Low Turn Out Expected For Primary Election

It is primary election day in Wisconsin and state officials are only expecting a 16% turnout.

Polls opened at 7 o'clock Tuesday morning.

CBS 58 was at Waukesha City Hall before as doors opened. It was fairly quiet, with only about two dozen voters turning out in the first hour.

Steve Haric, the Chief Election Inspector for wards 3, 4, & 5 says despite the low turn out expected, this election is great practice for volunteers ahead of the general election in November when polls are expected to be packed.

Haric says if needed,  residents can register to vote at the polling stations. Proof of residency is all that is needed.

In order to vote, a Photo ID is required. It’s part of Wisconsin’s photo voter ID law.

Haric says he's hoping for at least a 20% turnout in Waukesha.

“Voting is extremely important. Every time there’s a chance to do it, you know, Waukesha residents come out and vote. So we are not really concerned in this area, but in other areas we really want to encourage everybody to vote," Haric said.

There have not been any problems reported at any polling stations.

Polls close at 8 o'clock Tuesday night.

CBS 58 will have continuing coverage throughout the day both on air and online.