A Recall Election Reminder

As we enter into the fifth month since Governor Walker took the oath of office, it has been a divisive period in the State’s history. The political landscape has been divided into two camps; Walker supporters and non-supporters. The April 5 spring election and the race for Supreme Court Justice took on a new importance; with many calling it a referendum on Governor Walker. However, I don’t think that was the case. That was the wrong contest to make any judgment about Governor Walker and the Republican led State Legislature. By the nature of Supreme Court races remaining non-partisan, it became a partisan affair that still waits to be resolved and brings to question the impartiality of the future court. However, the State Senate recall effort is an entirely different “kettle of fish”.

What’s at stake; the control of the State Senate and the future of the Walker agenda. In general, I support a balanced legislature, whether state or federal. I am distrustful of single party control, no matter which party it is. Too much mischief occurs when there isn’t any viable opposition. But, that’s my take on things and not the point of this blog.

Within a short period of time the citizens of Wisconsin mobilized and have so far, through the collection of signatures on petitions, have collected enough signatures to place eight senators in jeopardy to stand for recall, five Republicans and three Democrats. We won’t know for certain until the Government Accountability Board completes the process of verifying the signatures. If we assume that enough qualified signatures are verified; then we can expect a recall election to be sometime over the summer. That is the purpose of my writing this piece.

A summer election is the problem; a large number of the electorate will be out of the area during the upcoming election. Important groups will have depleted ranks, including teachers, university professors and staff, and residential students; let alone all the families that traditionally take family vacations during June, July and August. As with all special elections, turnout can be uncertain at best, and the important issue of who will control the State Senate will decided by a depleted electorate. However, what can be done about it?

As those who are preparing to leave the area for the summer, they need only remember to register for an absentee ballot while they are gone. It can easily be done online by accessing the state website, which is also listed below.

Fill it out and sign it and either mail it at least 20 days prior to the election or take the completed for to your municipal clerk. As someone recently told me, when you fill out the application, make sure in box 5 to check the box for all elections through the end of the calendar year since we don't know as yet when the recall elections will be held. Before the actual election, fill out the ballot and send it in. It very well be that the recall elections will be determined by absentee ballots.

So, before leaving, add absentee ballot registration to your list of the things to do and don't forget to cast your ballot.

www.longdistancevoter.org/wisconsin