By Chris Spangler
Turnout was brisk Tuesday as Fort Atkinson residents flocked to the polls to cast ballots in the November general election.
Pollworkers at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building reported a steady stream of voters since the polls opened at 7 a.m.
Fort Atkinson City Clerk-Treasurer Michelle estimated that nearly 3,000 votes had been cast as of 11:30 a.m., including 1,400 absentee ballots.
“It’s been steady. We’re averaging 275 to 300 voters an hour, which is incredible,” Ebbert said. “We love voters voting.”
She said that the hotly contested state races and two School District of Fort Atkinson referendum questions on the ballot likely helped boost turnout, as did the beautiful fall weather.
“It’s a perfect storm … in a good way,” Ebbert said. “I’m seeing people that I haven’t seen in years come and vote, so this is great.”
She reminded the public that the polls close at 8 p.m.
“Bring your photo ID as always, and just be patient,” Ebbert advised. “It’s a November election; everyone votes. This is what we want. This is what we’re coming out to do.”
For those who have not yet been to the polls, the city clerk-treasurer noted that there are two sides to the ballot.
“On the main side of the ballot, the gray sections tell you to vote for one in every area. The back side has the referendum,” Ebbert said. “You have to pick individual candidates. You cannot pick a straight ticket party; that is only August elections.”
For an overview of what is on Fort Atkinson’s ballot, visit https://fortatkinsononline.com/fort-atkinson-whats-on-tuesdays-ballot/.
Photos taken late Tuesday morning follow.
Three photos above: Voters fill the polling place in the Fort Atkinson Municipal building.
Fort Atkinson residents mark their ballots in the general election.
Joanne Bauch, first in line, checks in to vote at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building. Next in line is her husband, Robert Bauch.
Trudianne Thom, from left, Gary Thom and Eve Horton express excitement as they prepare to vote.
Wava Austin, at left, and Doug Hustedt prepare absentee ballots for counting. City Clerk-Treasurer Michelle Ebbert said 1,400 absentee ballots were received.
Katie Oatsvall, at left, accompanied by her 4-year-old son, Bradley, obtains her ballot.
Chris Spangler photos.
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