MENOMONIE, Wis. — Voters at the University of Wisconsin-Stout faced long lines to cast their ballots even after polls closed Tuesday.
The mood was high at the polling place on Wisconsin’s western campus. Students told WCCO it was a fun and lively atmosphere as voters – many of whom were participating in their first elections – enjoyed music and games.
The lines were long because many students were first-time voters and still had to register to vote, election officials said. Anyone who was in line at 8 p.m. is eligible to vote, and officials estimate it will be at least until 10:30 p.m. before everyone can cast their ballot.
“Everyone is just dancing and having fun, playing games or just doing something. I think it’s great,” says Emily, a university student who recently turned 18 years old.
“It feels very liberating, and I feel like an adult,” says Bianca, who is voting for the first time. “I care about democracy, and it is my right.”
Both vice presidential candidates — Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio — made their final pitch to Wisconsin voters the day before the election. The state is considered one toss in the presidential race, and Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin is fighting to hold on to her Senate seat against Republican Eric Hovde.
Also in Wisconsin, a a national referendum authorized by Republican lawmakers calls for amending the state constitution to clearly prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting in elections held in the state, even though no state constitution explicitly allows non-citizens to vote. Many states have laws that prohibit them from voting in statewide races.
To view election results by county in Wisconsin, click here.
David Schuman
