Still about 1,600 absentee ballots out there, as La Crosse votes in primary for next mayor

We should know who the two finalists are to become La Crosse’s next mayor by 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Polls to cut from 10 candidates to two in the race are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The last time the city had an open seat for mayor, 11 candidates ran.

In that February 2013 primary, the voter turnout was only 17%, and 898 absentee ballots were cast.

This year, 3,600 absentee ballots were mailed out, but the city has only gotten about 2,000 of those back.

“That number will increase a little bit again (Tuesday), since we will have some that do make the mail (Tuesday) and then those collected by drop box or delivered to the polls,” La Crosse interim city clerk Nikki Elsen said Monday on La Crosse Talk PM.

For those holding onto their absentee ballot, there are only two ways to return it now:

• At your polling location by 8 p.m. — all 13 polling locations are open
• At the green drop box outside City Hall by 5 p.m. (west of main entrance)

“Just make sure that your envelope is properly sealed, the voter has signed their certificate envelope and have the signature of a witness and the witness’ address,” Elsen said.

To get polling place information, go to MyVote.Wi.gov and enter your address, and remember to bring the proper photo ID.

For those that moved or are not registered, go to the polling location with ID, as well as proof of residence. The city website has more information on that.

To learn more about the 10 candidates, click here.