Narrow But Steady

June 5th, 2012
By CCMC Editors

Wisconsin is in the final stretch before next week’s Recall Election between Governor Scott Walker and Mayor Tom Barrett. The state is seemingly polarized over the ordeal—most having determined their vote in this election in March of last year. The GOP might be quieter, but they have something the democrats don’t: unity.

Maybe because the GOP did not have to choose between multiple candidates, maybe because the candidate they elected has fulfilled his campaign pledges, maybe the GOP choses to speak through raising money and hosting discussion, but even the most liberal polls show Walker leading Tuesday’s election. That should not, however, put any Walker supporter at ease. The race is not over until the voting polls close on Tuesday. Pollster.com gives Walker a mere four-point edge; Real Clear Politics averages Walker at 50.6% of the vote and Tom Barrett at 44.2%. 

For updated poll see: 

http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/2012-wisconsin-governor-recall-walker-vs-barrett

With attempts to limit voter fraud being caught up in the courts, many are also worried about the potential, and likelihood, of fraudulent votes. The entire recall process has unearthed numerous cases of identity theft. Deceased voters, manipulations in health care facilities, and blatant misrepresentation of identity have all surfaced over the past year. 

Democrats are holding onto the unknown factors in this race. This election is anything but a traditional contest, making it increasingly challenging to predict both turnout and ballot. Democrats also predict that the majority of early voting and absentee voting will go in their favor. Yet, it’s hard to argue the numbers. Though Mayor Tom Barrett gave it his best shot on Friday’s debate, the truth is Wisconsin’s unemployment rate even last month was down to 6.7%—more than a point below the national average and down from almost 8% when Walker took office. 

This race has huge ramifications. Both Walker and Barrett’s careers will be made or broken by this election, the results will give great insight to Wisconsin’s vote in November, and the results will leave organized labor unions victorious or sulking. 
At this point in the race, amidst all the publicity, and all the speculation, do not forget to vote. 


Some Helpful Links:

Find your Local Polling Place

All the Ways You Can Get Registered

All the Ways You Can Vote Early

How to Absentee Vote

You can go to your municipal clerk’s office to register to vote and vote by absentee in person up until 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election, which is June 1st.

Am I Registered to Vote?

If you register to vote on Election Day, you will need proof of residence.

Proof of Residence List