Our View: Tuesday is the first step of recall process

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Next Tuesday (May 8) the political excitement in Wisconsin begins with the recall primary. Obviously this election, and the recall election on June 5, will attract a lot of attention – not only in Wisconsin, but around the nation.

There are five candidates for governor listed on the Democrat ballot. Facing off in the primary will be Democrats Tom Barrett, Milwaukee; Kathleen Falk, Madison; Doug La Follette, Madison; Kathleen Vinehout, Alma; and Gladys Huber, Mequon (so-called “fake Democrat”).

On the GOP ticket, activist Arthur Kohl-Riggs, Madison, has filed as a Republican to oppose Gov. Scott Walker on the primary ballot.

There are also three candidates on the Democrat ticket for lieutenant governor. They are Mahlon Mitchell, Ira Robins and Isaac Weix (so-called “fake Democrat”). Republican Rebecca Kleefisch is unopposed.

Voters may want to be aware of the fact that voters may vote for both Republican and Democratic candidates in different races if they so choose.

Typically, if a person votes for one Democratic candidate or one Republican, they cannot then cross over and vote for a candidate from another party in a primary without the ballot getting rejected.

The rules are different for the recalls, which are all treated as separate elections.

That means someone could vote for a Republican in the governor’s race and then also vote for a Democrat in the lieutenant governor’s race. The rule probably has more significance in three districts of the state where state senators face recall.

Voters should also take note that there are no voter ID regulations in place for either the May 8 primary or June 5 recall election.

The recall process, of course, has brought out high levels of passion on all sides. In some ways, it will be good to get this settled and see who ultimately prevails on June 5. On the other hand, regardless of who wins, political issues are never totally settled. There’s always another election in the not-too-distant future.

The governor’s recall is the big prize, however, and we will be inundated with information for the next month. The process starts Tuesday with the primary.

Despite all the rhetoric, accusations and influx of money from both sides, it will be the voters of Wisconsin who will decide the fate of the state. Tuesday is the first step of the process. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tags: opinion, editorials, politics