Wisconsin State Senate Election Sees 73 Percent Less Voter Turnout

Last week, Democrat Patty Schachtner pulled off a stunning upset in Wisconsin State Senate District 10. Republican Sheila Harsdorf had held this particular Senate seat for 17 years. In 2016, she won by a solid 63 percent to 37 percent margin. Governor Scott Walker called the result a "wake up call for Republicans." [1]

However, voter turnout in the race was down 73 percent from recent years. From 2008 to 2016, elections in District 10 averaged 85,090 votes. Last Tuesday, only 22,273 votes were cast. The extremely low turnout makes it difficult to extrapolate larger trends from this election.

The turnout decline is notable given that the special election garnered national attention. Outside groups provided contributions and resources to both the Democratic and Republican candidates.

The special election was called because Harsdorf was appointed to a state cabinet position.

Footnotes:

1. Pew Research Center, "Publics Globally Want Unbiased News Coverage, but Are Divided on Whether Their News Media Deliver," January 11, 2018

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