In Wisconsin, early in-person voting begins on Tuesday, coinciding with concerted efforts from both major political parties to mobilize voters ahead of the upcoming election. Former President Barack Obama and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz are set to host a rally in Madison to energize voters, while Republicans are organizing their own events to encourage support for Donald Trump. The backdrop to this election is particularly significant, as Trump lost Wisconsin by a narrow margin of approximately 21,000 votes in the 2020 election, which was marked by an unprecedented level of early and mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris anticipating another close race in the state, the urgency to promote early voting has become a focal point for both campaigns.
Historically, Trump has been vocal in his criticism of mail-in voting, alleging it is prone to fraud; however, there has been a noticeable shift in this stance. In the lead-up to the current election, both Trump and his supporters have begun to advocate for early and mail-in voting, recognizing its potential to increase voter turnout. At a recent rally in Dodge County, Trump himself encouraged early voting, highlighting the changing landscape of voting strategies within his party. Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming echoed this sentiment, affirming a clear message from Trump and Republican leaders about the importance of making use of every available voting method, including absentee ballot drop boxes, which Trump had previously denounced.
Republican officeholders and candidates in Wisconsin are participating in early voting as well, emphasizing the importance of securing votes ahead of potential November weather challenges. U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil remarked on the unpredictability of Wisconsin weather, underscoring the strategic advantage of voting early when conditions are favorable. This proactive approach demonstrates a tactical pivot among Republicans, as they encourage constituents to cast their votes as early as possible, aiming to build a secure lead ahead of the official Election Day.
The Democrat campaign is not lagging behind, with Obama and Walz scheduled to rally in Madison, a key Democratic stronghold. Kamala Harris has been heavily involved in advocating for early voting, having recently engaged with voters in Wisconsin and Michigan. The emphasis from the Democratic side is focused on mobilizing diverse voter demographics, particularly in urban areas like Milwaukee, where initiatives by organizations such as Souls to the Polls aim to increase participation among Black voters—a crucial group for the Democratic base in the state.
The timeline for early voting in Wisconsin extends from the start on Tuesday through November 3, though local voting locations and hours vary significantly across the state. Voters in Wisconsin can request absentee ballots and can submit them in a variety of ways, including by mail, in person, or at designated drop box locations. With over 305,000 absentee ballots already returned as of the last report, the early voting period is shaping up to be critical for determining voter turnout and enthusiasm ahead of Election Day.
As the election approaches, both parties are laying out their strategies to maximize voter engagement and participation. The Democrats focus on energizing their base through high-profile rallies and grassroots initiatives, while Republicans are recalibrating their message to include early voting and absentee ballots. The ongoing campaigns underscore the heightened stakes in Wisconsin, a battleground state where every vote counts, and both parties are keenly aware that the ability to adapt to changing voting preferences and mobilization tactics could very well determine the outcome.