Wisconsin's 2022 spring primary elections happening today, polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Spring primary elections are happening today, Feb. 15, in Wisconsin. Polls open at 7 a.m. and you have until 8 p.m. to submit your vote. There are 180 polling places around the city, but you will need to vote at your designated polling location.  

If you can't make it to the polls, there are 15 absentee drop boxes around the city that you can use until 5 p.m.

There are some high profile races across Milwaukee County, including the mayoral race.

Claire Woodall-Vogg, the executive director of Milwaukee Election Commission, says historically, primary elections have lower turnout than general elections, and Woodall-Vogg says this one will likely see higher turnout because it is the first time an incumbent is not on the ballot for Milwaukee mayor. The city of Milwaukee's election commission expects about 300,000 people will cast a ballot during this spring primary. 

"In these smaller elections, you really do have a strong impact on who gets elected. So, the mayor really shapes the leadership for the city and I'd really encourage voters to sometimes, you might only vote every two years, or every four years to reconsider that because the mayor controls a lot of aspects at the local level."

Some voters may also see three county board races -- in districts one, three and 12.

Woodall-Vogg says she doesn't anticipate delays, and plans to have votes counted by 9 p.m.

In November, the voting wards were changed in Milwaukee, and for the first time many voters are slated to vote at a new location. 

You should double check your polling spot before you head out to cast a ballot.