By Joe Bachman

Voter turnout for this year’s Wisconsin primaries in regards to Wisconsin Rapids residents is expected to exceed 2012 numbers, according to multiple sources within city administration.

“In 2012, we had a low voter turnout, which was 37.5 percent,” said Wood county clerk Cindy Cepress. “This year we ordered [ballots] for about 75 percent turnout — I don’t know if we’re going to hit that, but you never know.”

Elections Coordinator Paul Przybelski expects voter turnout to realistically be in the 50-60 percent range, according to the current number of registered voters.

This year’s primary elections feature incumbent Zach Vruwink and challenger Robert Nash in the Wisconsin Rapids mayoral race, and the democratic and republican primaries for President of the United States.

Other notable races for the Wisconsin Rapids area: Alderperson for District 2 between Lee Graf and Todd Ferkey, Alderperson for District 1 between Lee Thao and Joseph Zurfluh, and Nekoosa School District Board Member between Ericka Totzke and Douglas Hustedt.

Check back for updated results throughout the night.