Be sure to get out and vote today. There are only three contested races on my ballot this cycle.

First, there is the contested election for the West Bend School Board. I’ll be voting for Ryan Gieryn, Bob Miller, and Richard Cammack. You can read why here.

Second, there is the election for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. I’ll be voting for Lowell Holtz. You can see why here.

Third, Judge Todd Martens is defending his seat as a Washington County Circuit Court Judge from challenger Robert Olson. I hadn’t written about this election, but I’ll be voting for Martens. Essentially, I have not heard anything negative about how Martens has been ruling or running his court. There isn’t a compelling reason to change.

Olson, who is a practicing attorney in West Bend and has represented clients in front of Martens, has brought up some serious concerns about the fairness of Martens’ courtroom and doubt about whether defendants are getting a fair shake. Those are very serious concerns. I think we all want a fair judicial system. That being said, I have not seen any evidence to back up Olson’s concerns. I’ll be voting for Martens, but we should all watch our judges a little closer to make sure they are fair and balanced, so to speak.

This is one of those elections where turnout will likely be below 20% statewide. That means that each individual vote carries a bit more weight. Get out and vote!