'A referendum on abortion': Milwaukee expert, former attorney general weigh in ahead of Election Day

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- All eyes are on Wisconsin ahead of the spring general election this Tuesday, April 4, as results could have major impacts on not only the state, but the country and future generations.

With only one statewide race on the ballot, many are wondering who will fill the open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. 

Candidate Janet Protasiewicz and candidate Daniel Kelly are facing off in the most expensive Supreme Court race in the country, ever.

"25 to 30 million dollars being spent, I mean this is staggering," said University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor Emeritus Mordecai Lee, adding that those millions should be a signal to voters.

"If so much money is being spent and such awful things are being said about the opposition, how important it is," Lee said. 

With Wisconsin at the center of the political universe, Lee believes voters could see a record-shattering turnout.

“I think we’re going to see about a 35%, maybe 40%, maybe a million-and-a-half voters, maybe a million-and-three-quarters, I mean just something that’s going to tear the roof off," Lee said. 

Whoever wins the race could make decisions on things like fair voting, climate, Medicaid expansion and a woman's right to choose.

“I think this is another one of those unusual situations where a race next Tuesday is more than just a little Supreme Court race. It’s become a referendum on abortion," Lee said.

On Saturday, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder encouraged Wisconsinites to exercise their right to vote.

“What’s happening here in Wisconsin up through next Tuesday, April the 4th, is what I think is the most important election in 2023 in this nation," Holder told CBS 58. "We just want to have a system that is, in fact, fair."

If you are not currently registered to vote, you are able to register on Election Day -- just make sure you bring proof of residence and a photo identification.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

“It’s not enough to have the opinion, it’s not enough to sit at home," Lee said. "On Tuesday, if you really care about your position on abortion, you have to vote.”

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