Lines pushed out doors as BIPOC voters on Madison’s north and south sides came out in droves on election day.
Polling locations in Madison were packed today despite consistent rain. Current figures from the City of Madison showed 199,255 voters registered, updated on Nov. 5, with a 52% turn out as of 6:00 p.m. update.
Early risers run to the polls on the northside
Polling locations on Madison’s northside — Warner Park Community Center, Lakeview Library and Sherman United Methodist Church — saw lines form before polls opened. Voters used a mix of means to arrive at their polling locations with some driving themselves, carpooling, walking, or taking the bus or taxi. Lines moved quickly with voters in and out in less than 10 minutes in most cases.
New to locations were electronic voting machines, according to voters. In each location, one ExpressVote ballot marking device was present to increase accessibility. Tiffany Kennedy, a self described “tech nerd,” was excited to see the addition and try it out this election year. Kennedy voted at United Methodist Church, where she regularly votes in elections.
“I appreciate that they started the electronic ballots. For some people, it would be quicker for them to see it on the screen instead of filling out paper,” she said.
At Warner Park Community Center, former area Alder Dorothy Borchandt was surprised to see a long line and record turn out 20 minutes before the polling location opened up. Every election, she and other local volunteers sell chocolate chip cookies to help fund expansions at the community center. This year, the bake sale aimed to help fund an indoor pool that has been in the works for years.
“If you know 40 millionaires that can donate one million dollars or one millionaire that can donate $40 million, send them here,” Borchandt joked with voters as they made their way into the area. “Someday we’ll get that pool.”
India — who requested to not include her full name — came out to Warner Park Community Center with inspiration and motivation to vote in this election. While she noted that she typically misses local elections, her mind was focused on the damage she believed Donald Trump would ensue with Project 2025 if re-elected for his second term.
“Project 2025 is what really took me out. Healthcare, school, our kids, women, they’re trying to take our rights as women away,” India siad. “These are our bodies. No man should be able to tell us what to do with our own bodies.”
Lakeview Library saw a steady flow of voters that filled the back community room to the brim. A few issues popped up for same-day registration for some voters. One voter, who didn’t want to identify herself, said instructions were quickly and clearly explained. She went out to get proper materials to register and was back in around five minutes to vote.
South side voters steadily flocked to the polls all day.
On the south side, three locations in the are –, the Village on Park, Goodman Parks Maintenance Facility and Badger Rock Neighborhood Center – all found voters competing with the rain. Rooms were filled throughout the day, but saw higher waves of people before 9 am and during their lunch hours.
Community groups like Rooted used the opportunity to show off and sell food grown by Madison youth to fund its programs.
“It’s one of our better days,” said Shyelle Aikens, Badger Rock Neighborhood manager. “The person who usually runs the stand, because it’s usually not me, said we hit our highest mark in sales today.”
Funds from the Farm Stand go back into programs to pay its students for working. Voters were eager to check out the produce and sweets offered. The stand sold kale, cilantro, hot sauce, apple sauce, tomato sauce, tomatillos, carrots and many other vegetables.
Stephen Guest, with a sweet in hand from the Farm Stand, said that the process was easy, but was disappointed with the lack of options on the ballot.
“There wasn’t a lot of variety on the ballot. There was presidential, but when it came to all the other positions it was just one candidate,” Guest said. “I wish there was more variety.”
Results for elections are expected to come later tonight. City of Madison and Dane County Clerks urge that counts will take time. Ballots are tabulated at 108 individual polling locations across the city.
The City and County Clerks plan to offer another update on progress at around 10 p.m. tonight.
