Heavy turnout reported across Wisconsin

The latest from the MJS:

No statewide figures were available, but local election officials offered fairly similar accounts of a heavy turnout in communities large and small, in both Democratic and Republican areas.

In many places, election officials said turnout was as strong as, or stronger than, it was for the 2010 gubernatorial election. A few even compared it to the 2008 presidential election.

With Wisconsin voters sharply - and almost evenly - divided between the candidates and few undecided, political observers believe turnout will hold the key to victory for either Republican Gov. Scott Walker or his Democratic challenger, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

Drudge is also linking to a local radio blog that claims turnout is going to be "very, very high":

In Milwaukee, "there are lines at all of our polling sites" said Milwaukee Election Commissioner Sue Edman.

"If it continues as we think it will, it is going to be very, very high...from what I'm hearing, the wait is anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes."

She says that voters who don't want the long lines in the later p.m. hours before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. may want to come in the early afternoon.

"If you get a chance to vote this afternoon, when we expect a lull in activity, it might be a good time to go."

In order to topple Walker, Democrats need to draw out some numbers today.  High turnout is being reported in districts across the state -- both Democratic and Republican strongholds.  We'll just have to wait and see what happens when the results start pouring in tonight.  Regardless of the call tonight, I expect the loser to demand a recount.