Election compels 60.6 percent of PdC voters

By Correne Martin

Tuesday’s primary election was considered monumental for Wisconsin, not only because of the divisive political climate on the national level, but also from the perspective of major party nominations on both sides of the aisle.

At Prairie du Chien City Hall, around mid-day Tuesday, poll workers noted that voters had been steadily coming through the door, with lines forming at times, though they weren’t surprised by the seemingly higher than normal turnout. Out of 2,788 voters in the city of Prairie du Chien, 1,690 cast their ballots, resulting in an overall voter turnout of 60.6 percent, unofficially, according to poll reports.

Three random voters were chosen for short interviews after voting at city hall, including two middle-aged men—one white and one black—who’ve voted their whole lives, as well as one young, white female voting in her first election.

“I don’t think I’ve ever missed a vote,” stated Mike Cowie, a lifelong Prairie du Chien resident. Voting since 1960, he recognized the importance of this primary over previous primaries. “The electorate is less informed and more disillusioned. There was a time when Democrats and Republicans talked to each other. Now they don’t, and that’s wrong.”

Larry Solomon, who has lived in Prairie du Chien since 1984, was proud to exercise his civic duty.

“It’s a chance to move this country into a positive light, into a country without all the negativity. We need to change the world’s opinion of United States politics,” he said.

Cheryl Brooks, who has lived in the area her entire life, was quickly in and out of the voting booth for her first ever vote.

“I feel like my vote matters. I want the right person to run our country,” she said.