Wisconsin Early Voting Underway for Supreme Court Election

Early voting has commenced in Wisconsin for the pivotal April 1 state Supreme Court election, featuring Circuit Court judges Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel vying for an open seat. With incumbent Ann Walsh Bradley retiring, the election is seen as a critical battleground that could shift the court's ideological balance; a win for Crawford would maintain a liberal majority, while Schimel, backed by significant funding from national conservative groups, would tilt it towards conservatism. Voters are motivated by key issues such as abortion rights and voting regulations, with concerns about the influence of outside money in local elections. Both candidates are actively encouraging early turnout, with Crawford rallying support among students at UW-Madison and Schimel promoting voter confidence through law enforcement. The election is drawing national attention, with overall spending expected to reach $100 million, eclipsing previous records. As the election date approaches, candidates are intensifying their campaigns, underscoring the significance of this judicial race in the broader political landscape.