Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Advertisements
Advertisements

Low voter turnout in Madison spring election actually impressive for year with few partisan state races

The ballot featured one statewide election, city council races
Low+voter+turnout+in+Madison+spring+election+actually+impressive+for+year+with+few+partisan+state+races
Ahmad Hamid

Voter turnout for Wisconsin’s April 6 election barely topped 20%, according to the Associated Press, but this is actually quite impressive given how little was on the ballot, experts say.

University of Wisconsin Political Science Professor Barry Burden said in an email to The Badger Herald that a 20% turnout in a spring election is somewhat high.

Two UW students focus on representation as they compete in District 8 City Council race

While a 20% voter rate is typical for April elections during years without presidential primaries, there were several factors depressing voter turnout and making this year’s statistic noteworthy, according to Burden.

Advertisements

According to Channel 3000, turnout was just under 16% in 2017 and in 2013, when there was also a contested Supreme Court race, turnout was just over 20%.

“In large parts of the state there were few other contested races, or those races were for nonpartisan offices that received little media and public attention.” Burden said. “In this environment, it is remarkable that about one in five individuals nonetheless cast ballots.”

Research shows voters are more likely to participate in partisan elections, Burden said. The only statewide race on the ballot — the election for the Superintendent of Schools — is officially nonpartisan, according to Burden.

Jill Underly, who won the race, had the backing of Wisconsin’s Democratic Party and the teachers union, while her opponent Deb Kerr was backed by Republicans.

Just over 921,000 people voted in Tuesday’s election and Underly defeated Kerr by 16 percentage points, based on unofficial tallies, according to Channel 3000.

Furthermore, the purpose and impact of such an office is likely unclear to many people, Burden said. 

$6.2 million in grant money will be distributed to help vaccine equity, access in Wisconsin

Likewise, the Madison City Council races were also highly competitive despite being officially nonpartisan, with 11 of the 20 races being contested, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

Of the City Council races, incumbents Alders Paul Skidmore and Rebecca Kemble lost their respective races, according to the WSJ.

Voters in Madison also had the opportunity to weigh in on changes to common council terms and structure. Referendum items included whether or not there should be term limits and if the positions should be full-time or stay part-time and were only advisory, meaning any changes voted on will not immediately go into effect.

According to WKNOW, voters rejected making the positions full-time and supported term limits.

Advertisements
Leave a Comment
Donate to The Badger Herald

Your donation will support the student journalists of University of Wisconsin-Madison. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The Badger Herald

Comments (0)

All The Badger Herald Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *