Voters in southeastern Wisconsin went to polling places Tuesday, November 3, with concerns ranging from household costs and safety to the value of taking part in elections. The closely watched contest for governor was a leading priority for many, while others emphasized family traditions and the importance of contests throughout the ballot.
For Brookfield resident Jean Marie Ruehl, that commitment began with her grandmother, who taught her as a child to regard voting as a privilege. Ruehl said she continues to take that lesson seriously. Although she votes in Brookfield, she accompanied her daughter to Pewaukee and looked after her grandchildren while her daughter cast a ballot.
Ruehl became emotional as she spoke about the sacrifices behind the right to vote. She said that people had died to secure it, underscoring why participating carries such weight for her. Helping her daughter vote was part of a family commitment that stretches across generations, and Ruehl hopes the next generation will carry that commitment forward.
The election includes a contest between Democrat David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, and Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin governor. Voters are also deciding congressional, state legislative and local races, along with three proposed amendments to the state Constitution. Many of those discussing the governor’s race cited affordability and safety as important concerns.
In Pewaukee, Linda Carey identified the economy as her main issue. She said rising costs were a concern even for a household like hers, with two incomes and no children. Rick Carey also raised the war involving Iran. Describing himself as former military, he said he opposed that war.
Ruehl urged voters to give attention to local offices as well as the more prominent races. She pointed to city aldermen as a starting point for government and said the smaller contests also have consequences. Her message was that voters should participate in all the races on their ballots because each makes a difference.
Milwaukee resident Daniel Turnbull said he and his friends had been encouraging others to vote, despite the election receiving less promotion than a presidential contest. Their efforts came as thousands of voters had already submitted ballots before Election Day.
Milwaukee recorded 36,110 ballots cast in person during early voting, according to the city’s tally. Waukesha reported that 11,369 absentee ballots had been returned. For Ruehl, participation remained rooted in the lesson passed down by her grandmother: voting is a privilege she does not take lightly.
