Milwaukee polling places running out of ballots amid 'historic turnout' by voters

Fox News - Apr 2nd, 2025
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In a closely watched Wisconsin Supreme Court election, Milwaukee experienced a 'historic turnout' that led to several polling stations running out of ballots. Despite this, voters who were in line by 8 p.m. remained eligible to cast their votes. This pivotal election will determine whether the court maintains its current 4-3 liberal majority or shifts in favor of conservatives. The race has garnered national attention, with significant financial contributions from external Democrat and Republican groups aiming to influence the outcome.

Elon Musk's involvement added an unusual twist, as he handed out two $1 million checks at a town hall event, allegedly to draw attention against 'activist judges'. His actions prompted Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul to seek an emergency injunction, which was ultimately denied by the state's highest court. Musk's actions have sparked controversy, with discussions about the influence and legality of such financial incentives in political processes. This election is seen as a reflection of broader national sentiments and a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant account of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, highlighting critical issues such as ballot shortages and external influences. It effectively captures public interest by focusing on the democratic process and the involvement of prominent figures like Elon Musk. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced presentation and greater transparency in its reporting methods.

While the article is largely accurate and well-written, it includes some extraneous details that detract from the main narrative. Enhancing the depth of analysis and providing more diverse perspectives could improve the story's impact and engagement potential. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about important electoral issues, but there is room for improvement in its balance, transparency, and engagement strategies.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align with known events, such as the ballot shortage in Milwaukee due to high voter turnout. These claims are supported by reports from election officials and local news sources, indicating a high degree of accuracy. For instance, the statement that at least seven polling sites ran out of ballots is corroborated by similar reports from Milwaukee election officials.

However, the story could benefit from more precise details on the number of ballots short and the specific polling locations affected. The claim about Elon Musk handing out checks to influence public opinion is accurate and supported by statements from Musk and legal actions reported in the media. Overall, the story is largely accurate, but it requires careful reading to discern the context and implications of each claim.

6
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the events by including perspectives from election officials and public figures like Elon Musk. However, it leans slightly towards sensationalism by highlighting Musk's actions without equally emphasizing the broader context of the election's significance.

The piece could improve its balance by providing more perspectives from voters or experts on the implications of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Additionally, while it mentions the involvement of both Democrat and Republican-aligned groups, it does not delve into how these groups' actions might affect the election's outcome, potentially skewing the narrative towards more dramatic elements.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, presenting the main events in a straightforward manner. The language used is accessible, and the structure follows a logical progression from the description of the ballot shortage to the broader implications of the election.

However, the inclusion of unrelated headlines, such as Trump's plan to chop down a tree, can distract readers and detract from the clarity of the main narrative. Removing these extraneous details or better integrating them into the story's context would enhance clarity and focus.

7
Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as Milwaukee election officials and includes statements from involved parties like Elon Musk. These sources are reliable and directly connected to the events described, enhancing the article's credibility.

However, the article relies heavily on a single reporter, Jason Calvi, without providing a broader range of voices or independent verification from other news outlets. Including additional sources or expert analysis could strengthen the article's authority and provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

5
Transparency

The article provides basic context about the events and mentions the sources of its information, such as election officials and specific public figures. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology behind the claims, such as how the ballot shortage numbers were verified or the criteria used to assess voter turnout as 'historic.'

Additionally, while the article mentions the broader national attention on the election, it does not fully disclose potential conflicts of interest or biases of the sources involved, particularly in the case of Elon Musk's financial contributions. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the reader's understanding of the article's context and potential biases.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/milwaukee-orders-recount-31000-absentee-ballots-likely-delaying-results-wisconsin
  2. https://electionlawblog.org/?p=149280
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/2024-presidential-election-day-results-polls-news-trump-harris
  4. https://wtmj.com/news/2025/04/01/high-voter-turnout-leads-to-shortage-of-ballots-on-election-night/
  5. https://www.wpr.org/politics/what-wisconsin-voters-are-saying-april-election-wisconsin-supreme-court