(Newser)
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The polls close at 9pm Eastern in Wisconsin, but don't expect the networks to be calling this one anytime soon. Exit polls suggest that the vote to recall Gov. Scott Walker will be a close one, as expected, reports CNN:
- Parties evenly split: Of those who voted, Democrats made up 35%, Republicans 33%, and independents 32%.
- Collective bargaining: About 48% of voters disapproved of the limitations Walker imposed, while 50% approved.
- Key groups: About 1 in 4 were 65 or older, a group that tends to vote Republican; about 1 in 3 say they have a union member in the family.
- Minds set: Almost everyone (nine in 10) made up their minds a long time ago, even before Tom Barrett won the contest to challenge Walker in May.
- Turnout: Looks like it will end up being huge, possibly around presidential levels of 65% of eligible voters, reports AP.
- Also to watch: Other state officials are facing recalls tonight, and it's possible that the Wisconsin Senate could switch to Democratic control, notes Politico.
- Recount? Democrats are already lawyering up in case a recount is necessary. Click here for that.
