percent.

Evers and Holtz have clashed on a number of issues throughout the officially nonpartisan race. Evers opposes expanding school choice, while Holtz backs it. Evers supports Common Core while Holtz says it should be repealed.

Evers is going for a third term. He’s backed by Democrats and teachers’ unions. Holtz is a retired superintendent who previously headed Whitnall and Beloit school districts. He has the backing of conservative groups and Republican lawmakers.

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