Tuesday, May 3, 2011
7:03 PM
Turnout picking up in 94th
Volunteers at a pair of voting locations in the 94th AD say turnout is higher than expected as the special election to replace former Rep. Mike Huebsch winds down.
Two of the three wards in Onalaska reported turnout in excess of 30 percent shortly after 5:30 p.m. Nine hundred voters had cast their ballots in district 2, while the slightly larger district 3 had more than 1,200 ballots cast.
District 2 Chief Inspector Andrea Benco said a normal special election traditionally sees about 20 percent turnout in the wards, and said the precincts could approach the spring election turnout of 48 percent.
"It's been steady all day," Benco said.
Volunteers for the campaign of La Crosse Co. Board Chairman Steve Doyle, D-Onalaska were holding signs directing commuters to vote at the National Guard Armory.
Meanwhile, in West Salem, pollworkers at one precinct in the village hall had hit approximately 40 percent turnout as of 6:30 p.m. Chief Inspector Denise Stenson said turnout is more than expected, but it's been a "smooth election so far."
Polls close in the 94th AD in just under an hour. GOP candidate John Lautz will be observing Election Night at the Wesview Inn, across the street from the polling location in his native West Salem. Doyle will be in his native Onalaska at the Seven Bridges Restaurant.
-- By Andy Szal
Labels: 2011 special elections
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