Democrats and Republicans go door-to-door across the Illinois-Wisconsin border for final voter outreach

Stateline (WIFR) – Wendy Schneider hits around 108 homes in Beloit, Wisconsin in one day. However, most of the candidates she advocates for will not represent her locally. She lives a few miles below the Illinois-Wisconsin state line in Winnebago.

“In 2004, when John Kerry ran, they called them ‘Kerry Travelers,’ but this year they’re doing it for Kamala — 20 years later,” says Schenider. She describes her campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris as personal, with one of her children affected by Shooting at Michigan State University in September 2023.

Rock County Democrats are welcoming help from Illinoisans moving to Wisconsin: a swing state in the 2024 presidential election.

“People in Illinois who might be in a safe blue seat are actually doing something to help us get Wisconsin over the hump,” said Theresa Boston, president of Rock County Democrats.

The president claims President Joe Biden won Wisconsin by “3 votes per precinct” in 2020. Boston is spending the final days of this election hoping to extend its lead. A handy tool: to knock on doors.

“People like being asked to vote for any candidate,” says Boston. In the basement of a Beloit office complex, the chair organizes volunteers in Rock County.

On Sunday, Schneider sits at his desk between street sweeps – drying off from the autumn rain. The Winnebago mother got another chance to dry off earlier, when a 94-year-old German immigrant welcomed her inside.

Schneider connected with the woman because of a memory: the 94-year-old reflected on her church in Germany being bombed when she was 14 (during her confirmation) in World War II; the experience inspires the immigrant to avoid voting for former President Donald Trump, according to Schneider.

“I was able to talk to people who were confused, who didn’t understand what to believe, who to vote for,” Schneider confesses.

Across the state line, Rep. of state John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) is spending this campaign boosting other candidates. Without an opponent, the Republican sees an opportunity to help others through fundraising and door-knocking.

Hearing how Illinois Democrats are crossing the line reminds Rep. Cabello of the cash disparity between states — especially as Governor JB Pritzker (Billionaire) donate millions to the Illinois Dems.

“You can send resources to other places,” Rep. Cabello admits. “But you’d better take your pulse at the races in your own backyard – because if you don’t, that’s where we’ll pick up.”

While the digital age allows campaign ads to flood the Internet, Democrats and Republicans argue that door-knocking cuts through the election “noise” and distractions. Rep. Cabello says voters are telling her inflation and cost of living are their priorities in this election; Boston hears reproductive rights and Trump concerns in Wisconsin.

The Republican lawmaker believes letters and press appearances build a good campaign. However, it is going door to door that brings a cherry on top for campaigns.

“If you can get to those three touch points, especially that face-to-face meeting, you’re probably going to get their vote,” Rep. Cabello says.

With the election approaching, county-level Democrats and Republicans across the state are accepting volunteers.

Those interested in helping Rock County Democrats can learn more Here. Volunteer information for the Winnebago County Republican Central Committee can be found here Here.