Tuesday's state primary determined which candidates will run for the state Legislature and decided the winners in some races, despite lacking the voter turnout seen in previous elections.
Voter turnout was estimated at 15 percent statewide.
Dane County had an estimated turnout of 6.2 percent, with just 448 people participating in Wards 40 through 47, 60 and 61, which have polling locations on the UW-Madison campus.
The turnout was low even compared to previous primaries without a high-profile statewide race on the ballot, according to Government Accountability Board Public Information Officer Kyle Richmond.
It was a pretty low estimation from us, but we had to go back several election cycles to a primary where there wasn't a statewide race on the ballot or a statewide referendum,"" Richmond said.
Dane County Clerk Robert Ohlsen said an estimated 22,000 Dane County residents voted Tuesday.
""It is a disappointment,"" he said.
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk took a more optimistic stance, noting that this year's primary for the 81st district of the state Assembly yielded a higher voter turnout than in past races.
""I think it shows a lot of interest,"" Falk said.
Kelda Helen Roys, former executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, beat five other Democrats running for the 81st district Assembly seat. Because no Republican is running in that district, she is the new presumptive representative.
Roys tried to promote voter turnout during her campaign through mail and by carrying extra absentee ballot registration forms with her on the campaign trail to give to prospective voters.
In response to the election, Roys said she was concerned about students' lack of participation in state elections, despite both native and out-of-state students being entitled to vote.
""The impact is grievous when you look at other states and what they try to do there,"" Roys said.
Falk also said student participation is important.
""There are 35,000 students on this campus - that's bigger than most cities in Wisconsin. The power of students to determine whether Wisconsin is a blue state or red state is enormous,"" Falk said.
