How recall dates impact N.E. Wisconsin

WLUK TV

Updated: Mar 14, 2012 5:30 PM

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN — It's likely Governor Scott Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch will face recall elections.

If they do, local election officials will need to be ready for a possible primary on May 8th and a general election on June 5th.

"My first choice would have been the week after the one that was selected. So either one is workable. Gives us a little more time," said De Pere City Clerk-Treasurer Char Peterson.

Peterson said with the spring general election and Republican presidential primary on April 3rd, it will be a scramble to be prepared for the recalls.

"There is going to be extra hours put in by staff, just like we experienced last summer when we had the recalls, as well."

Local party leaders say they're fine with the dates. Both sides say they're ready to get on with the elections.

"We're just anxious for it to happen," said Door County Democratic Chair Allin Walker.

"Let's get this over with. It keeps going on and on," said Door County Republican Chair Bill Berglund.

Berglund said there's no need to continue reviewing signatures. He's certain both Walker and Kleefisch will be on the recall ballot.

"They're ready for it, they believe they will prevail, and I feel the same way," said Berglund.

Walker said he hopes the work that went into collecting the signatures will be reflected at the polls.

"We turned in over 5,000 signatures so it has been, we believe, a significant, a meaningful event in the life of Wisconsin," Walker said.

However, with the elections being held so close to the beginning of summer break, what will that mean for voter turnout?

"Rather than being a negative, the only people we'll worry about will be students and right now we're trying to identify them, reach out to them and make sure they're registered to vote," said Walker.

"I think the people realize on our side what's at stake and they will be there," said Berglund.

While hopes are high on both sides, election officials said the timing makes it a tough call.

"We could potentially see a higher turnout for absentee, or people not even thinking about it, and forgetting about voting," said Peterson.

The two parties have less than two months to get the word out.

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