Large turnout for election sees county voting alongside state, nation for winners

WASHBURN COUNTY — The results of the Tuesday, Nov. 5 General Election saw many incumbents reelected for state and local races in Washburn County and throughout the state, with former President Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, who won the presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, also taking Washburn County and the state.

Washburn County voted the same way most of the state did. In Washburn County, District 7 incumbent Congressman Tom Tiffany led with 7,064 votes to Democratic opponent Kyle Kilbourn’s 3,635. District 74 incumbent Rep. Chanz Green won 6,902 to Democratic opponent Jeanne Bruce’s 3,775. U.S. incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin defeated Republican opponent Eric Hovde by a 49.4% to 48.5% majority.

Washburn County District Attorney Aaron Marcoux, Treasurer Nicole Tims, Register of Deeds Jessica Hedinger and County Clerk Alicia Swearingen all ran unopposed and were reelected.

The state referendum asking to amend the language about voting passed in Washburn County, and in the state, 8,083-2,367.

Note: These results are still considered unofficial as of this printing, and Swearingen said it will take the office most of the month to wrap things up.

Swearingen said there was an 80.6% turnout (11,050) in Washburn County. In 2020, there were 10,409 voters and 9,254 voters in 2016.

“I’m not going further back … but I’d say this year would be our highest (turnout),” she said.

At first glance, Swearingen said all municipalities had over 1,000 new election day registrations.

In the Advocate’s online poll this week, readers were asked how long they had to wait in line this year. Most said they were able to get in and out smoothly. A few waited at least half an hour to vote, and some waited more than half an hour (Election Day workers said lines were out the door at some times). Many said they voted absentee.

Swearingen said all clerks and election workers put in a lot of hours and “did a great job!”

The last results were in to the clerk’s office by 12:30 a.m.

“Preparation for this election started way back in August when that election was taking place,” Swearingen said. “I think I can speak for all of our municipal clerks, as well as my office, when I say we are all ready for a small break before the next round of fun starts again!”