MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin forged ahead with an election Tuesday in the middle of a pandemic and public health officials are worried about whether it will result in a spike in cases of the coronavirus.

Public health experts, elected officials, poll workers and many voters pushed unsuccessfully for a delay in the election. Voters who didn’t get absentee ballots were forced to choose between voting in person or staying at home to avoid possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said the state could extend the Safer at Home order if a rise in COVID-19 cases is seen, WTMJ-TV reported. Palm mentioned the possible extension on a conference call Wednesday.

Wisconsin voters are going to the polls despite a stay-at-home order in the state because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many people waiting on lines wore face coverings and practiced social distancing. More: https://t.co/WXR7f9bpUV pic.twitter.com/w1Mkm35A1r — News 3 Now / Channel 3000 (@WISCTV_News3) April 7, 2020

Palm said DHS will look at data from neighboring states to determine whether or not the order should be extended, but it wasn’t immediately clear when officials would make the decision.

Wisconsin’s Safer at Home order, which began March 25, is in effect through April 24. The order directs non-essential businesses to close, prohibits gathering sizes and places new restrictions on travel across the state in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Epidemiologist Kristen Malecki said Wednesday holding the election was counter to all good scientific evidence.

Results from Tuesday’s Spring Election won’t be released until Monday.

Protesters formed a drive-by caravan in downtown Madison today. Dozens of cars displayed signs saying things like "stop the election, stop the spread." https://t.co/D4Yf9TsxGP — News 3 Now / Channel 3000 (@WISCTV_News3) April 7, 2020

What Safer at Home means for Madison’s economy