Folks in Wisconsin Rapids headed to the polls today to be some of the first in the nation to say #WIBackHer and Early Vote for Hillary Clinton! We caught up with some of them to hear what it means to them to cast their historic ballots.

Mayor Zach Vruwink outside of Wisconsin Rapids City Hall

“I believe that Hillary understands the challenges and opportunities facing communities like Wisconsin Rapids. She knows that a strong America requires a strong community like ours. She supports resources, smart investments and infrastructure to keep our economy growing. She also believes that the economy works best when it works for everyone. She believes that everyone counts and has a role to play in our economic future, our community’s future, and America’s future. That’s why I appreciate her as an inclusive leader — because she understands the differences individuals have. It’s such a unique and important quality that a leader must have.

Hillary is also a unifier. I’m confident she’ll work across the aisle to put forth workable solutions to resolve our most serious challenges. As a community leader, we need leaders that will partner on both the state and national level — Hillary believes that as well. I’m proud to support her. She’s a proven leader and is the most fit to run our country.”

— Mayor Zach Vruwink

Wisconsin Rapids Resident, Ramona

“My gosh, she’s going to be our first woman president! She’s right for our country right now — we need her for her experience and what she wants to do for the middle class.

I love that she is a woman. Hillary is fighting for fair wages and jobs. She’s concerned about everything that is going on in our country right now! That’s what we need — someone who cares about us.

I’ve always been a Democrat. The Democratic Party is for everyone — not just the wealthy. They care about the middle class, the working class, and frankly: every class.”

Why are you excited to vote today?

“Oh, well, I’ll have bragging rights at my coffee on Thursday! Goodness, I’m 82-years-old, and this could be the last time I vote. And it gets to be for the first woman president.

If people care about our country, they should vote. And they should vote for Hillary Clinton.”

You’re one of the first women to vote for her today. How does it feel?

“Oh it feels great — you should be giving me a pin that says ‘I’m special!’”

— Ramona, Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids Resident, Doug

“You know, I’ve never voted for a woman for President before. And I just did for Hillary Clinton — I’m so proud that I cast my ballot for her.

I’ve voted for Democrats my entire life. I’m born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids and came from a working family — there were seven of us. This is my home and my community — that’s why this election is so important to me. I’m retired now, but I spent my time here as a registered nurse so I’m very tuned in to town.

Healthcare is extremely important to the entire country, including me. Especially the Affordable Care Act. This law has provided healthcare for millions of Americans. It has provided annual healthcare screenings for so many people. My sister-in-law had a mastectomy — and due to this law, she was able to get a screening and find out. I mean, that law right there is saving lives. And Hillary has supported affordable, universal healthcare her entire life.

The Democratic Party supports every community. They care about all people — regardless of your economic status. And you know what? Hillary Clinton is the most prepared candidate to begin a presidency — ever.

I’m so proud to vote for Hillary. I got up this morning, shaved, and put on some nice, clean clothes. I wanted to look nice doing this because I’m proud. I’m so proud.”

— Doug, Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids Residents, Ron & Tom

You both just voted for Hillary Clinton! How do you feel?

Ron: We just voted for a winner!

Tom: This is historic. I love that with her, the United States is still progressing. I don’t want it to go backwards.

Ron: I think she’s going to win. And she’s going to win big.

Why is electing Hillary important to you?

Tom: I’m the President of Local 94, which is the United Steelworkers Local. We represent the paper mills in town and I also work at one — I’ve been at the paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids for 28 years. Having Hillary elected president means we’ll have someone in our corner. Unions built this country and the middle class — it’s important we rebuild that. And that starts with Hillary.

Ron: Elected officials have created so many laws that are detrimental to unions. I’m going to do my part to do everything I can to make sure she’s elected — it’s so important to rebuilding our efforts.

Why did you early vote today?

Tom: I’ve been early voting for a number of years. For one, it’s just as easy as Election Day. And two, I can do this on my own time — I don’t have to take off work to cast my ballot. It’s simpler and easier.

Ron: It’s so easy — voting today took no time at all.

— Ron and Tom, Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids Resident, David

“I’m with Hillary because she’s overqualified for the job — she’s been in public service for her entire life! I believe in her.

A number of years ago, when she announced she was going to run for the Senate, I was quoted in a local newspaper. They asked me: ‘What do you think about Hillary running for the Senate?’

And guess what — I was right. I said that it was an incredible stepping stone for her to become the first woman president. And here we are able to vote for her and make that a reality.

Wisconsin Rapids voters waiting to cast their ballots

Not only is she breaking glass ceilings, I believe that her presidency will open more economic avenues here in Wisconsin.

Oh — one more thing. She is a great role model for my granddaughters. We are so lucky.”

— David, Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids Resident, Heidi

“This is history in the making. Once Hillary is elected this fall, she’ll be our first woman president. Think about that — women haven’t even been able to vote for 100 years yet!

I came out to vote today because I’m a busy mom and want to cast my ballot early. There are no excuses not to vote.”

— Heidi, Wisconsin Rapids

Join our historic campaign — text WI to 47246 to make history with us.