Every Vote Counts
August 7, 2023
Every Vote Counts
by Senator Jeff Smith
Voting is just like exercise. The more you do it, the stronger you become. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of participating in elections, especially in the upcoming Primary Election happening next week on Tuesday, August 13. Yet, voting is not just a civic duty. It’s a fundamental right that underpins the very essence of our democracy.
Primary elections often don’t receive the same attention or turnout as general elections, but they play a critical role in the democratic process. Participating in primary elections is essential for many reasons, especially for the August 13th election because citizens will be voting on two constitutional changes. Primary elections also reflect a wider array of opinions and increases the legitimacy of the candidates selected for the general election.
These often overlooked elections also serve as a critical juncture for ensuring representative governance. In many districts, particularly those that are heavily skewed toward one party or another, the primary election effectively determines the winner of the general election. In such cases, the primary election is the most important opportunity for voters to influence who will represent them. By casting your vote, you help ensure that the elected officials who represent you truly reflect your preferences and values. Intra-party competition also allows voters to evaluate the performance of incumbents and decide whether they deserve another term.
It’s also worth pointing out that even though the primary election is only six days away, you still have until tomorrow’s August 8th deadline to request your absentee ballot for this election and the upcoming general election in November. Acting today will help you get your ballot in time and make your choices from the comfort of your own home.
After requesting your ballot, you will receive your absentee ballot in the mail, but since we are 6 days away from the election, the best bet is to drop off your ballot to your municipal clerk’s office before 5pm on Friday, or you can drop off your completed absentee ballot at your polling location on Tuesday until 8pm.
Requesting your absentee ballot now will also ensure you receive it well in advance of the general election happening on November 5th. It’s important to note that even if you signed up for an absentee ballot last year, you’ll have to sign up again every year after to get your ballot. If you moved, you will have to re-register, but it isn’t something you have to do every time you vote.
The best resource for understanding how to vote and making sure you know when the election is, where you vote, how to register and what’s on your ballot is to use the www.myvote.wi.gov website.
Despite continual court challenges and laws designed to limit voting, we must make our voices heard, even in the primary election. It’s not about politics, it’s about our civic duty to participate in democracy. It’s what makes our country great. Each citizen has the right, and the duty, to vote in every election.
Don’t forget to vote all the way down your ballot too. Learning about state and local candidates is just as important as your pick for US Senate or Congress. If you don’t know who is running locally or what their stances are, just ask your friends or look them up online.
If you ever have any questions about voting changes or need to know how to register to vote or request your ballot, my office is ready to assist you. Just email us at sen.smith@legis.wi.gov or give us a call at 608-266-8546. Feel free to also contact the Wisconsin Elections Commission with any election related question by calling them at 608-266-8005.