As I See It
Republicans suddenly embrace early voting
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em? That seems to suddenly be the philosophy of Wisconsin Republicans, who are suddenly embracing the idea of early voting. Voting by absentee, or casting early in-person ballots, has become a popular way to vote. It caught on during the pandemic, and the number of people choosing to vote sometime other than election day continues to grow with each election. Now, nearly half of all ballots in Wisconsin are cast before election day. It is good that we are giving people opportunities to cast a ballot on more than just one day a year. It makes it easier for people to participate in the process. There is always a chance of bad weather, or a sickness, on election day that could make it harder for people to make their way to the voting booth. What is interesting is that Wisconsin Republican lawmakers have been working for years to restrict opportunities for early voting, shortening the time when people can vote absentee. Now it seems, they see the writing on the wall. Republicans tend to be more comfortable than democrats voting at their polling place on election day. Now party bosses are encouraging them to take advantage of early voting opportunities. So, no matter your party preference, you are being encouraged to vote early, typically leading to a higher turnout. It is good that Republicans are no longer trying to block people from voting early and are finally embracing the idea. Welcome to the party!
Richard Lepsch
February 1, 2024 at 5:21 am
But at least Republicans will not be cheating while voting early like democrats have been doing with hand full of ballots.
Roy
February 1, 2024 at 7:02 am
“Early” voting creates as many problems as it “solves”. The opportunities for deception, fraud and tampering increases with a greater time period of voting. Your assertion that extended voting days increases participation has not been documented, as far as I know. With a long window, there is a tendency to “put it off-no rush, no urgency.” This can cause it to never get done.
Then, of course, is the possibility of a negative development against a candidate occurring after a vote has been cast, blocking the opportunity to change one’s mind.
Early voting is not the panacea Scott describes, but it’s something that we are stuck with for the time being-’til we learn from experience.
Carol Herlitzka
February 1, 2024 at 7:24 am
I agree. Lets get rid of the machines, use paper ballots, signed by the voter. Hand counted. We never had issues hunting these dominion machines!!? You can change the voting by the using a pen!? Adding numbers..!!
Mitey Mite
February 2, 2024 at 10:39 am
“Early voting” is like “fair share” it is meaningless unless one side is willing to clearly define what they are speaking about…as in “how early?”
If the corrupt media had instead of hiding Biden’s laptop actually done their work and exposed it. But maybe too late, as early voting would have already seen huge Dem votes cast already. It is easy to see how the patchwork system can be gamed.
Walden
February 2, 2024 at 10:41 am
“early voting” makes it easier? Then you haven’t read the rules they are many.
It is only a vehicle for corruption.
Kent Porter
February 5, 2024 at 6:31 am
IF YOU CAN’T WIN FAIR THEN CHEAT LIKE THE DEMOCRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!