Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Feb. 19, to make their voices heard on issues that are both statewide and local in scope. Besides primary elections for nonpartisan offices, there are referendums that will impact three area school districts.

In Rhinelander, the hot topic of discussion is the school referendum. There has been a great deal of debate over the issue, but on Tuesday voters in the School District of Rhinelander will finally answer the following question: “Shall the School District of Rhinelander, Oneida, Lincoln and Langlade Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $4,000,000 per year beginning with the 2013-2014 school year and ending with the 2015-2016 school year for non-recurring purposes?”

Voters in the School District of Three Lakes will also be faced with a school referendum of their own, as will those in the Northland Pines School District.
Also in Three Lakes, voters will choose from among three candidates for town board chairperson: incumbent Don Sidlowski, Bill Slizewski and Stella Westfall. Three Lakes voters will also choose two school board candidates from a field of five: Terry McCloskey, John Olkowski Jr., Kari Volk, Steven C. Garbowicz and Ann M. Ovsak.

In addition to the local contests, a statewide primary will be held Tuesday to determine the final candidates for the Wisconsin State Supreme Court. Incumbent Pat Roggensack faces challenges from liability attorney Vince Megna and law professor Ed Fallone.

“Usually in a primary, we have maybe 25 to 30 percent turnout,” said Oneida County Clerk Mary Bartelt. However, when the issues on the ballot are hotly contested, those numbers can change. “I truly believe these referendums are going to bring people out,” she said, adding that she is hoping a lot of Northwoods residents who winter in warmer areas requested absentee ballots.

Polls in Oneida County will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those with questions about where their polling places are located may contact their local town clerks or may log on to co.oneida.wi.gov. On the right-hand side of the screen, under “Quick Links,” click on “Election Results,” then select “Voter Information.” Election results will also be posted on the website but will not be official until canvassing is completed.

The School District of Rhinelander will also post referendum results at their website.