Beloit College launched the “Why Bother, Wisconsin?” campaign last fall before the midterm elections to encourage students across Wisconsin (and elsewhere) to create a lifelong voting habit.

Next election: Wisconsin Supreme Court

Candidates: Jennifer Dorow, Daniel Kelley, Everett Mitchell, and Janet Protasiewicz. Find out about the candidates here.

Primary: Feb. 21, when Wisconsin voters will narrow down the four candidates to two that will move on to the Tuesday, April 4, general election. Learn more here.

Why this election is important: The Wisconsin Supreme Court is the state’s highest court, with justices elected for 10-year terms. The winner of the April 4 election will determine the bench’s ideological balance of power (conservative or liberal) for at least the next two years. Abortion, voting rights, and legislative redistricting are just a few of the important issues expected to come before the court.

The Campus Vote Project, which helps young people gain access to the polls, has named two Beloit students, Israel Zewdie’26 and Allan Padron’25, as Democracy Fellows. They will work during the primary run-up and the Supreme Court election to raise awareness and encourage students to get actively involved in strengthening democracy in Wisconsin.

Cast your ballot on election day or by in-person absentee ballot:

• In-person on spring primary election day, Tuesday, Feb. 21. The city has combined polling places for this election. Beloit College students registered under their college address will vote at Central Christian Church, 2460 Milwaukee Road. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. College shuttles will be available for election day transportation.

• In-person absentee: Vote 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays Feb. 7- 17 at Beloit City Hall, 100 State St. (2nd floor). Absentee ballots must be in the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.

If you need more voting information, contact the City of Beloit City Clerk’s office at (608) 364-6680 or Grangerm@beloitwi.gov.