READY, SET, VOTE
BARN OWL
Below is the post for the 17th week of 2026
READY, SET, VOTE
This week’s post is a simple call to reality and offering those who read this the steps they need to take to be sure they can vote. I hear there was a surge of new voters in the Virginia referendum and we are seeing an interest locally in getting out the vote. Political ads are appearing in local papers along with announcements of “meet and greets” and talks with local and national candidates. Locally, our big push is to select a democratic candidate for governor and to get rid of Derek Van Orden, our explosive and bitter Republican Representative. (Having to admit he represents our district is like acknowledging you have a tapeworm.) Candidates are swinging through all 72 Wisconsin counties speaking to large and small groups.
The spring elections in Wisconsin have shown an impressive swing to the left. County boards and school boards have replaced conservatives with thinking folks. 60% of school referendums in Wisconsin passed. Trempealeau and Monroe counties have felt tremendous support and more participation in the election and the No Kings rallies. We can see this cautious rise in action wherever we go. Even before this, though, we already saw the Trump signs go away.
BARN OWL is here to open the conversation in rural communities. The narrative and history of working, rural America has been covered over and forgotten. Rather than relying on corporate media, BARN OWL supports local county papers by purchasing ad space for the articles. We are now published in 4 Western Wisconsin counties. We are supported by community donations to stay in print.
Whether you live in Wisconsin or another state, you can use these articles in your local paper free of charge. Your job is to find a way to pay the ad price in your local paper so that your neighbors hear another point of view, whether they like it or not. BARN OWL is a small drumbeat of resistance. It offers another perspective when such access is limited. There is a hunger for what we are saying.
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READY, SET, VOTE
A VERY important moment in American history happens this year. Be a part of it. The nonpartisan Spring Elections are over. Next come the partisan primaries on August 11, when voters choose the candidates that we want to represent them.
Then the mid-term elections happen November 3.
Sometimes these seem like a side-show to politics, less important than the presidential race. But this year they are absolutely the main event. After November 3 we will have the same president, but one third of the power our government - the legislature – may change.
Some politicians will do what they can to stop you from voting. They want you to prove again and again that you are a citizen. They say there is a lot of voter fraud in our country. But all studies show voter fraud is VERY rare. But when registering to vote becomes harder, some people give up and decide not to vote. That helps those who want fewer people to vote.
Here is what you can do to get ready:
- Be sure you have a valid driver’s license or ID.
- Be sure your correct address is in the system. Update your address at the DMV
or online at myvote.wi.gov.
- REGISTER TO VOTE. You can do it three ways.
- #1 Bring your valid ID to your city, town or village clerk and register in person
- #2 Register on line at myvote.wi.gov or
- #3 Register at the polling location when you vote early or in-person on election day.
- If you need to vote ABSENTEE, ask your clerk for a ballot or request one online at myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee. When you have the ballot, vote right away. Sign it in front of witnesses (an adult friend or family member). Make sure all parts of the form are complete. Mail in or hand deliver the ballot. They may not accept it if it arrives late – even if it is postmarked on time.
- For EARLY VOTING call your clerk and set up a time to vote.
If you vote in person, bring your valid ID or Driver’s license. Expect to stand in line. Respect poll workers – they are there to help. Don’t let anyone scare you away from voting. You are an American citizen. Your right to vote is in the law, and is in your bones and your soul.
Maybe you never voted before. About 1/3 of Americans have never voted. Some elections seem boring and irrelevant. This is not one of them. Learn what you need to know. Ask questions. Get your papers together. Then Vote.
You may not have another chance. - Really -
By Ben Boardman and Friends. Paid by gifts from supporters
Now published in Buffalo, Trempealeau, Clark and Jackson counties.
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