Today voters across Wisconsin will head to the polls to voice their opinion on the war in Iraq. While it holds no political weight, this political referendum will give citizens an opportunity to let President Bush know whether the public supports the country's current stance on foreign policy.

Similar elections have been held in communities throughout the country, but this is the first election to occur on such a large level. Thirty-two communities across Wisconsin will vote on the referendum today. Milwaukee County members will be given the opportunity to vote on this referendum in November.

"At one level (the referendum) is not very significant because none of these people voting have very much say in foreign policy," said Barrett McCormick, professor of political science. "On the other hand, it's a very formal statement of public opinion."

McCormick said he thinks the referendum will not bring any immediate change, but the results may have other implications.

"This is another sign of public debate that is increasingly critical of the president's handling of the war in Iraq," he said.

According to visiting assistant professor of political science Carolyn McCarthy-Reckard, the referendum is important because it brings a federal issue to a local level.

"Some people are even questioning whether this is something that local government should be concerned with," she said.

McCarthy-Reckard also said the outcome could increase the importance of the referendum device in general as a vehicle for the public to voice their opinions.

While she agrees that the referendum may not directly affect the United States' foreign policy, McCarthy-Reckard said "it will certainly bring a lot of attention to the issue."

Experts predict a low voter turnout — not because Americans do not support the referendum, but instead because smaller elections generally have lower numbers. But that doesn't mean that voters shouldn't take advantage of this opportunity, McCormick said, adding that he believes that citizens should take part in every election opportunity.

For many Marquette students the war in Iraq is a prominent issue and often a very personal one. For Ian Grundhauser, a freshman in the College of Engineering and a member of the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps, the referendum could have a direct effect on his future.

"There's a good possibility that me and my classmates in ROTC would go to Iraq should (the United States) still be in conflict," he said. "College students should definitely vote because their opinions are so often overlooked. It's not just 40-somethings that live in America, it's people of all ages."