2016 Postmortem

WI_DEM

(33,497 posts) Mon Jun 4, 2012, 10:41 AM Jun 2012

182,000 plus ballots cast in early voting in Wisconsin

According to the state Government Accountability Board, local election clerks who track absentee voting through a statewide computer system had issued at least 182,000 absentee ballots by mail or in response to in-person requests through midday Friday.

That's less than the almost 231,000 absentee ballots cast during the 2010 gubernatorial race, which saw Walker beat Barrett by about 125,000 votes. However, only a third of Wisconsin clerks use the tracking system, which means the actual number of ballots issued is likely much, much higher.

Thursday was the last day for the public to request absentee ballots by mail. Military voters and shut-ins had until the end of the day Friday to request ballots by mail.

Election clerks in Democratic strongholds of Madison and Milwaukee as well conservative Waukesha had already issued more ballots by midweek than in 2010.

As of the end of the business day Wednesday, Madison had issued about 14,250 ballots compared with about 12,900 total in 2010. Milwaukee had issued more than 15,800, up from 14,000 in 2010. In Waukesha, perhaps the staunchest conservative community in the state, more than 3,700 ballots had been issued as of Wednesday, surpassing the nearly 3,500 issued in 2010.

Clerks in Madison and Milwaukee also took the unusual step of opening on Memorial Day to allow people to cast absentee votes in person. Hundreds of people showed up. The line outside the Milwaukee clerk's office that morning snaked down the hall and around the corner.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120601/GPG010403/120601030/At-least-182-000-ballots-issued-early-voting-recall-election-ends

8 replies

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182,000 plus ballots cast in early voting in Wisconsin (Original Post) WI_DEM Jun 2012 OP

Thanks, WI_DEM. This is the report that I've been waiting on, but it doesn't say which Liberal_Stalwart71 Jun 2012 #1

Well, that is true, however, Madison and Milwuakee numbers probably favor Barrett WI_DEM Jun 2012 #2

I'd also like to believe that some of these pollsters are lying. I find it difficult to believe Liberal_Stalwart71 Jun 2012 #3

You don't have to lie to design a biased poll L. Coyote Jun 2012 #4

it's the nature of a recall. Usually pollsters use historical patterns to weigh demographics grantcart Jun 2012 #5

This is true. And added to this is the fact that pollsters may be biased when it comes to recalls, Liberal_Stalwart71 Jun 2012 #7

absolutely liberalnationalist Jun 2012 #6

just read on Wispolitics it's now up to 208,000 and expected to exceed 2010 totals jn2375 Jun 2012 #8

Liberal_Stalwart71

(20,450 posts)

1. Thanks, WI_DEM. This is the report that I've been waiting on, but it doesn't say which

Reply to WI_DEM (Original post)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 10:43 AM

Jun 2012

candidate has benefitted. Maybe it's still too early. I'd like to believe that a large early vote means that the challenger benefits. I'm not sure, though.

WI_DEM

(33,497 posts)

2. Well, that is true, however, Madison and Milwuakee numbers probably favor Barrett

Reply to Liberal_Stalwart71 (Reply #1)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 10:48 AM

Jun 2012

while Waukesha would favor Walker. I was happy to see that in Madison early voting was up 10% higher than in 2010 and 11% higher in Milwaukee. In Waukesha it was up only 5%. Does it mean anything? I don't know. It might mean that the Dems are more motivated than some pollsters have claimed.

Liberal_Stalwart71

(20,450 posts)

3. I'd also like to believe that some of these pollsters are lying. I find it difficult to believe

Reply to WI_DEM (Reply #2)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 11:02 AM

Jun 2012

that so many people put time and energy into securing signatures for the recall, and yet, those same people aren't being included in the "likely voter" numbers? I just find it hard to believe that there is some enthusiasm gap. The Corporate Media kept repeating that meme thoughout 2010 until it became a reality. I do believe that the M$M has an impact on voter sentiment, thereby affecting the degree of apathy that will ultimately play an important factor in the turnout.

L. Coyote

(51,129 posts)

4. You don't have to lie to design a biased poll

Reply to Liberal_Stalwart71 (Reply #3)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 11:12 AM

Jun 2012

Something as simple as criteria for determining a "likely voter" can alter results dramatically. How much weight is placed on voting in previous election, for example.

grantcart

(53,061 posts)

5. it's the nature of a recall. Usually pollsters use historical patterns to weigh demographics

Reply to Liberal_Stalwart71 (Reply #3)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 11:19 AM

Jun 2012

With a recall there is no historical pattern.

I am guessing that is less sinister and more CYA for the polls to show it a toss up.

They don't have a clue who is actually going to vote.

Liberal_Stalwart71

(20,450 posts)

7. This is true. And added to this is the fact that pollsters may be biased when it comes to recalls,

Reply to grantcart (Reply #5)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 04:54 PM

Jun 2012

since not only are there are few but there's only been few successful attempts. I think that polls are CYAing here just in case the pattern of failed recalls hold.

liberalnationalist

(170 posts)

6. absolutely

Reply to Liberal_Stalwart71 (Reply #3)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 01:46 PM

Jun 2012

the corporate run media skews everything in favor of the corporate candidates

its always close polls, or telling people that people are mad at elections, or frustrated they have to vote

down here in NC they always pick the dumbest hick redneck to be the voice of the people

"whale eye a dan't thunk ate maiters who yee vate fur...ate jista dasn't muake a dafarance"....that is exaclty who they put up to be the "voice of the people"

jn2375

(910 posts)

8. just read on Wispolitics it's now up to 208,000 and expected to exceed 2010 totals

Reply to WI_DEM (Original post)

Mon Jun 4, 2012, 06:23 PM

Jun 2012

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