Milwaukee Citizens Cast Their Vote

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Milwaukee had the opportunity to elect a new mayor. 

The nationwide record-breaking voter enthusiasm for the election in 2020 did not carry over to Milwaukee’s first open mayoral race in two decades.  

Although Wisconsin did break a record in 2020, Milwaukee barely had a larger turnout than the 2016 election. Of the 278,958 registered voters in the Milwaukee area, only about 31.2% voted in the 2022 Mayoral election. 

This comes after a record-breaking number of homicides and car thefts have occurred in the city. Issues that a mayor has the power to act on. Elections occur for the purpose of enabling citizens to choose who they think would best represent them and benefit their livelihoods. Yet so few chose to participate. 

Still, at Wards 127 and 130, located in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Student Union, people did come in to cast their vote. Whether they were there out of civic duty or under the pressure of an expectant parent, each showed up to select someone they hoped would do right by the city they call home. 

Brendan Kwick, who said he voted for Cavalier Johnson, said he wanted to see improvement in transportation and safety in the city. 

“I think he’s been doing a great job so far in his acting role. And I think he just kind of continues doing what he promised in his candidacy.” 

In December of 2021, then-Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson unveiled his plan entitled S.T.A.N.D. for Safer Streets. S.T.A.N.D calls for maintained road quality, the installation of red-light cameras at dangerous intersections, and a new towing policy that will be enacted on May 1. The policy allows Milwaukee Police to tow unregistered vehicles that are linked with reckless driving. 

He also released his public safety strategy in January of 2022. It includes a section where, if elected, he would invest $5.5 million in the Office of Violence Prevention to support community engagement and programs that work to prevent suicide and substance abuse. 

Siblings Liela and Calvin Snyder came to the Union together to cast their vote. 

“Honestly it was our mom,” said Liela. “She really pushed for us to get out there and vote and be active citizens in our community.” 

Regardless of the reasons, both siblings acknowledged voting was something to take pride in and that it meant they cared about where they lived and who was in charge of it. 

“After I vote,” said Liela. “I do tend to feel good about myself and my active participation in supporting those who need it within the Milwaukee area.” 

The poll closed at 8 p.m. The following day, April 6, Cavalier Johnson would be announced as the first elected Black mayor in Milwaukee’s history.