Live updates: Wisconsin chooses our next president

Nov. 3 is the 2020 General Election. All day long, TMJ4 News will be updating this live blog with the latest information on elections throughout southeast Wisconsin - from the race for the presidency, to local Assembly and Senate districts.

• VOTER GUIDE: What You Need To Know To Cast Your Ballot
• Wisconsinites Cast Their Votes On Election Day [PHOTOS]

• Voting Problems? Here's How To Send TMJ4 Your Tips
• Get Live Results Here After 8 P.M.

TMJ4 News will also offer live streaming updates throughout the day. You can see the coverage schedule and watch those live updates here.

Updates:

Nov. 5 -- Final entry

6 a.m. -- TMJ4 News continues coverage on the Wisconsin recount, presidential election

If you're looking for the latest in the presidential race or the Wisconsin recount, please visit tmj4.com.

7:42 p.m. -- Protesters march in Milwaukee

6:15 p.m. -- (AP) - Trump campaign files lawsuit in 3rd state, Georgia, seeking to pause vote count in key battlegrounds.

Joe Biden won Michigan and Wisconsin on Wednesday, reclaiming a key part of the “blue wall” that slipped away from Democrats four years ago and dramatically narrowing President Donald Trump’s pathway to reelection. A full day after Election Day, neither candidate had cleared the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House. But Biden’s victories in the Great Lakes states left him at 264, meaning he was one state away from crossing the threshold and becoming president-elect. The long and bitter election, conducted in the shadow of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, seems to be nearing an end — though Trump was trying to mount legal objections in several states, the Associated Press reports.

5:34 p.m. - Big turnout for Biden in Dane and Milwaukee counties

Joe Biden’s projected win in Wisconsin can be largely credited to big numbers in Dane and Milwaukee counties, where he gained a 360,000 net advantage.

4:58 p.m. -- Election canvassing times released

Counties in southeastern Wisconsin are releasing when they will canvass the election, a crucial process that makes sure that every ballot is included in the election results and that none were missed during tallying on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Click here to view the latest times and locations per county

4:18 p.m. -- 'safe, fair' elections in Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley released a statement Wednesday afternoon following the election.

“In the throes of the pandemic, we would never have been successful in holding yesterday’s election without the hard work and dedication of election officials, poll workers, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure voting in Milwaukee County was safe, free, fair, and accessible for everyone," according to Crowley.

3:30 p.m. -- Joe Biden has been declared the projected winner of Michigan

NBC announced Wednesday that Joe Biden is the projected winner of battle state Michigan.

This win brings Biden's total number of electoral votes won to 253.

3:23 p.m. -- President Trump receives highest number of Republican votes in Wisconsin

Our Charles Benson is reporting that President Trump has won more votes in Wisconsin than any other republican in history.

3:09 p.m. -- Joe Biden gives remarks in Delaware

Biden is delivering remarks at the Chase Center in Wilmington. Watch live here:

1:27 p.m. -- Joe Biden projected winner of battleground Wisconsin

After a tumultuous election season, Democratic candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden has been announced as the projected winner of Wisconsin, according to the Associated Press and NBC.

12:32 p.m. -- Biden's lead tops 20,000 in Wisconsin with few votes left to be counted

Former Vice President Joe Biden's lead in Wisconsin's election results has topped 20,000 with only a few votes left to be counted.

The Wisconsin Election Commission announced Wednesday that the only votes yet to be counted in Wisconsin are from two townships of fewer than 600 voters total.

This margin of 20,000 votes, however, is within the 1 percent that is required to request a recount.

The news comes shortly after President Donald Trump's Campaign Manager said they would be demanding a recount in the dairy state.

11:46 a.m. -- Trump campaign issues statement demanding recount in Wisconsin

Shortly before the noon hour, President Donald Trump's campaign manager Bill Stepien issued a statement demanding a recount in Wisconsin.

Stepien said, "“Despite ridiculous public polling used as a voter suppression tactic, Wisconsin has been a razor-thin race as we always knew that it would be. There have been reports of irregularities in several Wisconsin counties which raise serious doubts about the validity of the results. The President is well within the threshold to request a recount and we will immediately do so.”

Recount law in Wisconsin says if the race results are within 1 percent, the candidate can request, and has to pay for, a recount.

11:35 a.m. -- Wisconsin Election Commission announces they are triple checking election results

During a media briefing Wednesday morning, the Wisconsin Election Commission announced that they are triple checking Wisconsin's election results.

They also said all municipalities have submitted their results, except for one township of around 300 voters.

11:15 a.m. -- UPDATE: Checking up on the presidential results nationwide

10:28 a.m. -- Don't worry if MyVote says you didn't take part in the election

The Wisconsin Election Commission made an announcement Wednesday, telling citizens not to worry if MyVote doesn't show that you took part in the election on Tuesday.

They stated that it typically takes around 30 days for clerks to update the statewide voter database.

10:13 a.m.-- Deb Andraca says Incumbent Jim Ott concedes

In an upset, Deb Andraca says incumbent Jim Ott has conceded, as of Wednesday morning.

9:33 a.m. -- Biden campaign confident that he'll win Wisconsin

9:11 a.m. -- Trump campaign manager says Wisconsin is in "recount territory"

Trump's campaign manager Bill Stepien told media that he believed Wisconsin is a "tight race."

9:08 a.m. -- Why AP hasn't called Wisconsin

The Associated Press has not declared a winner in Wisconsin’s presidential contest because the race between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden is too early to call.

Trump prematurely claimed he was “winning” the state, but Biden is ahead of Trump by fewer than 8,000 votes out of nearly 3.2 million cast.

Trump led earlier in the night, fueled by in-person voting results, but the 169,000 outstanding ballots from Milwaukee and ballots from other cities broke heavily for Biden. There were still a few thousand other votes waiting to be counted, primarily from the city of Green Bay.

8:18 a.m. -- Things are still very much in the air

6:23 a.m. -- Kenosha numbers reported

Numbers for the city of Kenosha show a 20,000 margin for Biden over President Trump in Wisconsin. Numbers for all major counties have now been counted.

6:01 a.m. -- Brown county reports 100% of its ballots

Joe Biden now has an 11,000 vote advantage over President Trump in Wisconsin.

4:20 a.m. -- 100% of Milwaukee County ballots have been counted

4:06 a.m. -- Wisconsin is still waiting for thousands of ballots to be counted

3:45 a.m. -- As of 3:43 a.m., Joe Biden has a slim lead in Wisconsin on our election results page.

3:16 a.m. -- Milwaukee County ballots delivered

3:11 a.m. -- Milwaukee County is the last to send in ballots.

2:52 a.m. -- Final moments of counting ballots in Milwaukee County

2:30 a.m. -- Trump wins Racine County

President Trump will likely carry Racine County with 100 percent of the votes counted. A net gain of 4,300 votes about 300 more than 2016.

1:57 a.m. -- Close election in Wisconsin

President Trump’s lead is now at 119,000 in Wisconsin, but that will narrow when Milwaukee’s 169,000 absentee ballots are added around 3 a.m., TMJ4's Charles Benson reports. President Trump has already picked up more votes compared to 2016. Wisconsin could be headed towards another less-than-one-percent election result.

1:54 a.m. - 'Be patient'

“There’s no cutoff or deadline to finish counting. They must keep counting until the job is done right. So be patient.” - Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator, said at one of her press conferences Tuesday night.

Latest updates:

1:26 a.m. -- Votes still being counted in Racine

We are still waiting on results from the largest polling station in City of Racine — Knapp Elementary, Lauren Linder reports.

1:22 a.m. -- Milwaukee ballots just shy of 2016 total

Milwaukee had 78,160 voters at the polls on Election Day. Including absentee votes which have yet to be fully counted, Milwaukee had 247,501 votes in this election. That’s a few hundred shy of the 2016 turnout: 247,836, Ben Jordan reports.

12:44 p.m. - New Berlin finishes count for the evening

The City of New Berlin has finished their count for the evening of more than 20,000 votes. The results are now on their way to Waukesha County to be released, TMJ4's Tom Durian reports.

12:27 p.m. - Biden leading Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County vote has Biden leading Trump 60/38 so far. Still waiting on five of county’s largest municipalities including Milwaukee, TMJ4's Ben Jordan reports.

12:20 p.m. - Fake write-ins in Kenosha

TMJ4's Tony Atkins reports that in Kenosha, clerks are noticing many write-in votes for “Mickey Mouse” and other such write-ins throughout the election. Officials say those fake write-ins have slowed the process of verifying and counting ballots.

11:59 p.m. -- Robin Vos wins 63rd Assembly district seat

Robin Vos (R) has won the 63rd assembly district seat, a seat he has held since 2005.

Vos was the incumbent in this year's election, running against Joel Jacobson. Vos earned XX percent of the vote, compared to Jacobson's XX percent.

Vos currently serves as the Speaker of Wisconsin's Assembly, a position he has had since 2013. He has also chaired several committees, including the Joint Finance Committee.

“I want to thank the voters of Racine County for their continued confidence and for ignoring the million dollar smear campaign that my opponent and special interest groups waged against me," Vos said in a statement Tuesday night. “I’m honored to be the voice for my friends and neighbors once again in the state Assembly. I promise to continue to deliver on a strong conservative agenda that focuses on limited government, lower taxes, better health care and excellent schools.”

Prior to his time with the Wisconsin State Assembly, Vos served on the Racine County Board and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

You can learn more about Vos here.

11:25 p.m. -- Republican Glenn Grothman wins reelection of 6th Congressional District seat

Republican Glenn Grothman has won reelection of 6th Congressional District seat against Jessica King (D).

Grothman won over King with 61% to her 39%.

For five years, Grothman has held the 6th district seat, and now, he will continue to do so for another two years.

Prior to Congress, Grothman served in the Wisconsin State Senate and Wisconsin State assembly for a combined 20 years.

As Wisconsin's 6th District is home to many farms, one of Grothman's key focuses has been on agriculture. He's also focused on the federal budget and work towards cutting spending and debt.

For more information about Grothman, visit here.

11:19 p.m. -- Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson says City of Milwaukee hopes to have all votes counted by 3 a.m.

11:04 p.m. -- UPDATE: Checking in on election results nationwide

10:51 p.m. -- Incumbent Bryan Steil wins reelection to 1st Congressional District seat

Incumbent Bryan Steil has defeated Democratic opponent Roger Polack for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District seat.

Steil (R) assumed office in the U.S. House in Jan. 2019, winning the seat after House Speaker and 1st District Rep. Paul Ryan announced he would not seek reelection in 2018.

In 2020, Steil defeated Polack by VOTES. In 2018, Steil defeated Randy Bryce (D) by more than 40,000 votes.

The Wisconsin 1st Congressional District oversees Janesville and east, including Racine and Kenosha.

Steil was assigned to the Committee on Financial Services in the U.S. House. Prior to winning the seat, Steil worked Paul Ryan aide and as an attorney.

Following the announcement, Steil issued the following statement:

“I am honored to have earned the support of voters, workers, and families across Southeast Wisconsin. As I’ve done throughout my first term in office, I will continue working hard to serve you, be available and accessible to all, and advocate for policies that support Wisconsin workers and families. We have important work ahead of us and I will continue fighting every day to defeat coronavirus, ensure everyone who wants a job has a job, and keep our communities safe. Thank you for your confidence in me."

10:40 p.m. -- Joe Biden receives more votes than Hillary Clinton did in Dane County

Dane County has not finished county their ballots yet. However, Joe Biden has already received more votes than Hillary Clinton did with 225,744 in comparison to Clinton's 217,697.

10:36 p.m. -- UPDATE: Wisconsin numbers continue to roll in hours after polls closed

10:23 p.m. -- Scott Walker, Joe Zepecki discuss early 2020 election results in Wisconsin

Scott Walker and Joe Zepecki joined our Charles Benson during TMJ4 News at 10 to discuss the early results from the 2020 election and what they expect as more results flood in.

9:32 p.m. -- UPDATE: Presidential Election results nationwide, in Wisconsin

9:23 p.m. -- Scott Fitzgerald clinches victory in Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District race

State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has clinched a victory in the race for Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District.

The state-GOP leader beat Democratic opponent Tom Palzewicz by 32 percent of the vote Tuesday night. Fitzgerald defeated Clifford DeTemple in the Republican primary in August.

The majority leader has played a key role in Republican efforts to stymie the influence of Gov. Tony Evers, including the lame-duck session that limited the governor's powers and top Democrat's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When former Republican Gov. Scott Walker was in office, Fitzgerald led efforts to pass Wisconsin Act 10, which limited the ability of unions for state employees to collectively bargain in Wisconsin.

Fitzgerald became Senate Majority Leader in 2012, following a sweep by Republicans that brought the party to control Wisconsin's legislative and executive branches. He continued in that role after Evers won the gubernatorial race in 2018.

The 5th district includes Washington and Jefferson counties and portions of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dodge and Walworth counties. Former Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner led the district for almost two decades, until deciding to retire at the end of his term this year.

Following the news, Fitzgerald released a statement saying, in part, "I'm so grateful for the outpouring of support that we've received throughout this race, and we're honored by today's decisive victory. This year brought some unprecedented challenges, and I'm proud that we ran a positive, aggressive campaign amid the current crisis facing our nation."

8:51 p.m. -- Rep. Gwen Moore wins reelection in 4th Congressional District race

Longtime Democratic U.S. Representative Gwen Moore has won the race for Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District Tuesday night.

Rep. Moore, who has led the Milwaukee district for 15 years, beat Republican opponent Tim Rogers 63 percent to 33 percent as well as Independent candidate Robert Raymond's 3 percent. This was the second time incumbent Moore has beaten Rogers in the race for the 4th district.

Moore is known for voting solidly Democratic in Congress, helping pass the Iran Nuclear deal, the Freedom act of 2015, the impeachment of President Donald Trump and 2020's CARES Act amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Before serving in Congress, Moore was a member of Wisconsin's state assembly, from 1989 to 1992, and of Wisconsin's state senate, from 1993 until 2003. Moore previously worked in the Wisconsin Housing Development Authority and graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor's degree.

8:48 p.m. -- More results flood in across the country

We've gotten to a point where it's up to the poll workers to get the ballots counted. So, here's a new update nationwide.

8:21 p.m. -- VERY early Wisconsin results

Polls have closed in Wisconsin and results are starting to pour in. Here's where we're at:

8:03 p.m. -- Start getting unofficial Wisconsin results

You can start receiving unofficial election results from Wisconsin, county by county.

To see those results, click here.

7:55 p.m. -- Here's where we're at nationwide

7:40 p.m. -- Milwaukee voters share their experiences at the polls

Our Ben Jordan spoke with voters outside of Milwaukee's Marshall and Washington High Schools about their voting experience and why they came out to vote.

7:36 p.m. -- Over half the ballots counted at Milwaukee County Central

Milwaukee County Central is busy counting absentee ballots and has been since early this morning. Now, they're saying 102,310 ballots have been counted of around 169,000.

7:30 p.m. -- Lines wrap around buildings in West Allis

Our Rebecca Klopf is reporting that lines at two West Allis locations are wrapping around the buildings. As she was leaving, the lines appeared to just be getting longer.

These locations include Central High School and the location on 76th Street south of State Fair Park.

Our James Groh is reporting that lines are long outside of West Allis City Hall as well.

7:24 p.m. -- Early voting shattered, Wisconsin may hit record turnout

After shattering early voting records, Wisconsin voters from the rural north to the urban southeast came out in force on an unusually warm Election Day, even as coronavirus cases hit a new daily high and political tensions ran high in the battleground state.

There were no reports of major problems Tuesday. Behind the scenes, work started right as polls opened at 7 a.m. to count the more than 1.9 million absentee ballots that arrived before Election Day.

The campaigns of both President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden were closely watching absentee and in-person voting for any irregularities.

7:08 p.m. -- Free hot dogs, pizza handed out while voters wait in line in Greenfield

If you're in line in Greenfield or plan to get in line prior to 8 p.m., you may find a long line. Don't fret though, our Stephanie Haines is reporting that the line is moving fast and you can even get pizza or hot dogs while you wait.

6:58 p.m. -- AP VoteCast: Wisconsin voters sour on state of nation

Voters in Wisconsin made their pick for president while holding negative views about the country’s direction. That’s according to AP VoteCast, a survey of the American electorate from The Associated Press. The poll found the coronavirus pandemic was top of mind for voters, with 46% calling it the most important issue facing the nation.

6:15 p.m. -- Voter registration leads to long lines in Racine

City of Racine Officials told our Lauren Linder that many people are turning out the polls and registering to vote. Those registrations are part of the reason lines remain long in Racine.

5:30 p.m. -- You can check to see if your absentee ballot was accepted

If you voted absentee in this election, you should check and make sure it was accepted. By heading to MyVote.Wi.Gov, you can track your ballot and make sure it got to your municipality. Simply type in your name and birthday.

If your ballot doesn't say it has been received, it's not too late to vote in person. Polls are open until 8 p.m.

5:25 p.m. -- Some ballots marked as deficient, Wisconsin Election Commission says

As of Tuesday afternoon, 970 absentee ballots were marked as deficient. That news comes from Meagan Wolfe with the Wisconsin Election Commission. She said, however, that some people were able to fix or cure their ballots.

This number is likely to change as ballots continue to be counted. To see what makes a ballot "deficient," click here.

4:45 p.m. -- Two voting sites in Milwaukee report small turnout so far

Two voting sites in Milwaukee are reporting a small turnout so far on Election Day. Washington and Marshall high schools have had about 450 voters each as of 4:30 p.m.

4 p.m. -- Long lines reported in Greenfield

Long lines were spotted at the Greenfield Community Center, where the line nearly went around the building.

3:40 p.m. -- County executives provide an update on Election Day so far

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow provided updates on their respective counties on Election Day.

3 p.m. -- Milwaukee County officials provide update on Election Day

2:49 p.m. -- View photos from Election Day in southeast Wisconsin

We're sharing photos as they come in of voting in southeast Wisconsin. Click hereto view our gallery!

Have a photo you'd like to share? Send it to us: webstaff@tmj4.com!

2:19 p.m. -- Voters wait in a long line in West Allis

Voters in West Allis told TMJ4 News that the line to vote is taking about an hour.

2:15 p.m. -- Wisconsin Elections ensure every vote will be counted

The Wisconsin Elections Commission assured the public that every legal vote would be counted Tuesday, even if it takes more time.

"It may take longer for some communities to count their ballots this year, but that doesn’t mean there’s a problem," said the commission in a tweet.

1:36 p.m. -- ACLU of Wisconsin offers help with ballot and voting concerns

A group of nonpartisan organizations want to make sure if you have concerns or troubles casting your ballot on election day, you have help just one phone call away.

1:15 p.m. -- Business in Milwaukee seen boarding up windows

A business on 35th and Fond du Lac was seen with boarded up windows. Businesses across the country began boarding up their windows this week ahead of possible unrest following the election.

12:45 p.m. -- 27,000 ballots have been counted at MKE Central Count

As of 12:45 p.m., 27,000 ballots have been counted by machines at the Milwaukee Central Count. There are roughly 165,000 total ballots to be counted.

12:32 p.m. -- Hoan Bridge to light up with results of the election

Light the Hoan announced plans to light the bridge red, white, and blue in observance of Election Day. The organization said it planned to light up the bridge in the corresponding color of live results.

People can view the color show in person from dusk to 2 a.m. or on Facebook Live from 9 to 9:15 p.m.

12:29 p.m. -- Little to no lines at Washington High School around lunchtime

There were little to no lines at the Washington High School polling site.

12:10 p.m. -- Lines at Milwaukee County Sports Complex wrap around outside

The line at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin wrapped around outside.

12:03 p.m. -- Nuns head to the polls

More than 30 Catholic sisters are deploying to polling sites in the Milwaukee and Detroit areas today in an effort to provide a "de-escalatory presence" for voters facing long lines or intimidation.

Filmmaker Sean Kafer, Bullhorn Films

Filmmaker Sean Kafer, Bullhorn Films

11:48 a.m.: Voters share why they chose to vote in-person during the pandemic

- Photojournalist Ryan Whittaker

11:34 a.m. -- Reminder: Not all early voting sites are polling sites today

An important reminder from Digital Reporter James Groh - not all early voting sites are voting sites on Election Day itself. You can find your polling place here.

10:18 a.m. -- Voting in Waukesha is going smoothly so far

9:43 a.m. -- Voters are feeling safe

9:28 a.m. -- Waiting lines at some polling places aren't long at all

8:38 a.m. -- Waiting lines become longer

Seeing some pretty long lines at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin. Keep in mind that long lines may pop up at polling sites today because of social distancing guidelines that are being followed.

Voters are reporting waiting about 60 min. “Not bad,” many say.

Ryan Jenkins

- Reporter Ryan Jenkins

8:13 a.m. -- Safe Haven Teen Center is handing out masks at Cudahy High School for voters.

Delany Brey

-Reporter Delaney Brey

7:55 a.m. -- Wisconsin Election Commission gives update on absentee ballots

7:44 a.m. -- Voting is bustling

Milwaukee's Central Count facility is busy this morning.

Katie Crowther

- Anchor, Katie Crowther

7:20 a.m. -- Lines begin to form

TMJ4 Sports Reporter Delaney Brey is in West Allis this morning and saw lines forming outside City Hall before polls opened at 7 a.m.

The wait is around 30 minutes.

Voters walking out now got in line at 6:30 a.m.; the polls opened at a prompt 7:00 a.m.

Delany Brey

7 a.m. -- Polls open throughout the state

Polls are officially open throughout the state. Find your polling location here.
You can also watch TMJ4's special election day coverage on ROKU, Apple TV, FireTV, or wherever you stream throughout the day and night.

6:30 a.m. -- About two dozen people lined up to vote today outside the Zeidler Municipal building in downtown Milwaukee. Polls open at 7.

Susan Kim

- Anchor, Susan Kim

6:28 a.m. -- Set up is underway at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin. Poll workers are sanitizing and setting up booths and machines.

Ryan Jenkins

A small line is starting to form outside the building

Polls open in a half hour.

Ryan Jenkins

- Reporter Ryan Jenkins

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